Abstract：Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize three ultra-high pressure (UHP) parameters
including pressure, dwelling time and temperature for improved preservation of beef quality. Mathematical models were
established for sensory evaluation score, aerobic plate count, thiobarbituric acid value (TBA), tenderness or red value (a*)
with respect to the UHP parameters, with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9862 (P ＜ 0.0001), 0.9929 (P ＜ 0.0001),
0.9930 (P ＜ 0.0001), 0.9970 (P ＜ 0.0001) and 0.9537 (P = 0.0007), respectively, indicating excellent goodness of fit and
reliability. Together our results demonstrated the optimal UHP conditions to be 368 MPa, 5 min and 4 ℃.
2013, Vol. 27 
