Effect of addition of gelatin on microstructure of acidic milk gels and yoghurt and on their rheological properties

A study was made of the effect of the addition of gelatin on the microstructure of acid-heat-induced milk gels (90°C, pH=5.3) and yoghurt with and without the addition of 5% of milk solids, and a comparison was made with the microstructure of acidic milk gelatin gels obtained without heating (pH=5.3). It was seen that in the acid-heat-induced gels and in yoghurt the gelatin interacted with the network of milk proteins as a connection between the clusters formed, whereas it was the gelatin alone that was the basis of the formation of the gel when the milk did not reach the casein coagulation point (pH=5.3, unheated). The results of firmness tests indicated that the addition of 1.5% of gelatin developed fairly firm, deformable systems in all the cases studied, with a definite break point and almost total absence of syneresis. Dynamic rheology showed that the yoghurts with added gelatin exhibited more solid-like behaviour than the ones prepared without it.     

The effect of thermosonication of milk on selected physicochemical and microstructural properties of yoghurt gels during fermentation

Yoghurt cultures (0.1, 1.5 and 3.5% fat) were prepared from milk which was preheated to 45 °C and subjected to thermosonication (TS) for 10 min at an ultrasound amplitude of 24 kHz. Compared to conventional yoghurts prepared from preheated (90 °C, 10 min) milk, cultures from TS milk at similar fat contents had higher gelation pH values, greater viscosities and higher water holding capacities (WHC). On average, yoghurts from TS treated milks with 1.5 or 3.5% fat had almost 2 fold greater WHC and 25% higher G’ values than conventionally produced yoghurt. Electron microscopy showed differences in the microstructure, with TS yoghurt having a honeycomb like network and exhibiting a more porous nature. These characteristics are absent in conventional yoghurts. In addition, the average particle size in TS yoghurts was smaller (<1 μm) than in conventional yoghurts.     

Effect of different levels of pine honey addition on physicochemical,microbiological and sensory properties of set‐type yoghurt

In this study, the effects of different levels of pine honey addition (3%, 5% and 7% w/v) to the yoghurt milk on starter bacteria, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of set‐type yoghurts during the storage were investigated. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of yoghurts with added honey increased compared to control yoghurt. There was a significant increase in water‐holding capacity (WHC), viscosity, total solids, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values of the yoghurt samples with the addition of honey at higher concentrations, whereas water activity (aw), pH and luminosity (L*) values decreased. Viscosity and WHC of the yoghurts increased during the storage.     

Effect of potato starch addition on the acid gelation of milk

Potato starch was added to skim milk at levels of 0–1.5%. The milks were heated and then acidified to form acid milk gels. The properties of the milks during acidification and the final properties of the acid gels were studied. The addition of starch resulted in a higher storage modulus, G′, in the final acid gels, and increasing the level of starch caused a linear increase in the final G′. Compared with acid gels prepared with no starch, the gelation time was reduced and the gelation pH was increased. However, the temperature and frequency dependences of the acid gels were not affected by the addition of starch. Furthermore, the breaking strain of the acid gels was not markedly affected by the addition of starch, whereas the breaking stress was dependent on the level of starch added. Confocal microscopy showed that the acid gels contained swollen starch granules embedded in a protein network, and that the protein network increased in density as the level of starch added increased.     

Rheological and textural properties of goat and cow milk set type yoghurts

Yoghurts were made from pasteurised and homogenised goat milk (2.5% protein), goat milk fortified with a milk protein isolate (5% protein) and cow milk (3% protein), by acidification with a starter culture at 43 °C until a pH of 4.6 was reached. The rheological and textural properties of gels and yoghurts were analysed using dynamic low amplitude oscillatory rheology and back extrusion texture analysis. Gelation and fermentation times of goat milk were longer, while gelation pH, storage moduli (G′) and yield stress values were lower, compared with those of cow milk. Textural properties of goat milk yoghurts such as firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and viscosity index were very poor. Consequently, the products could not be classified as set type yoghurts. Fortification of goat milk with a milk protein isolate contributed to a significant improvement of the rheological and textural properties of yoghurt.     

