This article includes a review of the application of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) in meat products prepared with reduced-sodium. The MTGase has shown to be very efficient in promoting protein cross-bridges, favoring the cohesion restructured products and improving the strength of gels inemulsified meat products, contributing to preserve and improve their texture and flavor. Traditionally sodium chloride (NaCl) is added to pasta cárneas to play a key role in the solubilization of the myofibrillar proteins. However, the excess of this mineral has been linked to high rates of health problems as hypertension. In response to this scenario, scientific society and industries connected to the meat industry has sought alternatives that can acte to reduce the sodium in these foods. In this review, recent studies are reported on the application of MTGase in various products of meat mixture, elucidating the importance of supporting technology for scientific research and industrial application in the production of convenience healthier foods
"structure makers"; cross-link; sodium reduction
