Thermal properties, dynamic rheological properties, texture and microstructure of salt-soluble meat protein and flaxseed gum (SSMP-FG) mixtures were investigated. Two transitions, 57.0 degrees C (T-SSMP1) and 63.2 degrees C (T-SSMP2), were observed for SSMP without FG with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Addition of 2% FG to SSMP increased T-SSMP, and T-SSMP2 by 1.9 degrees C and 5.9 degrees C, respectively. Two transitions, 53 degrees C (T-SSMP1) and 75 degrees C (T-SSMP2), were also observed for SSMP without FG with dynamic rheological measurement. Addition of 2% FG to SSMP increased T-SSMP1, and T-SSMP2' by 9 degrees C and 14 degrees C. These results indicated that addition of FG increased thermal stability of SSMP. Addition of FG also increased the storage modulus G', gel strength, decreased syneresis, and changed the microstructure of SSMP gels with texture analyser and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively, suggesting that an interaction between FG and SSMP may have occurred. The results of addition of destabilizer to SSMP gels indicated that electrostatic forces seemed to be the main force involved in the formation and stability of protein-polysaccharide gel. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.