Effect of pH adjustment at heating on the rheological properties of acid skim milk gels with added potato starch

The rheological properties of acid skim milk gels, prepared from milk with added potato starch and pH adjusted (pH 6.5–7.1) prior to heat treatment and acidification, were investigated. The storage modulus, G′, of the final acid gels was increased by heating the milk at higher pH and further increased by adding starch. The effect of pH at heating and addition of starch appeared to be additive and independent of each other up to a starch addition level of 1%. Above this starch level, the pH at heating had a lesser effect. This may have been due to the increased viscosity of the aqueous phase as a result of starch gelatinization or to direct contributions of the starch to the gel network structure. Confocal microscopy showed that milk proteins developed fewer but broader protein clusters at higher pH than at lower pH. Starch addition resulted in an increased density of the protein network.     

Effect of microfluidization of heat-treated milk on rheology and sensory properties of reduced fat yoghurt

The effects of microfluidization at 150 MPa (MFz) and conventional homogenization at 20/5 MPa (CH) of heat-treated milk on the rheology and sensory properties of non- (0.1%) and low- (1.5%) fat stirred yoghurts were compared. Homogenization conditions clearly affected the sensory properties of reduced-fat yoghurts, but the effect was highly dependent on fat content. MFz of heat-treated milk yielded products with very different sensory profiles from the conventional yoghurts. For non-fat yoghurts, MFz of heat-treated milk enhanced the perception of buttermilk and soft cheese flavours, and natural yoghurt aroma and flavour, but also increased the intensity of undesirable mouthfeel characteristics such as chalkiness, mouth-dryness and astringency. For low-fat yoghurts, MFz significantly improved creaminess and desirable texture characteristics such as smoothness, cohesiveness, thickness, and oral and spoon viscosity. These differences in sensory profiles, especially textural properties, were partially related to rheological properties, particularly flow behaviour. MFz of heat-treated milk resulted in non- and low-fat yoghurts with higher yield stress, more pronounced hysteresis effect and higher viscosity than those of CH yoghurts of similar fat contents. These findings suggest that microfluidization may have applications for production of high-quality yoghurt with reduced-fat content.     

Comparison of pressure treatment and heat treatment of skim milk with added starch on subsequent acid gelation of milk

Skim milk with added starch (waxy rice starch or potato starch at levels of 0-1.5 g/100 g) was either pressure-treated (500 MPa, 20 °C, 30 min) or heat-treated (80 °C, 30 min) and subsequently acidified (using glucono-δ-lactone) to form acid milk gels. In the second part of the study, the pH of the skim milk samples was adjusted from the natural condition (pH 6.64) to pH 6.5, 6.6 or 6.9 before the pressure or heat treatment and re-adjusted back to pH 6.64 after the respective treatment. The rheological properties of the samples during acidification and of the final acid gels were studied. The storage modulus, G′, of the final acid milk gels increased as more waxy rice starch was added to milk before pressure or heat treatment. However, acid milk gels made from pressure-treated milk with added potato starch did not show significant changes in the G′ of the final acid gels whereas those made from the heat-treated counterparts showed a marked increase in the final G′ as the potato starch level increased. Waxy rice starch was gelatinised in milk by both pressure treatment and heat treatment whereas potato starch was gelatinised by heat treatment only. Increasing the pH of milk before pressure or heat treatment increased the final G′ of the acid milk gel produced on subsequent acidification of the milk and the final G′ was increased further by the addition of waxy rice starch before the pressure or heat treatment.     

