High-pressure homogenization of raw and pasteurized milk modifies the yield, composition, and texture of queso fresco cheese

High-pressure homogenization (HPH) of milk was studied as an alternative processing operation in the manufacturing of queso fresco cheese. Raw and pasteurized (65°C for 30 min) milks were subjected to HPH at 0, 100, 200, and 300 MPa and then used to manufacture queso fresco. The cheeses were evaluated for yield, moisture content, titratable acidity, nitrogen content, whey protein content, yield force, yield strain, and tactile texture by instrumental or trained panel analyses. The combination of HPH and thermal processing of milk resulted in cheeses with increased yield and moisture content. The net amount of protein transferred to the cheese per kilogram of milk remained constant for all treatments except raw milk processed at 300 MPa. The highest cheese yield, moisture content, and crumbliness were obtained for thermally processed milk subjected to HPH at 300 MPa. The principal component analysis of all measured variables showed that the variables yield, moisture content, and crumbliness were strongly correlated to each other and negatively correlated to the variables yield strain, protein content (wet basis), and sensory cohesiveness. It is suggested that the combination of thermal processing and HPH promotes thermally induced denaturation of whey protein, together with homogenization-induced dissociation of casein micelles. The combined effect results in queso fresco containing a thin casein-whey matrix that is able to better retain sweet whey. These results indicate that HPH has a strong potential for the manufacture of queso fresco with excellent yield and textural properties.     

Effect of trisodium citrate on rheological and physical properties and microstructure of yogurt

The effect of trisodium citrate (TSC) on the rheological and physical properties and microstructure of yogurt was investigated. Reconstituted skim milk was heated at 85° C for 30 min, and various concentrations (5 to 40 mM) of TSC were added to the milk, which was then readjusted to pH 6.50. Milk was inoculated with 2% yogurt culture and incubated at 42° C until pH was 4.6. Acid-base titration was used to determine changes in the state of colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) in milk. Total and soluble Ca contents of the milk were determined. The storage modulus (G′) and loss tangent (LT) values of yogurts were measured as a function of pH using dynamic oscillatory rheology. Large deformation rheological properties were also measured. Microstructure of yogurt was observed using confocal scanning laser microscopy, and whey separation was also determined. Addition of TSC reduced casein-bound Ca and increased the solubilization of CCP. The G′ value of gels significantly increased with addition of low levels of TSC, and highest G′ values were observed in samples with 10 to 20 mM TSC; higher ( > 20 mM) TSC concentrations resulted in a large decrease in G′ values. The LT of yogurts increased after gelation to attain a maximum at pH ∼5.1, but no maximum was observed in yogurts made with ≥ 25 mM of TSC because CCP was completely dissolved prior to gelation. Partial removal of CCP resulted in an increase in the LT value at pH 5.1. At low TSC levels, the removal of CCP crosslinks may have facilitated greater rearrangement and molecular mobility of the micelle structure, which may have helped to increase G′ and LT values of gels by increasing the formation of crosslinks between strands. At high TSC concentrations the micelles were completely disrupted and CCP crosslinks were dissolved, both of which resulted in very weak yogurt gels with large pores obvious in confocal micrographs. Gelation pH and yield stress significantly decreased with the use of high TSC levels. Lowest whey separation levels were observed in yogurt made with 20 mM TSC, and whey separation greatly increased at > 25 mM TSC. In conclusion, low concentrations of TSC improved several important yogurt characteristics, whereas the use of levels that disrupted casein micelles resulted in poor gel properties. We also conclude that the LT maximum observed in yogurts made from heated milk is due to the presence of CCP because the modification of the CCP content altered this peak and the removal of CCP eliminates this feature in the LT profiles.     

Disruption and sedimentation of casein micelles and casein micelle isolates under high-pressure homogenization

Native casein micelles were isolated from raw skim milk by ultrafiltration (< 30 kDa) or microfiltration (< 0.2 μm) and subjected to high-pressure homogenization (HPH) at 100, 200, 250, 300, and 350 MPa. Of particular interest was the effect of HPH on casein micelle size in solutions varying in ionic strength (0, 5, 10, and 15 mM CaCl₂) and micelle size populations. Particle size distribution reflected an initial decrease in micelle diameter in all samples at 100 MPa. In samples containing 10 and 15 mM CaCl₂, there was an abrupt increase in particle size and subsequent casein precipitation followed by sedimentation upon centrifugation at elevated pressures (300 and 350 MPa). The amount of sedimentable casein protein increased as CaCl₂ concentration (10 and 15 mM) and pressure (300 and 350 MPa) increased as determined by UV absorbance of sample supernatant. SDS-PAGE indicated extensive micellar disruption at elevated pressures (300 and 350 MPa) and confirmed that the sedimented portion of the samples contained casein proteins and minimal amounts of whey proteins. Results indicated that through HPH treatment casein micelle size can be modified based on CaCl₂ concentration and pressure applied. Based on these findings, HPH in combination with an appropriate suspending medium has the ability to modify micelles to a desired size for a number of potential applications.Industrial relevanceThe modification of structure-function properties of the casein micelle from bovine milk by using high-pressure homogenization is relevant in (1) the development of new ingredients to change rheological/textural properties of dairy based foods, and (2) the discovery of new and/or improved functionalities for protein quaternary structures.     

