Research background. Baranjski kulen is one of the most popular fermented meat sausages originating from Croatia. It has protected geographical indication, and is traditionally produced in the Baranja region of Croatia. Kulenova seka is a fermented sausage very similar to Baranjski kulen, but it has a different caliber and consequently, a shorter time of production. In recent decades, due to the high demand and popularity of these products, industrially produced Baranjski kulen and Kulenova seka have become available on the market. This work aims to identify specific characteristics of traditional and industrial sausages, Baranjski kulen and Kulenova seka on proteome, peptidome and metabolome level which could potentially lead to better optimization of the industrial production process in order to obtain an equivalent to the traditional product.
Experimental approach. Protein profiles of Baranjski kulen and Kulenova seka (traditional and industrial) were analysed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by differential display analysis and protein identification using mass spectrometry. Peptidomics profiling analysis was performed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Furthermore, aroma profiles were investigated via headspace solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Results and conclusions. The major identified characteristics of each product were: industrial Baranjski kulen - specific degradation of MYH1 and TITIN, overabundance of stress-related proteins and increased phenylalanine degradation; traditional Baranjski kulen - decreased concentration of phenylalanine and overabundance of ALDOA and CAH3; industrial Kulenova seka - specific MYH4 and HBA degradation process; traditional Kulenova seka - overabundance of DPYD and MYL1, degradation of ALBU and MYG, decreased concentrations of almost all free amino acids and increased amounts of smoke derived volatile compounds.
Novelty and scientific contribution. In this preliminary communication, the first insights into protein degradation processes and generation of peptides, free amino acids and aroma compounds of industrial and traditional Baranjski kulen and Kulenova seka are presented. Although further research is needed to draw general conclusions, the specific profile of proteins, peptides, amino acids, and volatile compounds represents the first step in the industrial production of sausages that meet the characteristics of traditional flavour.
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