Influence of heat treatment of goat milk on casein micelle size,rheological and textural properties of acid gels and set type yoghurts

Acid gels and yoghurts were made from goat milk that was heated at 72°C/30 s, 85°C/5 min, and 95°C/5 min, followed by acidification with starter culture at 43C until pH 4.6. The rheological and textural properties of acid gels and yoghurts were analyzed using dynamic low amplitude oscillatory rheology and back extrusion texture analysis, respectively. The effect of goat milk heat treatment on the mean casein micelle diameter and protein profile was also determined by dynamic light scattering and SDS PAGE electrophoresis, respectively. The shortest gelation and fermentation time was recorded for yoghurt prepared from milk heated at 85°C/5 min. Also, the pH of gelation, the storage moduli (G′) and yield stress were higher for this yoghurt, compared with the other two. Textural properties of goat milk yoghurts such as firmness and consistency were strongly affected by milk heat treatment, and the highest values were recorded for yoghurt produced from milk preheated at 85°C/5 min, as well. The largest casein micelles were measured after 85°C/5 min treatment and their size decreased at higher temperature, despite higher denaturation of whey proteins at the most intense heat regime, indicating the structure changes that influence on the acid gelation.     

莲子淀粉凝胶力学性能影响因素的研究

研究不同淀粉乳浓度、pH 值、NaCl 浓度、糖的种类以及吐温-80 浓度对莲子淀粉凝胶力学性能的影响。结果表明：随着淀粉乳浓度的增加,淀粉凝胶强度和弹性模量呈线性关系增加,而凝胶弹性增加不明显;随着NaCl 添加量的增加,淀粉凝胶强度和弹性模量呈先增大后减小的趋势,凝胶弹性则呈减小的趋势;在pH4.0～7.2范围内,淀粉3 种凝胶力学性能变化趋势与不同NaCl 浓度下的变化相反;3 种糖类物质均可提高莲子淀粉的凝胶强度,其大小顺序依次为果糖＞葡萄糖＞蔗糖,同时也可提高莲子淀粉的凝胶弹性和弹性模量,但影响程度不大;当吐温-80 加入量小于0.5% 时,淀粉凝胶强度和弹性模量迅速减小,凝胶弹性略有增加,当吐温-80 加入量大于0.5% 时,淀粉凝胶力学性能基本不变。     

Effect of increasing the colloidal calcium phosphate of milk on the texture and microstructure of yogurt

The effect of increasing the colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) content on the physical, rheological, and microstructural properties of yogurt was investigated. The CCP content of heated (85°C for 30 min) milk was increased by increasing the pH by the addition of alkali (NaOH). Alkalized milk was dialyzed against pasteurized skim milk at approximately 4°C for 72 h to attempt to restore the original pH and soluble Ca content. By adjustment of the milk to pH values 7.45, 8.84, 10.06, and 10.73, the CCP content was increased to approximately 107, 116, 123, and 128%, respectively, relative to the concentration in heated milk. During fermentation of milk, the storage modulus (G′) and loss tangent values of yogurts were measured using dynamic oscillatory rheology. Large deformation rheological properties were also measured. The microstructure of yogurt was observed using fluorescence microscopy, and whey separation was determined. Acid-base titration was used to evaluate changes in the CCP content in milk. Total Ca and casein-bound Ca increased with an increase in the pH value of alkalization. During acidification, elevated buffering occurred in milk between pH values 6.7 to 5.2 with an increase in the pH of alkalization. When acidified milk was titrated with alkali, elevated buffering occurred in milk between pH values 5.6 to 6.4 with an increase in the pH of alkalization. The high residual pH of milk after dialysis could be responsible for the decreased contents of soluble Ca in these milks. The pH of gelation was higher in all dialyzed samples compared with the heated control milk, and the gelation pH was higher with an increase in CCP content. The sample with highest CCP content (128%) exhibited gelation at very high pH (6.3), which could be due to alkali-induced CN micellar disruption. The G′ values at pH 4.6 were similar in gels with CCP levels up to 116%; at higher CCP levels, the G′ values at pH 4.6 greatly decreased. Loss tangent values at pH 5.1 were similar in all samples except in gels with a CCP level of 128%. For dialyzed milk, the whey separation levels were similar in gels made from milk with up to 107% CCP but increased at higher CCP levels. Microstructure of yogurt gels made from milk with 100 to 107% CCP was similar but very large clusters were observed in gels made from milk with higher CCP levels. By dialyzing heated milk against pasteurized milk, we may have retained some heat-induced Ca phosphate on micelles that normally dissolves on cooling because, during dialysis, pasteurized milk provided soluble Ca ions to the heated milk system. Yogurt texture was significantly affected by increasing the casein-bound Ca (and total Ca) content of milk as well as by the alkalization procedure involved in that approach.     

