Fiber assembly and method for producing fiber assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a fiber assembly having an improved texture. This fiber assembly includes a plurality of fibers. The fiber assembly has a non-animal protein, an alginate including a divalent metal salt of alginic acid, and another polysaccharide different from the alginate. The fiber assembly has a centrifugal water separation rate of less than 43.0% as determined by the following test.　Test: The fiber assembly in a water-saturated state is cut to obtain a test piece of weight W1 (g). The test piece is subjected to centrifugal separation treatment for 30 minutes at a centrifugal acceleration of 2200 G and a temperature of 4°C. The ratio of the difference between the weight W1 and the weight W2 (g) of the test piece after the centrifugal separation treatment to the weight W1 is specified as the centrifugal water separation rate.

Description

Fiber assembly and method for manufacturing fiber assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a fiber assembly and a method for producing the fiber assembly.

[0002] In recent years, with the rise in the world population, it is expected that the demand for meat will increase. In order to meet the future increase in meat demand, it is not enough to simply increase the production efficiency of conventional protein sources; the development of new protein sources is essential. Examples of new protein sources include alternative foods such as plant meat produced from plants, meat produced from insects, and cultured meat produced by culturing microorganisms or cells themselves. These alternative foods are also attracting attention from the perspective of animal welfare. Patent Document 1 discloses a dried meat-like protein processed food as an example of an alternative food.

[0003] "Plant-based meat" is a processed food made from plant proteins such as soybeans, to which additives are added, and is also known as "fake meat." "Cultured meat" refers to meat made by culturing muscle cells using regenerative medicine technology, and is also known as "cultured meat" or "clean meat."

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-118655

[0005] In recent years, fiber aggregates containing non-animal proteins (fiber aggregates) have been studied as food substitutes. Fiber aggregates have the advantage of easily imitating chunks of meat of a certain size, such as steak, sashimi, and fillets. However, according to the inventors' studies, fiber aggregates have room for improvement in terms of texture.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fiber assembly with an improved texture.

[0007] It is envisioned that fiber assemblies serving as food substitutes will be provided to consumers in a state containing a certain amount of water (preferably saturated with water). As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have newly discovered that the water separation rate (centrifugal water separation rate) of a fiber assembly when centrifuged tends to correlate with the texture of the fiber assembly. Based on this finding, the present inventors have furthered their research and have completed the present invention.

[0008] The present invention provides a fiber assembly containing a plurality of fibers, the fiber assembly comprising a non-animal protein, alginic acids containing a divalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides different from the alginic acids, and the centrifugal separation rate determined by the following test is less than 43.0%. Test: The fiber assembly in a water-saturated state is cut into test pieces with a weight W1 (g). The test pieces are centrifuged for 30 minutes under conditions of a centrifugal acceleration of 2200 G and a temperature of 4°C. The ratio of the difference between the weight W1 and the weight W2 (g) of the test piece after the centrifugation to the weight W1 is specified as the centrifugal separation rate.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for producing the above-mentioned fiber assembly, the method including a spinning step of ejecting a mixed liquid containing the non-animal protein, a monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, and the other polysaccharide into a coagulation liquid to form the fibers.

[0010] According to the present invention, a fiber assembly with improved texture can be provided.

[0011] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing fibers contained in a fiber aggregate.

[0012] A fiber assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention is a fiber assembly containing a plurality of fibers, the fiber assembly comprising a non-animal protein, alginic acids containing a divalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides different from the alginic acids, and the centrifugal separation rate determined by the following test is less than 43.0%. Test: The fiber assembly in a water-saturated state is cut into test pieces with a weight W1 (g). The test pieces are centrifuged for 30 minutes under conditions of a centrifugal acceleration of 2200 G and a temperature of 4°C. The ratio of the difference between the weight W1 and the weight W2 (g) of the test piece after the centrifugation process to the weight W1 is specified as the centrifugal separation rate.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present invention, for example, in the fiber assembly according to the first aspect, the centrifugal separation rate is 5.0% or more.

[0014] In a third aspect of the present invention, for example, in the fiber assembly according to the first or second aspect, the water content of the fiber assembly saturated with water is 50 wt % or more.

[0015] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the fiber assembly according to the third aspect, the moisture content is 90 wt % or less.

[0016] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, for example, in a fiber assembly according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the other polysaccharides include at least one selected from the group consisting of xyloglucan, methylcellulose, and derivatives thereof.

[0017] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the fiber assembly according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the other polysaccharides include tamarind seed gum.

[0018] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, for example, in the fiber assembly according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the non-animal protein comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of soy protein, pea protein, lentil protein, potato protein, seitan protein, amaranth protein, and quinoa protein.

[0019] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the fiber assembly according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the alginic acids further include alginic acid.

[0020] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, for example, the fiber assembly according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is edible.

[0021] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the fiber assembly according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the average fiber diameter of the plurality of fibers is 1 cm or less.

[0022] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, for example, in the fiber assembly according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, at least two of the plurality of fibers are bonded to each other.

[0023] A method for producing a fiber aggregate according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a fiber aggregate according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, and includes a spinning step of ejecting a mixed liquid containing the non-animal protein, a monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, and the other polysaccharide into a coagulation liquid to form the fibers.

[0024] In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the production method according to the twelfth aspect, the mixed solution further contains an alkaline compound.

[0025] In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the production method according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the coagulation liquid contains an acid compound and an alkali compound.

[0026] In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, for example, the manufacturing method according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects further includes a bonding step of bonding at least two of the plurality of fibers to each other.

[0027] In a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the binding step of the manufacturing method according to the fifteenth aspect, at least two of the fibers are bound to each other in a state where a plurality of the fibers are contained in a molding die.

[0028] The present invention will be described in detail below, but the following description is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment.

[0029] <Embodiment of Fiber Assembly> The fiber assembly of this embodiment includes a plurality of fibers. The fiber assembly includes a non-animal protein, alginic acids containing a divalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides different from alginic acids. The centrifugal separation rate of the fiber assembly determined by the following test is less than 43.0%. According to the inventors' studies, fiber assemblies with centrifugal separation rates adjusted within the above range tend to have good water retention and improved texture (particularly hardness, juiciness, fibrous texture, etc.). Test: A water-saturated fiber assembly is cut into test pieces with a weight W1 (g). The test pieces are centrifuged for 30 minutes under conditions of a centrifugal acceleration of 2200 G and a temperature of 4°C. The ratio of the difference between the weight W1 and the weight W2 (g) of the test piece after centrifugation to the weight W1 is determined as the centrifugal separation rate.

