Effects of sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium pyrophosphate on the ultrastructure of beef myofibrillar proteins investigated with atomic force microscopy

•Phosphates addition caused myofibrillar protein unfolding.•High quality AFM images of myofibrillar proteins and gels were obtained.•The mechanism of SHMP on myofibrillar protein is different from STPP and TSPP.•The diameter and height of MP were reduced by phosphates.•Phosphates addition resulted smoother and more complex MP gel surface.