Solubilized micellar calcium induced low methoxyl-pectin aggregation during milk acidification

Low methoxyl (LM) pectin was combined with 3-kDa molecular weight cut-off permeates from milk subjected to pH 6.7 to 5 and 7°C or 40°C with the objective of studying the effect of solubilized micellar calcium on viscoelastic properties of LM-pectin-milk mixes. Lowering the pH of skim milk with hydrochloric acid during ultrafiltration gradually promoted permeates to exhibit gel-like behavior when combined with LM-pectin. The onset of the gel-like behavior (G′ > 1) occurred at a higher pH when permeates were obtained from milk filtered at 7°C compared with 40°C. As pH value during ultrafiltration approached 5 and regardless of temperature, G′ for permeate-pectin mixes approached the same values (∼70 Pa) as G′ for skim milk-pectin mixes. In all cases G′ was highly correlated with free calcium concentration (r > 0.95). The gradual acidification of skim milk-LM-pectin using glucono-δ-lactone, promoted a sharp increase in storage modulus as pH approached 5.2 and a maximum G′ increment (ΔG′) at pH ∼4.9. From pH 4.9 to 4, G′ continued to increase but at smaller increments. It was concluded that LM-pectin-casein micelle interaction in milk is a 2-step process: 1) solubilized micellar calcium dependent pectin-pectin interaction as pH approaches 5.0 to 4.9, and 2) pectin-casein micelle interaction in the 5.0-4.9 to 4.0 pH range.     

Dynamic high pressure-induced gelation in milk protein model systems

The structure-functional properties of milk proteins are relevant in food formulation. Recently, there has been growing interest in dynamic high-pressure homogenization effects on the rheological-structural properties of food macromolecules and proteins. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of different homogenization pressures on rheological properties of milk protein model systems. For this purpose, sodium caseinate (SC) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) were dispersed at different concentrations (1, 2, and 4%), pasteurized, and then homogenized at 0, 18 MPa (conventional pressure, CP), 100 MPa (high pressure, HP), and 150 MPa (HP+). Differences in viscosity were observed between WPC and casein dispersions according to concentration, heat treatment, and homogenization pressure. Mechanical spectra described the characteristic behavior of solutions except for the WPC 4% pasteurized sample, in which a network formed but was broken after homogenization. Dispersions with different ratios of WPC and SC were also made. In these systems, pasteurization alone did not determine network formation, whereas homogenization alone promoted cold gelation. A total concentration of at least 4% was required for homogenization-induced gelation in pasteurized and unpasteurized samples. Gels with higher elastic modulus (G′) were obtained in more concentrated samples, and a bell-shaped behavior with the maximum value at HP was observed. The HP treatment produced stronger gels than the CP treatment. Similar G′ values were obtained when different concentrations, pasteurization conditions, and homogenization pressures were combined. Therefore, by setting appropriate process conditions, systems or gels with tailored characteristics may be obtained from dispersions of milk proteins.     

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.     

Effect of high-pressure homogenization on microstructure and rheological properties of alkali-treated high-amylose maize starch

The effect of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) on the microstructure, rheological properties, paste clarity, as well as gel retrogradation behavior of alkali-gelatinized high-amylose maize starch (HMS) was investigated. The alkali-treated HMS pastes were subjected to HPH at homogenizing pressures of 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 MPa. After HPH treatment, the uniformity in the microstructure of HMS pastes was greatly increased. At homogenizing pressures greater than 100 MPa, starch ghost particles were found to completely disappear. The apparent viscosity of the HMS pastes was found to decrease significantly due to the application of HPH. The paste clarity of the HMS pastes increased when HPH treatment was applied. After storing at 4 °C for 7 days, HMS pastes homogenized at 50 and 100 MPa displayed weaker viscoelastic behavior than their corresponding unhomogenized pastes. This indicated that HPH treatment is capable of inhibiting starch retrogradation in gels.     