[0030] The details of the above test are described below. First, a fiber assembly saturated with water is prepared. In this specification, "saturated with water" means that when the fiber assembly is immersed in water at 25°C for 1 minute, the weight change rate of the fiber assembly is 0.1% or less, preferably 0.05% or less, and more preferably 0.01% or less. The weight change rate of the fiber assembly means the ratio (100 x |W4 - W3| / W3) of the difference between the weight W3 (g) of the fiber assembly before immersion in water and the weight W4 (g) of the fiber assembly after immersion in water, to the weight W3 (g) of the fiber assembly before immersion in water.

[0031] Next, the fiber assembly is cut into test pieces with a weight W1 (g). The weight W1 is preferably about 1 g. The test pieces are wrapped in filter paper and packed into 50 mL centrifuge tubes. Next, a commercially available high-speed micro refrigerated centrifuge is used to perform a centrifugal separation process for 30 minutes under conditions of a centrifugal acceleration of 2200 G and a temperature of 4°C. This separates some of the water contained in the test pieces. The weight W2 (g) of the test pieces after the centrifugal separation process is measured, and the ratio of the difference between weight W1 and weight W2 to weight W1 (100 × (W1 - W2) / W1) is calculated. The calculated value obtained can be regarded as the centrifugal separation rate.

[0032] As described above, the centrifugal separation rate of the fiber assembly is less than 43.0%, preferably 42.8% or less, and may be 42.5% or less, 42.3% or less, 42.0% or less, 41.8% or less, 41.5% or less, 41.3% or less, 41.0% or less, 40.5% or less, 40.0% or less, 39.5% or less, 39.0% or less, 38.8% or less, or even 38.5% or less. The lower the centrifugal separation rate, the better the water retention of the fiber assembly. From the viewpoint of further improving texture, the lower limit of the centrifugal separation rate of the fiber assembly is preferably 5.0% or more, and may be 10.0% or more, 20.0% or more, 30.0% or more, or even 35.0% or more.

[0033] (Fibers) As described above, the fiber assembly includes a plurality of fibers. The fiber assembly is preferably an assembly of a plurality of fibers. In the fiber assembly, the fibers themselves preferably include non-animal proteins, alginic acids, and other polysaccharides. The fiber assembly may include fibers other than the fibers satisfying the above composition, but may not necessarily include other fibers. The fiber assembly may include a plurality of types of fibers satisfying the above composition.

[0034] Furthermore, in the fiber assembly, the centrifugal separation rate of the fiber itself may be less than 43.0%. The centrifugal separation rate of the fiber itself can be measured by the same test as above, except that fibers are used instead of the fiber assembly. Preferred numerical ranges for the centrifugal separation rate of the fiber itself include those described above for the fiber assembly.

[0035] In another aspect, the present invention provides a fiber comprising a non-animal protein, an alginic acid containing a divalent metal salt of alginic acid, and a polysaccharide other than the alginic acid, the fiber having a centrifugal separation rate of less than 43.0%.

[0036] The shape of the fibers is not particularly limited. The fibers are preferably long fibers, but may be short fibers. The fibers preferably do not have a branched structure.

[0037] The fiber diameter of the fibers is, for example, 1 cm or less, and may be 1 mm or less, 800 μm or less, 500 μm or less, 300 μm or less, 200 μm or less, or even 100 μm or less. Fibers with a small fiber diameter tend to facilitate the production of a fiber aggregate with a dense structure and facilitate the reproduction of the texture of chunks of meat. The lower limit of the fiber diameter of the fibers is, for example, 1 μm or more, and may be 5 μm or more, 10 μm or more, 30 μm or more, or even 50 μm or more. The fiber diameter of the fibers is preferably 50 μm to 200 μm. The fiber diameter can be determined by the following method. First, the fibers are observed using an optical microscope or a microscope. In the obtained microscopic image, the fiber diameter is measured using a scale such as a vernier caliper. The fiber diameter is measured at any number of measurement points (at least three points), and the average of the obtained measurements is considered to be the fiber diameter.

[0038] In the fiber assembly, the average fiber diameter of the multiple fibers is, for example, 1 cm or less, and may be 1 mm or less, 800 μm or less, 500 μm or less, 300 μm or less, 200 μm or less, or even 100 μm or less. The lower limit of the average fiber diameter is, for example, 1 μm or more, and may be 5 μm or more, 10 μm or more, 30 μm or more, or even 50 μm or more. The average fiber diameter is preferably 50 μm to 200 μm. The average fiber diameter refers to the average value of the diameters determined by the above-mentioned method for any number of fibers (at least five).

[0039] In a fiber assembly, it is preferable that at least two fibers among the plurality of fibers are bonded to each other. It is preferable that the fibers are bonded directly to each other, and it is preferable that a binder, as described below, is not present at the bonded portions between the fibers. In a fiber assembly, it is preferable that 10% or more of the plurality of fibers are bonded to adjacent fibers, more preferably 50% or more of the fibers are bonded to adjacent fibers, and particularly preferably that substantially all of the fibers are bonded to adjacent fibers. When the fibers in a fiber assembly are bonded to each other, not only is the shape of the fiber assembly easily maintained, but the texture of the fiber assembly tends to be further improved. Note that in a fiber assembly, the fibers do not have to be bonded to each other, and a binder may be filled between the fibers.

[0040] In the fiber assembly, the plurality of fibers are preferably oriented. The plurality of fibers may be oriented in a single direction or in two or more directions. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the orientation distribution of the plurality of fibers is, for example, 10° or more, and may be 20° or more, 30° or more, 40° or more, 50° or more, 60° or more, 70° or more, or even 80° or more. In particular, the plurality of fibers are preferably oriented in the same direction as the muscle fibers contained in the meat to be imitated.

[0041] The fiber assembly preferably contains fiber (fiber containing non-animal protein, alginic acids, and other polysaccharides) as a main component. In this specification, "main component" means the component contained in the fiber assembly in the largest amount by weight. The fiber content in the fiber assembly is, for example, 60 wt% or more, and may be 80 wt% or more, 90 wt% or more, 95 wt% or more, or even 98 wt% or more. The fiber assembly may be composed essentially of fiber only.