Inulins improve sensoric and textural properties of low-fat yoghurts

In this study we investigated in detail the effects of the addition of inulins to the sensoric properties of low-fat yoghurts. Yoghurts were prepared from skimmed milk and with different concentrations of inulin (0–4%). Two types of inulin with different chain length of the polymer were used. Attributes contributing to creamy mouthfeel were assessed by a trained expert panel. The analysis showed that stickiness, airiness and thickness contributed to the creamy mouthfeel of the yoghurts with thickness being significantly affected by the inulins. Unexpectedly, we found that inulins affected airiness and we could show that for long chain inulin an optimum was reached for airiness in the concentration range between 1.5% and 4%, with an apparent optimum at 3% and that native inulin with a shorter chain length was less effective.The results show that inulins can be used successfully to improve the creamy mouthfeel of low-fat yoghurts.     

Relationship between somatic cell counts and the properties of yoghurt made from ewes’ milk

Mastitis is one of the most serious diseases that can affect ewes. Owing to the infection of the mammary gland, its synthetic functions decrease and this is accompanied by a deterioration of the physiological barrier to the blood. This may affect the composition of milk and hence the products derived from it. In the present work, yoghurts were made from ewes’ milk with three different somatic cell count (SCC), and the composition of the starting milk and the characteristics of the final product were analysed. High SCC affected the pH of the milk and its lactose content, and changes pH and acidity during the yoghurt fermentation process. The yoghurts made with high counts had an unsuitable texture and sensory analyses revealed that they were rejected by consumers.     

Effect of Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate on the Physicochemical Properties of Yogurt Gels

The effect of tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) on the properties of yogurt gels was investigated. Various concentrations (0.05 to 0.2%) of TSPP were added to preheated (85°C for 30 min) reconstituted skim milk, which was readjusted to pH 6.50. Milk was inoculated with 2% starter culture and incubated at 42°C until the pH reached 4.6. Acid-base buffering profiles of milk and total and soluble calcium levels were measured. Turbidity measurements were used to indicate changes in casein dispersion. Storage modulus (G′) and loss tangent (LT) values of yogurts were monitored during fermentation using dynamic oscillatory rheology. Large deformation properties of gels were also measured. Microstructural properties of yogurt were observed using fluorescence microscopy. The addition of TSPP resulted in the disappearance of the buffering peak during acid titration at pH ∼5.1 that is due to the solubilization of colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP), and a new peak was observed at lower pH values (pH 4.0-4.5). The buffering peak at pH 6.0 during base titration virtually disappeared with addition of TSPP and a new peak appeared at pH ∼4.8. The addition of TSPP reduced the soluble Ca content of milk and increased casein-bound Ca values. The addition of up to 0.125% TSPP resulted in a reduction in turbidity because of micelle dispersion but at 0.15%, turbidity increased and these samples exhibited a time-dependent increase in turbidity because of aggregation of casein particles. Gels made with 0.20% TSPP were very weak and had a very high gelation pH (6.35), probably due to complete dispersion of the micelle structure in this sample. The LT value of gels at pH 5.1 decreased with an increase in TSPP concentration, probably due to the loss of CCP with the addition of TSPP. The G′ values at pH 4.6 of gels made with ≤0.10% TSPP were not significantly different but the addition of ≥0.125% TSPP significantly decreased G′ values. The addition of 0.05 to 0.125% TSPP to milk resulted in a reduction in the yield stress values of yogurt compared with yogurt made without TSPP. Greater TSPP levels (>0.125%) markedly reduced the yield stress values of yogurt. Lowest whey separation levels were observed in yogurts made with 0.10% TSPP. High TSPP levels (>0.10%) greatly increased the apparent pore size of gels. Addition of very low levels of TSPP to milk for yogurt manufacture may be useful in reducing the whey separation defect, but at TSPP concentrations ≥0.125% very weak gels were formed.     

