Effects of Crude Proteases Extracted from Bacillus polyfermenticus on Tenderizing Pork Meat

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a crude protease from Bacillus polyfermenticus on tenderizing pork meat. A B. polyfermenticus protease was characterized, and pork loin samples were treated in solutions containing different enzymes (papain and proteases from Aspergillus oryzae and B. polyfermenticus) and stored for 24, 72, or 168 h at 4℃. Each treated sample was subjected to a quality assessment. B. polyfermenticus protease activity was lower than that for other enzymes tested, although it easily hydrolyzed the meat protein. The optimum temperature and pH for the activity of this protease were 50℃ and pH 7.0. The meat tenderizing activity of the protease from A. oryzae was higher than that of papain and the B. polyfermenticus protease. The fragmentation index of the enzyme-treated with the B. polyfermenticus protease was higher than that of the control. A sensory evaluation was not different between meat treated with proteases, but the overall tenderness of enzyme-treated meats was higher than that of the controls. Therefore, the B. polyfermenticus protease, papain, and the A. oryzae protease appear to be suitable for use as meat tenderizers.