[0042] (Non-animal protein) As described above, the fiber assembly contains non-animal protein. Non-animal protein means a protein other than animal protein derived from animals. The non-animal protein is a component suitable for adjusting the nutritional value of the fiber assembly.

[0043] The non-animal protein preferably includes a vegetable protein. Examples of the vegetable protein include soybean protein, pea protein, lentil protein, and other bean proteins; potato protein; seitan protein; amaranth protein; quinoa protein, and the like. The non-animal protein preferably includes at least one vegetable protein selected from the group consisting of soybean protein, pea protein, lentil protein, potato protein, seitan protein, amaranth protein, and quinoa protein, and particularly preferably includes soybean protein. Note that the non-animal protein is not limited to a vegetable protein. The non-animal protein may also include a protein derived from a fungus.

[0044] In a fiber assembly saturated with water, the non-animal protein content R1 is, for example, 5.0 wt% or more, and may be 8.0 wt% or more, 10 wt% or more, 13 wt% or more, 15 wt% or more, 18 wt% or more, or even 20 wt% or more. The non-animal protein content R1 is preferably higher than the alginic acid content R2 described below. The non-animal protein content R1 is, for example, 35 wt% or less, and may be 33 wt% or less, 30 wt% or less, 27 wt% or less, 25 wt% or less, or even 24 wt% or less. The non-animal protein content R1 is preferably 10 wt% to 27 wt%. The weight ratio of non-animal protein to the solid content of the fiber assembly is, for example, 40 wt% to 95 wt%.

[0045] As described below, the fibers contained in the fiber assembly of this embodiment can be produced by discharging a mixed solution containing non-animal protein, a monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides into a coagulation liquid. Because the solids of the mixed solution (particularly the non-animal protein, the monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides) are not easily dissolved into the coagulation liquid, the formed fibers tend to contain the solids of the mixed solution intact. Therefore, in a fiber assembly composed essentially of this fiber alone, the non-animal protein content R1 can also be calculated as the product of the weight ratio C1 of the solids in the water-saturated fiber assembly and the weight ratio C2 of the non-animal protein to the solids in the mixed solution. According to the inventors' studies, the content R1 calculated using this method tends to closely match actual measurements.

[0046] (Alginic Acids) As described above, the fiber assembly contains alginic acids, which are components suitable for adjusting the elasticity of the fiber assembly.

[0047] As described above, the alginic acids include a divalent metal salt of alginic acid. The divalent metal salt of alginic acid is typically a salt of alginic acid and a divalent metal ion. In this specification, the "divalent metal salt of alginic acid" may be simply referred to as "alginate salt." It is preferable that the alginic acids further contain alginic acid in addition to the alginate salt. In this case, the texture of the fiber assembly tends to be further improved.

[0048] Alginic acid is a polysaccharide found in seaweed and the like, and has structural units (M blocks) derived from β-D-mannuronic acid and structural units (G blocks) derived from α-L-guluronic acid. In alginic acid, each structural unit is bonded via a 1,4-glycosidic bond. The content of G blocks in alginic acid is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 30 mol% or more, preferably 40 mol% or more, and more preferably 50 mol% or more. The upper limit of the G block content may be 90 mol% or 80 mol%.

[0049] For example, in alginate, at least one G block contained in alginic acid forms an ionic bond with a divalent metal ion. In other words, in alginate, alginic acid at least partially forms a salt with a divalent metal ion. Alginate typically has a cross-linked structure via a divalent metal ion. Examples of divalent metal ions include calcium ions, magnesium ions, barium ions, iron ions, zinc ions, and copper ions, with calcium ions being preferred.

[0050] In a water-saturated fiber assembly, the alginic acid content R2, calculated as sodium alginate, is, for example, 0.1 wt% or more, and may be 0.3 wt% or more, 0.5 wt% or more, 1.0 wt% or more, 1.5 wt% or more, 1.8 wt% or more, 2.0 wt% or more, or even 2.1 wt% or more. The higher the alginic acid content R2, the more elastic the fiber assembly, which tends to improve the texture of the fiber assembly. The upper limit of the alginic acid content R2 calculated as sodium alginate is, for example, 10 wt% or less, 8.0 wt% or less, 5.0 wt% or less, or even 4.0 wt% or less. The weight ratio of alginic acid, calculated as sodium alginate, to the solid content of the fiber assembly is, for example, 5 wt% to 40 wt%.

[0051] The alginic acid content R2 can be determined by the colorimetric method described in "Methods for Analyzing Food Additives in Foods," Food Chemistry Division, Environmental Health Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, 2nd Edition, pp. 90-92, 2000. In the colorimetric method, alginic acids are converted to sodium alginate during preparation of the measurement sample, and therefore the alginic acid content R2 is determined as a value converted to sodium alginate.

[0052] As described above regarding the non-animal protein content R1, the fibers contained in the fiber assembly of this embodiment can be produced by discharging a mixed solution containing non-animal protein, a monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides into a coagulation liquid. Because the solids of the mixed solution (particularly the non-animal protein, the monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides) are not easily dissolved into the coagulation liquid, the formed fibers tend to contain the solids of the mixed solution as is. When fibers are produced using sodium alginate as the monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, the alginic acid content R2, converted to sodium alginate, in a fiber assembly composed essentially of these fibers can be calculated as the product of the weight ratio C1 of the solids in the water-saturated fiber assembly and the weight ratio C3 of sodium alginate to the solids in the mixed solution. According to the inventors' studies, the content R2 calculated using this method tends to closely match actual measurements.

[0053] (Other Polysaccharides) As described above, the fiber assembly contains other polysaccharides in addition to alginic acids. The other polysaccharides are components suitable for adjusting the water retention capacity of the fiber assembly.

[0054] The other polysaccharides are not particularly limited as long as they are different from alginic acids. From the viewpoint of sufficiently improving the water retention capacity of the fiber assembly, the other polysaccharides preferably include at least one selected from the group consisting of xyloglucan, methylcellulose, and derivatives thereof. Xyloglucan, in particular, is suitable for improving the water retention capacity of the fiber assembly without excessively increasing the moisture content of the fiber assembly. Furthermore, it has been reported that methylcellulose and its derivatives may cause health problems. In contrast, xyloglucan is highly safe for the human body and is suitable as a component of a fiber assembly as a food substitute. It is particularly preferable that the other polysaccharides include xyloglucan.