Distribution and stability of aflatoxin M1 during production and storage of yoghurt.

Yoghurt from cow's milk artificially contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) at levels of 0.050 and 0.100 g l(-1) was fermented to reach pHs 4.0 and 4.6. Yoghurt fermented to pH 4.6 was also used for preparing strained yoghurt. Yoghurts were stored at 4 degrees C for up to 4 weeks. Analysis of AFM1 in milk, yoghurt, strained yoghurt and yoghurt whey was carried out using immunoaffinity column extraction and liquid chromatography coupled with fluorometric detection. AFM1 levels in yoghurt samples showed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) compared with those initially added to milk. Growth of culture lactic acid bacteria was not affected in the AFM1 contaminated yoghurts, with the exception of Streptococcus thermophilus that showed a significantly (p < 0.01) lower increase in the yoghurt containing the toxin at high concentration. Following fermentation, AFM1 was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in yoghurts with pH 4.0 than in yoghurts with pH 4.6 at both contamination levels. During refrigerated storage, AFM1 was rather more stable in yoghurts with pH 4.6 than with pH 4.0. The percentage loss of the initial amount of AFM1 in milk was estimated at about 13 and 22% by the end of the fermentation, and 16 and 34% by the end of storage for yoghurts with pHs 4.6 and 4.0, respectively. The percentage distribution ratio of AFM1 in strained yoghurt/yoghurt whey of the initial toxin present in the yoghurt was about 90/10 and 87/13 for the lower and the higher contamination levels, respectively.     

Effect of pH at pressure treatment on the acid gelation of skim milk

Skim milk at pH between 6.4 and 7.3 was pressure treated at 200–600 MPa for 30 min and then slowly acidified with glucono-δ-lactone to form acid gels. Milks at low pH produced acid gels with low elastic moduli (final G′) and yield stresses and those at higher pH produced acid gels with higher final G′ and yield stresses. Pressure treatment disrupted the casein micelles at all pH and transferred high levels of casein to the serum phase. Denaturation of α-lactalbumin occurred at a pressure of 600 MPa only, and the level of denaturation increased with increasing pH. Denaturation of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) occurred at all pressures, with the level of denaturation increasing with the magnitude of the pressure treatment and with pH. The denaturation of the whey proteins and the disruption of the casein micelles could not entirely account for the changes in the rheological properties of the acid gels, as denaturation of up to 50% of the whey proteins produced acid gels with very low final G′ and yield stresses. It is proposed that the pH and the magnitude of the pressure treatment affect the interactions of the denatured β-LG with the casein proteins in the pressure-treated milks, and that this affects the ability of the denatured β-LG to participate in the acid gel structures.Industrial relevanceThe control and manipulation of the firmness of acid skim milk gels is important in many dairy food applications such as yogurts and some types of cheeses. This study has demonstrated that acid gel firmness can be substantially manipulated when the milk is pH adjusted and pressure treated before acidification, and that these effects are different to those obtained through heating. The commercial uptake of high pressure processing in the dairy industry is dependent on this technology producing unique functional properties in milk when compared with traditional processing. The results of this study indicates that high pressure processing of milk may offer unique functional properties in acid gel applications which could be used for the development of new or improved dairy products.     

Physical properties and microstructure of yoghurts supplemented with milk protein hydrolysates

The physical properties and the microstructure of yoghurts containing probiotic bacteria, and supplemented with milk protein hydrolysates, were studied. Three casein hydrolysates and three whey protein hydrolysates were added to milk at a concentration ranging from 0.25 to 4 g L⁻¹. The milks were then fermented with either of two different cultures. The resulting yoghurts with added hydrolysates were compared to the control yoghurt without supplementation. For both cultures, addition of hydrolysates decreased the complex viscosity and graininess in yoghurts. The addition of hydrolysates also reduced fermentation time. Microstructural observations showed a more open and less branched structure in yoghurts when milk protein hydrolysates were incorporated. The difference in fermentation time between milks with different levels of added hydrolysates could partially explain the differences in microstructure and physical properties of the final yoghurts.     