Effect of heating on the distribution of transforming growth factor-��2 in bovine milk

The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of heat treatments on the distribution of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-??2) between cream and skim milk and between the casein and whey fractions of skim milk. Skimming removed 45% and 62% of the TGF-??2 from raw and pasteurized milks and only 8% of the total TGF-??2 in skimmed pasteurized milk was found in whey, compared to 37% in whey from raw skimmed milk. The TGF-??2 content of whey decreased as the heat treatment of the milk increased in intensity (thermization > pasteurization > UHT sterilization). Using milk held for 1 or 2 min at temperatures ranging from 57 to 84 °C, it was shown that TGF-??2 in the whey portion decreases at temperatures above 66 °C and becomes undetectable at temperatures higher than 76 °C. Altogether, these data on the heat-induced changes in TGF-??2 content of cream, skim milk, casein and whey reveal a potentially negative impact of certain heat treatments in developing TGF-??2-enriched fractions from milk.     

Potential of high pressure homogenization in the control and enhancement of proteolytic and fermentative activities of some Lactobacillus species

Different species of Lactobacillus involved in dairy product fermentation and ripening were considered in order to study the effect of high pressure homogenization (HPH) on: (i) fermentation kinetics of HPH treated cells inoculated in milk; (ii) metabolic profiles; (iii) release of intracellular proteolytic enzymes; and (iv) enhance of the activity of extracellular or cellular wall located proteolytic enzymes. The HPH treatments applied were 50, 100, 150 MPa, 2 cycles at 50 and at 100 MPa. The viability loss did not exceed 1.3 log cfu/ml after the higher treatments applied. The electrophoretic profiles of α- or β-casein incubated with the different cell free filtrates shown that HPH positively affected the proteolytic activity of some strains. Moreover, HPH affected the acidification rates of the milk inoculated with the processed cells and the primary metabolism of some strains. Regarding volatile compounds, ethanol, acetoin and 2-methyl butyric acid were subjected to the major changes when the inoculum had been processed.     

Effect of insoluble calcium concentration on rennet coagulation properties of milk

Rennet-induced gels were made from milk acidified to various pH values or milk at pH 6.0 that had added EDTA. The objective was to examine the effect of removing insoluble Ca (INS Ca) from casein micelles (CM) on rennet gelation properties. For the pH trial, diluted lactic acid was added to reconstituted skim milk to decrease the pH to 6.4, 6.0, 5.8, 5.6, and 5.4. For the EDTA trial, EDTA was slowly added (0, 2, 4, and 6 mM) to reconstituted skim milk, and the final pH values were subsequently adjusted to pH 6.0. Dynamic low amplitude oscillatory rheology was used to monitor gel development. The Ca content of CM and rennet wheys made from these milks was measured using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. The INS Ca content of milk was altered by the acidification pH values or level of EDTA added. In all samples, the storage modulus (G′) exhibited a maximum (GM), with a decrease in G′ during longer aging times. Gels made at pH 6.4 had higher GM compared with gels made at pH 6.7 probably due to the reduction in electrostatic repulsion, whereas the INS Ca content only slightly decreased. The highest GM value of gels was observed at pH 6.4 and the GM value decreased with decreasing pH from 6.4 to 5.4. This was due to an excessive loss of INS Ca from CM. There was a decrease in GM with the increase in the concentration of added EDTA, which was probably due to the loss of colloidal calcium phosphate, which weakens the integrity of CM. Loss tangent (LT) values at GM increased with a reduction in milk pH and the addition of EDTA to milk. Rennet gels at the point of the GM were subjected to constant low shearing to fracture the gels. With a reduction in INS Ca content, the yield stress decreased, whereas LT values increased indicating a weaker, more flexible casein network. Microstructure of rennet-induced gels near the GM point and 2 to 10 h after this point was studied using fluorescence microscopy. At GM, gels made from milk acidified to pH 6.4 exhibited more branched, interconnected networks, whereas strands and clusters became larger with a reduction in milk pH to 5.4. Gels made from milk with EDTA added had more finely dispersed protein clusters compared with gels made from milk with no EDTA added. These microscopic observations supported the effect of loss of INS Ca on GM and LT. There was a decrease in apparent interconnectivity between strands in gel microstructure during aging, which agreed with the decrease in G′ after GM. It can be concluded that low levels of solubilization of INS Ca and the decrease in milk pH resulted in an increase in GM. With greater losses of INS Ca there was excessive reduction in cross-linking within CM, which resulted in weaker, more flexible rennet gels. This complex behavior cannot be explained by adhesive hard sphere models for CM or rennet gels made from these CM.     