[0055] Xyloglucan is a polysaccharide containing a glucose-derived structural unit U1 and a xylose-derived structural unit U2. Xyloglucan has a main chain in which multiple U1 structural units are bonded via β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, and a side chain in which U2 structural units are bonded to the main chain via α-1,6-glycosidic bonds. In addition to the structural units U1 and U2, xyloglucan may further contain other structural units such as galactose-derived structural unit U3. Xyloglucan preferably has a weight-average molecular weight of 50,000 to 1,000,000.

[0056] Xyloglucan can be extracted from, for example, cell walls of higher plants such as pea, soybean, poplar, rice, and bamboo shoots, as well as from tamarind seeds. The xyloglucan is preferably tamarind seed gum derived from tamarind seeds. That is, the other polysaccharides preferably contain tamarind seed gum as the xyloglucan.

[0057] In a fiber assembly saturated with water, the content R3 of the other polysaccharides is, for example, 0.01 wt% or more, 0.1 wt% or more, or even 0.5 wt% or more. The upper limit of the content R3 of the other polysaccharides is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 10 wt% or less, 5.0 wt% or less, 3.0 wt% or less, or even 1.0 wt% or less. The weight ratio of the other polysaccharides to the solid content of the fiber assembly is, for example, 0.5 wt% to 30 wt%.

[0058] When the other polysaccharide is xyloglucan (especially tamarind seed gum), the content R3 can be determined by the iodine staining method described in Food Science and Technology Research, 2017, 23, pp. 551-560.

[0059] As described above regarding the non-animal protein content R1, the fibers contained in the fiber assembly of this embodiment can be produced by discharging a mixed solution containing non-animal protein, a monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides into a coagulation liquid. Because the solids of the mixed solution (particularly the non-animal protein, the monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides) are not easily dissolved into the coagulation liquid, the formed fibers tend to contain the solids of the mixed solution intact. Therefore, in a fiber assembly composed essentially of this fiber alone, the content R3 of other polysaccharides can be calculated as the product of the weight ratio C1 of the solids in the water-saturated fiber assembly and the weight ratio C4 of the other polysaccharides to the solids in the mixed solution. According to the inventors' studies, the content R3 calculated using this method tends to closely match actual measurements.

[0060] (Water) In a fiber assembly saturated with water, the moisture content R4 is, for example, 50 wt% or more, and may be 55 wt% or more, 60 wt% or more, 65 wt% or more, 70 wt% or more, 71 wt% or more, 75 wt% or more, 78 wt% or more, 80 wt% or more, 81 wt% or more, 82 wt% or more, or even 83 wt% or more. The higher the moisture content R4, the more juicy and moist the fiber assembly becomes, which tends to improve the texture of the fiber assembly. The upper limit of the moisture content R4 is, for example, 93 wt% or less, and may be 90 wt% or less, 88 wt% or less, or even 85 wt% or less. The weight ratio of the solids content in a fiber assembly saturated with water is, for example, 12 wt% to 40 wt%, or may be 12 wt% to 29 wt%.

[0061] The moisture content R4 can be determined by the following method. First, a fiber assembly saturated with water is prepared, and its weight W5 (g) is measured. The weight W5 is preferably 1 g. Next, the fiber assembly is placed in a heating moisture meter and subjected to a heat treatment at 105°C. This heat treatment volatilizes the water contained in the fiber assembly. The heat treatment is continued until the rate of water loss in the fiber assembly falls below 0.10 wt% / min. Based on the weight W5 and the weight W6 (g) of the fiber assembly after the heat treatment, the moisture content R4 can be calculated using the following formula: Moisture content R4 (wt%) = 100 x (weight W5 - weight W6) / weight W5

[0062] The fiber aggregate of this embodiment may have a moisture content of less than 50 wt% as long as it is not saturated with water. In particular, during storage or transportation, it is preferable for the fiber aggregate to have a low moisture content, which may be, for example, 30 wt% or less, 10 wt% or less, 5 wt% or less, 1 wt% or less, or even 0.1 wt% or less. Fiber aggregates with low moisture content are also suitable for use as scaffolding materials for producing cultured meat. On the other hand, it is preferable for the fiber aggregate provided to consumers to have a moisture content of 50 wt% or more (particularly 65 wt% or more or 71 wt% or more).

[0063] (Other Components) The fiber assembly of this embodiment may or may not further contain other components in addition to non-animal proteins, alginic acids, other polysaccharides, and water. Examples of other components include animal proteins, lipids, alkaline compounds, coagulants, acid compounds, softeners, lubricants, compound C that promotes bonding of fibers, binders, fragrances, seasonings, etc. In the fiber assembly, the fibers themselves may contain the above-mentioned other components.

[0064] Examples of lipids include beeswax, phospholipids, and fatty acids. The alkaline compounds, coagulants, and acid compounds are derived from the materials used to produce the fibers, and will be described in detail below. Examples of lubricants include glycerin. Lubricants are suitable for preventing the fibers from coming into contact with free rollers, guides, and the like and rubbing off when the fibers are wound, for example.

[0065] Examples of compound C include enzymes that cross-link proteins (protein cross-linking enzymes), such as transglutaminase. In some cases, protease enzymes such as papain can also be used as compound C. However, the fiber assembly does not necessarily need to contain a protein cross-linking enzyme or a protease.

[0066] A binder is a component that fixes fibers by filling the spaces between the fibers. The binder tends to help the fiber assembly maintain its shape. Examples of binders include methylcellulose and alginic acids. However, the fiber assembly does not necessarily need to contain a binder.

[0067] In a fiber assembly saturated with water, the content of other components may be, for example, 25 wt% or less, 20 wt% or less, 15 wt% or less, 10 wt% or less, 5 wt% or less, 1 wt% or less, or even 0.1 wt% or less.

[0068] The fiber assembly of this embodiment is typically edible. In this specification, "edible fiber assembly" means that the fiber assembly is composed only of substances approved as foods or food additives by the laws and regulations of each country. It is preferable that the fiber assembly is substantially free of components other than foods or food additives, such as plasticizers (softeners) and surfactants.

[0069] (Shape of fiber aggregate) The shape of the fiber aggregate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a sheet, a cube, and a disk. The fiber aggregate preferably has a shape similar to that of the meat to be imitated. Examples of meat to be imitated include crustaceans, shellfish, fish, beef, pork, and poultry (particularly chicken). The fiber aggregate preferably has a shape similar to that of chicken meat (particularly chicken breast meat).