Comparison of the effects of high-pressure microfluidization and conventional homogenization of milk on particle size,water retention and texture of non-fat and low-fat yoghurts

The effect of high-pressure homogenization using a Microfluidizer^® on texture, water-holding capacity, and extent of syneresis on stirred yoghurts was compared with that of conventional homogenization. The effect of homogenization condition on particle size was also assessed in milk and in yoghurt. Stirred yoghurts were prepared from recombined milk samples (0 and 1.5% fat) heat-treated (95 °C, 2 min) and then treated by conventional valve homogenization at 25 MPa or microfluidization at 150 MPa. Homogenization conditions influenced the particle size in milk, gel particle size, and textural quality of stirred yoghurts in a manner dependent upon fat content. Milk microfluidized at 150 MPa had smaller particle size than homogenized milk, but resulted in larger particles in yoghurt. Microfluidization of low-fat milk modified the microstructure of yoghurt, giving more interconnectivity in the protein networks with embedded fat globules, but with similar texture profiles and water retention compared with yoghurt made from conventionally homogenized milk.     

Effect of ultrasonication on the properties of skim milk used in the formation of acid gels

Skim milk was ultrasonicated for times up to 30 min either with or without temperature control. Ultrasonication (US) without temperature control resulted in the generation of considerable heat, with the milk reaching  95 °C within 15 min of treatment. The whey proteins were denatured. Changes to the casein micelle size were observed, with decreases during the early stages of US and increases (because of aggregation) on prolonged treatment. Significant κ-casein dissociated from the micelles. Acid gels prepared from these ultrasonicated samples increased in firmness (final G′) up to a maximum final G′ after  15 min of US, followed by a decrease from this maximum on prolonged treatment. US with temperature control demonstrated that the denaturation of the whey proteins was entirely due to the heat generated during US, although the casein micelle size was still reduced. Acid gels prepared from ultrasonicated skim milk in which the temperature remained below the denaturation temperature of the whey proteins had low final G′, although a small increase was observed with increasing US time. Acid gels prepared from the samples that were ultrasonicated at temperatures above the denaturation temperature of the whey proteins had higher final G′, which could reach values similar to those obtained by the conventional heating of milk. The results of this study indicate that, in skim milk, most of the effect of US can be related to the heat generated from the treatment, with US itself having only a small effect on the milk when the temperatures are controlled.

Industrial relevance

The control and the manipulation of the firmness of acid skim milk gels are important in many dairy food applications such as yoghurts and some types of cheese. US is an emerging technology that could be used to process skim milk for use in acid gelled products. This study has demonstrated that acid gel firmness can be substantially manipulated when skim milk is ultrasonically treated before acidification; however, most of the effect is due to the heat generated during US treatment. As the effects of US are similar to those obtained through conventional heating processes, and as US can control spoilage microorganisms, using US under controlled temperature conditions could be an alternative to conventional heating to give desired functional properties and storage stability to milk products. However, the temperature/denaturation/aggregation would need to be carefully controlled to minimize the detrimental effects of excessive heating.     

Some properties of yoghurt produced by adding mulberry pekmez (concentrated juice)

Fruit-flavoured yoghurt was made by adding 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% mulberry pekmez (MP) into milk. The effects of the MP on the quality and fermentation process of the yoghurt were determined. The titratable acidity, pH, viscosity, whey separation and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts were determined at weekly intervals for 28 days. The pH range of the MP yoghurts was 4.65–5.57 and the pH of the plain yoghurt was 4.47 ( P  < 0.05). The addition of MP led to an increase in the fermentation time and a decrease in the viscosity of the yoghurts. Statistically significant differences were found between the plain and MP yoghurts in terms of pH (4.01 and 4.35), viscosity (5429 and 3175 cP) and number of LAB (7.07 and 6.48 log cfu). During storage, the titratable acidity, viscosity and LAB counts of MP yoghurts were lower and the whey separations higher than those of controls.