[0070] (Method for manufacturing a fiber assembly) The method for manufacturing a fiber assembly of this embodiment includes a spinning process in which a mixed liquid containing non-animal protein, a monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides is ejected into a coagulation liquid to form fibers. A fiber assembly can be produced by assembling multiple fibers obtained by the spinning process. Note that the monovalent metal salt of alginic acid is typically a salt of alginic acid and a monovalent metal ion. In this specification, the "monovalent metal salt of alginic acid" may also be simply referred to as "alginate."

[0071] The spinning process can be carried out, for example, using a spinning apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1. The spinning apparatus 100 includes a discharge section 10 that discharges the mixed liquid, a coagulation section 20 that contains a coagulation liquid 21 that coagulates the material discharged from the discharge section 10, and a winding section 30 that winds up the fiber 6 formed in the coagulation section 20. The discharge section 10, the coagulation section 20, and the winding section 30 are arranged, for example, in this order along the direction in which the fiber 6 is wound by the winding section 30 (direction X).

[0072] The discharge unit 10 has a storage unit 11 that stores the mixed liquid and a nozzle 13 that discharges the mixed liquid. A commercially available discharge device equipped with a gear pump or syringe pump can be used as the discharge unit 10. As described above, the mixed liquid stored in the storage unit 11 contains non-animal protein, alginate, and other polysaccharides. It is preferable that the mixed liquid further contains an alkaline compound.

[0073] Examples of non-animal proteins contained in the above-mentioned mixture include those mentioned above for the fiber aggregate. Non-animal proteins typically have a unique three-dimensional structure based on their amino acid sequence. However, when the mixture further contains an alkaline compound, the three-dimensional structure of the non-animal protein tends to be destroyed, resulting in the non-animal protein taking on a string-like structure. In this specification, the destruction of the three-dimensional structure of the non-animal protein by an alkaline compound is sometimes referred to as "unfolding."

[0074] According to the inventors' research, by mixing non-animal protein with an alkaline compound and carrying out the spinning process while the non-animal protein is unfolded, it is easy to adjust the alginic acid content R2 and water content R4 in the water-saturated fiber aggregate (particularly the fibers contained in the fiber aggregate) to appropriate values.

[0075] Furthermore, by unfolding the non-animal protein, the solubility of the non-animal protein in the mixture tends to improve, making it easier to form fibers. In other words, the spinnability of the mixture tends to improve. When unfolded non-animal protein is used, the strength of the resulting fibers also tends to improve.

[0076] The content of non-animal protein in the mixed liquid is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 1.0 wt % to 30 wt %.

[0077] In the alginate (monovalent metal salt of alginic acid) contained in the mixed solution, examples of the monovalent metal ion include alkali metal ions such as sodium ions and potassium ions, with sodium ions being preferred. In the mixed solution, the alginate typically does not substantially contain divalent metal ions.

[0078] The alginate content in the mixed solution is preferably greater than 0.5 wt %, and may be 0.8 wt % or more, 0.9 wt % or more, 1.0 wt % or more, or even 1.1 wt % or more. The upper limit of the alginate content is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 5.0 wt % or less. Note that if the alginate content is significantly less than 0.5 wt %, spinning of the fibers 6 tends to be difficult.

[0079] Examples of other polysaccharides contained in the mixed solution include those described above for the fiber assembly. The content of other polysaccharides in the mixed solution is, for example, 0.01 wt % or more, and may be 0.05 wt % or more, 0.1 wt % or more, or even 0.3 wt % or more. The upper limit of the content of other polysaccharides is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 1.0 wt % or less.

[0080] As described above, the alkaline compound is a component for unfolding non-animal proteins in the mixed solution. The alkaline compound is preferably edible. Examples of the alkaline compound include sodium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and sodium hydroxide is preferred. The content of the alkaline compound in the mixed solution is, for example, 10 wtppm to 5000 wtppm.

[0081] The mixed solution is preferably adjusted to a pH of 8 or higher with an alkaline compound. If the mixed solution has a pH of 8 or higher, non-animal proteins tend to be unfolded in the mixed solution. The pH of the mixed solution is preferably 8 to 13, and more preferably 9 to 12.

[0082] The mixed liquid preferably further contains water. The content of water in the mixed liquid is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 50 wt % to 98.5 wt %.

[0083] The mixture may further contain other components (softener, lubricant, etc.) that are described above as being contained in the fiber aggregate.

[0084] In the discharge unit 10, the mixed liquid is sent from the storage unit 11 to the nozzle 13 and discharged from the nozzle 13 to the outside of the discharge unit 10 through the nozzle outlet. The discharge rate of the mixed liquid from the nozzle 13 is not particularly limited and is, for example, 0.1 to 10,000 mL / min. The size of the nozzle outlet can be adjusted appropriately depending on the fiber diameter of the target fiber 6. The nozzle 13 may have multiple discharge outlets. In this case, multiple fibers 6 can be produced at once by solidifying the material discharged from the nozzle 13. The number of discharge outlets in the nozzle 13 is not particularly limited and is, for example, 1 to 20,000. Using a nozzle 13 with a large number of discharge outlets and setting a high discharge rate of the mixed liquid allows the fibers 6 to be produced efficiently, improving productivity. The nozzle 13 is, for example, immersed in the coagulation liquid 21 contained in the coagulation unit 20.

[0085] The coagulation liquid 21 contained in the coagulation unit 20 can coagulate the discharged material (liquid mixture) by coming into contact with the discharged material from the nozzle 13. The fiber 6 is formed by coagulating the discharged material from the nozzle 13. The coagulation liquid 21 is typically an aqueous solution containing a coagulant.

[0086] The coagulation liquid 21 contains a metal salt containing a divalent metal ion as a coagulant. Examples of such metal salts include chlorides such as calcium chloride and carbonates such as calcium carbonate. The metal salt containing a divalent metal ion generates the divalent metal ion, for example, by dissolving in the coagulation liquid 21. The divalent metal ion can form an ionic bond with the G-block of the alginate. Specifically, the metal ions (monovalent metal ions) contained in the alginate are exchanged for divalent metal ions in the mixed solution, thereby crosslinking multiple alginic acid molecules via the divalent metal ions. This crosslinking reaction promotes gelation of the material discharged from the nozzle 13, resulting in the production of the fiber 6. The content of the coagulant in the coagulation liquid 21 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 0.1 wt% to 10 wt%.

[0087] The coagulation liquid 21 preferably further contains an acid compound in addition to the coagulant (metal salt). When the coagulation liquid 21 contains an acid compound, the three-dimensional structure of the unfolded non-animal protein can be restored by contacting the material discharged from the nozzle 13 with the coagulation liquid 21. In this specification, the restoration of the three-dimensional structure of the unfolded non-animal protein may be referred to as "refolding."

[0088] The acid compound is preferably edible. Examples of the acid compound include, but are not limited to, citric acid and acetic acid, with acetic acid being preferred. The content of the acid compound in the coagulation liquid 21 is not particularly limited and is, for example, 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %.

[0089] It is preferable that the coagulation liquid 21 further contains an alkaline compound. In other words, it is preferable that the coagulation liquid 21 contains an acid compound and an alkaline compound. This coagulation liquid 21 tends to increase the moisture content of the formed fiber 6. The alkaline compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include sodium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate. It is preferable that the content of the alkaline compound in the coagulation liquid 21 is lower than the content of the acid compound. The content of the alkaline compound in the coagulation liquid 21 is, for example, 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %. Note that in the coagulation liquid 21, the alkaline compound may form a salt with the acid compound.

[0090] The pH of the coagulation liquid 21 is preferably adjusted to 6 or less with an acid compound or a mixture of an acid compound and an alkaline compound. The pH of the coagulation liquid 21 is particularly preferably 1 to 6. Within the above pH range, non-animal proteins can be refolded.

[0091] The fiber 6 formed in the coagulation section 20 is sent to the winding section 30. The spinning apparatus 100 may further include free rollers 40 and 41 for sending the fiber 6 to the winding section 30. The free roller 40 is, for example, disposed in the coagulation liquid 21 and is approximately 10 cm to 10 m away from the nozzle 13. The fiber 6 passes through the free roller 40 and is then sent to the outside of the coagulation section 20. The fiber 6 sent to the outside of the coagulation section 20 passes through the free roller 41 and is then sent to the winding section 30. Note that the spinning apparatus 100 does not necessarily have to include the free rollers 40 and 41.

[0092] The winding unit 30 has a bobbin 31 that winds the fiber 6 formed in the coagulation unit 20, and a guide 35 for traversing the fiber 6 when winding the fiber 6. The rotation speed of the bobbin 31 is not particularly limited and is, for example, 0.1 to 500 rps. The winding speed of the fiber 6 by the bobbin 31 is not particularly limited and is, for example, 0.1 to 500 m / min. The number of traverses per second is not particularly limited and is, for example, 0.1 to 10. The traverse speed is not particularly limited and is, for example, 10 to 500 mm / sec. The traverse speed refers to the average speed of the reciprocating motion of the guide 35 in a direction perpendicular to the direction X. The winding unit 30 does not necessarily have to have the guide 35.

[0093] The manufacturing method of this embodiment preferably further includes a washing step of washing the fibers 6 removed from the coagulation liquid 21. The washing step makes it possible to remove excess coagulant, acid compounds, and the like adhering to the surfaces of the fibers 6. The temperature of the washing liquid used in the washing step is, for example, room temperature (25°C). The time for which the fibers 6 are in contact with the washing liquid is not particularly limited and is, for example, 1 second to 1 hour.

[0094] In the cleaning step, it is preferable to use an alkaline aqueous solution or water as the cleaning liquid. The alkaline aqueous solution is, for example, an aqueous solution containing an alkaline compound, and the alkaline compound may be any of those mentioned above. The content of the alkaline compound in the alkaline aqueous solution is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 0.05 wt % to 10 wt %. The alkaline aqueous solution is preferably adjusted to a pH of 8 or higher, and particularly preferably a pH of 8 to 11.

[0095] The washing step may be performed before the fiber 6 is wound onto the bobbin 31, or after the fiber 6 is wound onto the bobbin 31. As an example, the washing step may be performed using a washing tank (not shown) disposed between the coagulation unit 20 and the winding unit 30 and containing a washing liquid. The washing tank allows the fiber 6 sent from the coagulation unit 20 to be brought into contact with the washing liquid, thereby washing the fiber 6. The washed fiber 6 is sent from the washing tank to the winding unit 30 and wound onto the bobbin 31. As another example, the washing step may be performed by pouring the washing liquid onto a wound body produced by winding the fiber 6 onto the bobbin 31, or by immersing the wound body together with the bobbin 31 in the washing liquid. Furthermore, the washing step may be performed by bringing the fiber 6 removed from the bobbin 31 into contact with the washing liquid.

[0096] The manufacturing method of this embodiment may further include a drying step of drying the fibers 6. The drying step allows the moisture content of the fibers 6 to be adjusted to a desired value. The conditions for the drying step are not particularly limited, and the fibers 6 may be dried, for example, by leaving them at room temperature (25°C). The drying step may involve freeze-drying or heat drying. When heat drying is performed, the heating temperature of the fibers 6 is, for example, 50°C to 120°C. Before heat drying, the fibers 6 may be immersed in alcohol such as ethanol to replace the water contained in the fibers 6 with the alcohol.

[0097] The manufacturing method of this embodiment preferably further includes a bonding step of bonding at least two of the plurality of fibers 6 to each other. Bonding of the fibers 6 to each other can be performed, for example, by the following method. First, the plurality of fibers 6 are placed in a molding die. The molding die has a housing portion shaped similarly to the meat to be imitated, for example. Next, compound C, which promotes bonding of the fibers 6 to each other, is added to the molding die and brought into contact with the plurality of fibers 6. A dispersion of compound C in water may be added to the molding die. Contact with compound C promotes bonding of the fibers 6 to each other. For example, if compound C is a protein cross-linking enzyme, non-animal proteins present near the surface of a fiber 6 are cross-linked with non-animal proteins present near the surface of another fiber 6. When an enzyme is used as compound C, it is preferable to adjust the temperature inside the molding die to near the optimal temperature for the enzyme (e.g., 50°C).

[0098] In the bonding step, the inside of the molding die may be pressurized. In the bonding step, the inside of the molding die may be pressurized, for example, by 0.01 kPa to 100 kPa from the atmospheric pressure of the surrounding environment. The pressurization time is, for example, 1 second to 10 hours. Under pressure, the fibers 6 are more likely to come into contact with each other, which tends to promote bonding between the fibers 6. Furthermore, performing the bonding step under pressure also tends to reduce voids in the fiber aggregate.

[0099] The fibers 6 may be bonded together without using a molding die. For example, the fibers 6 may be bonded together by kneading a plurality of fibers 6 with the compound C (or a dispersion containing the compound C).

[0100] The manufacturing method of this embodiment does not necessarily include the binding step. As an example, the manufacturing method of this embodiment may include a mixing step of mixing the plurality of fibers 6 with a binder instead of the binding step. In the mixing step, the binder may be any of those described above.

[0101] The manufacturing method of this embodiment may further include a heating step of heating the fiber assembly obtained in the binding step (or mixing step). The heating step may cause non-animal proteins contained in the fibers 6 to associate, further improving the texture of the fiber assembly. The heating step may also serve as a sterilization treatment for the fiber assembly. The conditions for the heating step are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a temperature of 50°C to 120°C and a time of 1 minute to 1 hour. The heating step may be performed by bringing water vapor at 50°C or higher into contact with the fiber assembly.

[0102] (Uses of Fiber Assembly) The fiber assembly of this embodiment tends to have an improved texture. The fiber assembly is particularly suitable for use as a substitute food for meat from crustaceans, shellfish, fish, beef, pork, poultry (particularly chicken), and the like. In some cases, the fiber assembly can also be used as a scaffold for cultured meat. That is, cultured meat can be produced by attaching cells from crustaceans, shellfish, fish, beef, pork, poultry (particularly chicken), and the like to the fiber assembly and culturing the cells. When the fiber assembly is used as a scaffold for cultured meat, an adhesion improver that improves the adhesiveness of the cells may be added to the fiber assembly. The fiber assembly can also be used for uses other than those described above, such as chemical products and pharmaceuticals.

[0103] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0104] Example 1: First, distilled water was added to a disposable cup and stirred using a homogenizer (T18, manufactured by IKA Corporation). The amount of distilled water added was adjusted so that the total weight of the ingredients added to the cup was 100 parts by weight. Next, 7.5 parts by weight of soy protein (Fujipro 748, manufactured by Fuji Oil Co., Ltd.), 1.1 parts by weight of powdered sodium alginate (Kimica Algin I-1G, manufactured by Kimica Co., Ltd.), and 0.3 parts by weight of tamarind seed gum (Glyloid 3S, manufactured by MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd.) were gradually added to the cup in this order and dissolved in water to prevent lumps from forming. Next, 3 parts by weight of a 5 wt% sodium hydroxide aqueous solution obtained by mixing sodium hydroxide (food additive grade, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) with water was added per 100 parts by weight of the total weight of the ingredients added to the cup. This mixture was stirred and degassed in a Thinky Mixer (ARV-310, manufactured by Thinky Corporation) at a rotation speed of 2000 rpm, a pressure of 0.6 kPa, and an operating time of 5 minutes. This resulted in a mixture containing non-animal protein, alginate (monovalent metal salt of alginic acid), other polysaccharides (tamarind seed gum), and an alkaline compound. The sodium hydroxide content in the mixture was 1500 wtppm, and the pH of the mixture was 10.2. Note that in the mixture, the soy protein had been unfolded by the sodium hydroxide.

[0105] Next, fibers were produced using the above-described spinning apparatus 100 by the following method. First, a discharge device equipped with a gear pump was prepared as the discharge section of the spinning apparatus. A multi-hole nozzle was used as the nozzle of the discharge section. The multi-hole nozzle had 50 discharge ports with a diameter of 0.2 mm. Next, the mixed solution was poured into the storage section of the discharge section, and the mixed solution was discharged from the nozzle. The discharge rate of the mixed solution from the nozzle was set to 21 mL / min. After confirming that the mixed solution had been discharged from the nozzle, the nozzle was immersed in the coagulation solution stored in the coagulation section. The coagulation solution used was an aqueous solution containing calcium chloride (manufactured by Canada Pharmaceutical Industries) as a coagulant, glacial acetic acid (manufactured by Kosakai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) as an acid compound, and sodium hydroxide (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., food additive grade) as an alkaline compound. The calcium chloride content of the coagulation solution was 0.5 wt %, the acetic acid content was 2 wt %, and the sodium hydroxide content was 0.4 wt %.

[0106] The discharged material (liquid mixture) from the nozzle solidified upon contact with the coagulation liquid. This resulted in the formation of a fiber. The fiber was grasped by hand and set on a bobbin (made of silicon, diameter 7.5 cm) in the winding section. The bobbin was then driven to wind the fiber. At this time, the winding speed around the bobbin was set to 21 m / min. The draw ratio of the fiber when wound around the bobbin was 1.55.

[0107] When a sufficient amount of fiber was wound, the discharge of the mixed solution from the nozzle was stopped. Next, the fiber removed from the bobbin was cut with scissors. The obtained fiber was washed with water at 25°C for several minutes. The operation of wiping excess water from the fiber with a Kimtowel was repeated three times.

[0108] Next, the prepared fibers were cut to a length of 9.5 cm. The fibers were placed in a silicone mold with the fiber extension direction aligned. The mold had a rectangular container measuring 9.5 cm in length, 9.5 cm in width, and 3 cm in depth. Next, a dispersion was prepared by dispersing 8 g of transglutaminase (Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Activa Supercard) in 12 g of water as a compound to promote fiber bonding. This dispersion was added to the mold. A 20G plastic needle was inserted between the fibers several times to spread the dispersion throughout the mold.

[0109] Next, the top of the storage section of the molding die was sealed with plastic wrap, and a pusher (9.5 cm long, 9.5 cm wide, 3 cm high) was placed on top of it. Furthermore, a 2 kg weight was placed on top of the pusher. This increased the pressure inside the molding die to 2.17 kPa from the atmospheric pressure of the surrounding environment. In this state, the molding die was placed in a heating dryer (LC-114, manufactured by Espec Corporation) and heated at 50°C for 45 minutes. This yielded the fiber aggregate of Example 1 in which the fibers were bonded together.

[0110] (Example 2) The fiber assembly of Example 1 was placed in a container (steamer) and subjected to a heating process by continuously supplying steam at 100°C into the container for 30 minutes, thereby obtaining a fiber assembly of Example 2.

[0111] (Examples 3 to 7) Fiber assemblies of Examples 3 to 7 were obtained by the same method as Example 1, except that the types of other polysaccharides and whether or not a heating step was performed were changed as shown in Table 1. The heating step was performed under the same conditions as in Example 2. In Example 5, no other polysaccharides were used.

[0112] <Evaluation> The fiber assemblies prepared in the above examples were subjected to the following evaluations. All of the prepared fiber assemblies were saturated with water.

[0113] [Composition of Fiber Assembly] First, the fiber assembly prepared in each example was cut into 1 cm squares to prepare test specimens. Next, the test specimens were placed in a heating moisture meter (MX-50, manufactured by A&D Co., Ltd.) and subjected to a heat treatment at 105°C. The heat treatment was continued until the rate of water loss in the test specimen fell below 0.10 wt% / min. Based on the weights of the test specimens before and after the heat treatment, the moisture content R4 of the fiber assembly saturated with water was calculated using the above-mentioned formula.

[0114] Next, the weight ratio C1 (100-R4) of the solid content in the water-saturated fiber assembly was calculated from the water content R4. The alginic acid content R2, converted to sodium alginate, in the water-saturated fiber assembly was calculated as the product of the weight ratio C1 and the weight ratio C3 of sodium alginate to the solid content in the mixed solution used to produce the fiber.

[0115] [Centrifugal Separation Rate] First, the fiber assembly prepared in each example was cut to obtain a test piece weighing approximately 1 g. This test piece was packed into a filter paper (manufactured by Advantec Toyo Co., Ltd., 5A φ90) and placed in a 50 mL centrifuge tube. Next, using a micro high-speed refrigerated centrifuge (manufactured by Tomy Seiko Co., Ltd., MX-305), centrifugal separation was performed for 30 minutes under conditions of a centrifugal acceleration of 2200 G and a temperature of 4°C. Based on the weight of the test piece before and after the centrifugal separation, the centrifugal separation rate of the fiber assembly was calculated using the above-mentioned formula.

[0116] [Texture evaluation] The fiber assemblies produced in each example were actually eaten by four panelists skilled in texture evaluation. Using chicken breast meat (thoroughly grilled on both sides and ready to eat), an example of meat that can be imitated, as a comparison, a sensory evaluation was conducted on the hardness, juiciness, and fibrous texture of the fiber assemblies. In detail, the panelists jointly evaluated the fiber assemblies according to the following evaluation criteria. <Evaluation criteria> Hardness ◯: Almost the same hardness as chicken breast meat. △: Acceptable hardness for chicken breast meat. ×: Hardness far from that of chicken breast meat. Juiciness ◯: Almost the same as chicken breast meat, with a moist impression. △: Feels moist, but is too moist or dry compared to chicken breast meat. ×: Far from the juiciness of chicken breast meat, with a too moist or dry texture. Fiber texture: ◯: Almost the same fiber texture as chicken breast. △: Some fiber texture, but compared to chicken breast, there is too much fiber texture or not enough fiber texture. ×: Far from chicken breast, there is almost no fiber texture.

[0117] Furthermore, the overall texture of the fiber aggregate was evaluated using a 9-point preference scale. Specifically, each panelist evaluated the texture using the following evaluation criteria, and the average value was calculated. <Evaluation criteria> 9 points: The texture is the same as chicken breast and is indistinguishable from chicken breast. 5 points: The texture is acceptable for chicken breast. 1 point: The texture is far from that of chicken breast and is not suitable as a food product.

[0118]

[0119] Details of the materials listed in Table 1 are as follows: Fujipro 748: soy protein (Fujipro 748, manufactured by Fuji Oil Co., Ltd.) I-1G: sodium alginate (Kimica Algin I-1G, manufactured by Kimica Co., Ltd.) Glyloid 3S: tamarind seed gum (MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd., Glyloid 3S) Metrolose MCE-100: methylcellulose (Metolose MCE-100, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Xanthan gum: xanthan gum (Unitec Foods Co., Ltd., trade name "Lump-resistant Xanthan") Locust bean gum: locust bean gum (Unitec Foods Co., Ltd.)

[0120] The fiber assembly of Example 1 had a juicy texture similar to that of chicken breast meat, but was slightly soft. The fiber assembly of Example 2 had a moderate elasticity and a juicy texture similar to that of chicken breast meat. The fiber assembly of Example 3 had a crunchy and chewy texture, which felt a little strange. The fiber assembly of Example 4 had an elasticity similar to that of chicken breast meat, but also had a crunchy texture.

[0121] As can be seen from Table 1, the fiber assemblies of Examples 1 to 4, which had centrifugal separation rates of less than 43.0%, had improved texture compared to Examples 5 to 7.

[0122] The fiber assembly of this embodiment is suitable for use as a food substitute.

Claims

1. A fiber assembly containing a plurality of fibers, the fiber assembly comprising a non-animal protein, alginic acids containing a divalent metal salt of alginic acid, and other polysaccharides different from the alginic acids, and the centrifugal separation rate determined by the following test is less than 43.0%. Test: The fiber assembly in a water-saturated state is cut into test pieces with a weight W1 (g). The test pieces are centrifuged for 30 minutes under conditions of a centrifugal acceleration of 2200 G and a temperature of 4°C. The ratio of the difference between the weight W1 and the weight W2 (g) of the test piece after the centrifugation to the weight W1 is determined as the centrifugal separation rate.

2. The fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the centrifugal separation rate is 5.0% or more.

3. The fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the water content of the fiber assembly in a water-saturated state is 50 wt % or more.

4. The fiber assembly according to claim 3, wherein the moisture content is 90 wt % or less.

5. The fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the other polysaccharides include at least one selected from the group consisting of xyloglucan, methylcellulose, and derivatives thereof.

6. The fiber assembly of claim 1, wherein the other polysaccharides include tamarind seed gum.

7. The fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the non-animal protein comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of soy protein, pea protein, lentil protein, potato protein, seitan protein, amaranth protein, and quinoa protein.

8. The fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the alginates further include alginic acid.

9. The fiber assembly according to claim 1, which is edible.

10. The fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the average fiber diameter of the plurality of fibers is 1 cm or less.

11. The fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of fibers are bonded to each other.

12. A method for producing a fiber assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a spinning step of ejecting a mixed liquid containing the non-animal protein, a monovalent metal salt of alginic acid, and the other polysaccharide into a coagulation liquid to form the fibers.

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein the mixture further contains an alkaline compound.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein the coagulation liquid contains an acid compound and an alkaline compound.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, further comprising a bonding step of bonding at least two of the plurality of fibers to each other.

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 15, wherein in the bonding step, at least two of the fibers are bonded to each other while a plurality of the fibers are contained in a molding die.

Images