Evaluation of physical properties during storage of set and stirred yogurts made from ultra-high pressure homogenization-treated milk

The effects of ultra-high pressure homogenization (UHPH) on cow's milk were investigated and its suitability for yogurt manufacturing was compared with the conventional process currently applied in the yogurt industry. Yogurts were prepared from UHPH-treated milks at 200 and 300 MPa at 40 °C, and yogurts prepared from heat-treated milk at 90 °C for 90 s, homogenized at 15 MPa and enriched with 3% of skim milk powder were used as control samples. This study included determination of titrable acidity, water-holding capacity (WHC), and textural and rheological evaluation of gels in both set-type and stirred yogurts. In order to follow the evolution of yogurts during storage at refrigeration temperature (4–6 °C), all analyses were carried out weekly (1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days). Results showed that yogurts from UHPH-treated milk presented higher WHC and firmness values compared with the conventional yogurts. However, the disruption of the network from UHPH-treated milk into stirred gels resulted in yogurts with higher consistency, less syneresis but coarser structure than the conventional ones.     

Effect of milk solids concentration on the gels formed by the acidification of heated pH-adjusted skim milk

Reconstituted skim milk of 10–25% total solids was adjusted to pH values between about 6.2 and 7.1 and heated at 80 °C for 30 min. Gels were formed from the heated milks by slow acidification to pH 4.2 and the gelation process and final gels were analyzed for their rheological properties. At each milk concentration, the final acid gel firmness (final G′) and breaking stress could be changed markedly by manipulation of the pH during heating. The final gel firmness and breaking stress could also be modified by changing the concentration of the milk solids prior to heating and acidification. The results indicated that similar gel firmness and breaking stress could be achieved over a range of milk concentrations by control of the pH of the milk during heating. When expressed as a percentage change in final G′ or breaking stress relative to that obtained at the natural pH, plots of the change in final G′ or breaking stress versus pH fell close to a single curve, indicating that the same mechanism may influence the gelation properties at all milk concentrations. The final G′ and breaking stress were related to the denaturation and interaction of the whey proteins with the casein micelles, and the formation of non-sedimentable casein when the milk was heated.     

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.     

Small and large deformation rheology and microstructure of κ-carrageenan gels containing commercial milk protein products

The rheological behaviour of commercial milk protein/κ-carrageenan mixtures in aqueous solutions was studied at neutral pH. Four milk protein ingredients; skim milk powder, milk protein concentrate, sodium caseinate, and whey protein isolate were considered. As seen by confocal laser microscopy, mixtures of κ-carrageenan with skim milk powder, milk protein concentrate, and sodium caseinate showed phase separation, but no phase separation was observed in mixtures containing whey protein isolate. For κ-carrageenan concentrations up to 0.5 wt%, the viscosity of the mixtures at low shear rates increased markedly in the case of skim milk powder and milk protein concentrate addition, but did not change by the addition of sodium caseinate or whey protein isolate. For κ-carrageenan concentrations from 1 to 2.5 wt%, small and large deformation rheological measurements, performed on the milk protein/κ-carrageenan gels, showed that skim milk powder, milk protein concentrate or sodium caseinate markedly improved the strength of the resulting gels, but whey protein isolate had no effect on the gel stength.     

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.     

Gelation of casein micelles in ��-casein reduced milk prepared using membrane filtration

Pasteurized skim milk was subjected to membrane filtration using a molecular weight cut-off of 80 kDa and a plate and frame pilot scale system at temperatures below 10 °C. Via this process, transmission of whey proteins and ??-casein through the membrane was achieved. The milk was concentrated to two times (based on volume reduction), and whey protein-free permeate was added to return to the original volume fraction of casein micelles in milk. This diafiltration process was carried out four times, and the retentate obtained was nearly free of whey proteins and with approximately 20% of ??-casein removed. The same membrane filtration was also carried out at 25 °C to achieve transmission of whey protein but not of ??-casein, and to obtain whey protein-depleted milk without depletion of ??-casein.The gelling behaviour of these samples, reconstituted to the original casein volume fraction, was examined using rheology and diffusing wave spectroscopy. When compared to the original skim milk it was found that there were no statistically significant differences in gelation behaviour during acidification, but differences were noted in gelation time and final stiffness modulus for samples undergoing renneting. These differences were attributed mostly to the changes in ionic composition, as when the serum composition of the retentates was re-equilibrated against the original skim milk by dialysis; the gelation behaviour of the samples was comparable to that of skim milk. The results clearly indicate the importance of the milk's overall ionic balance in the early stages of aggregation of rennet-induced gelation of milk.     

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.     

Acid coagulation properties and suitability for yogurt production of cows’ milk treated by high-pressure homogenisation

The effects of high-pressure homogenisation (HPH) of cows’ milk were investigated for suitability for yogurt manufacture, compared with the processes currently applied in industry. Milk at different inlet temperatures (30 °C or 40 °C) was subjected to HPH treatment at 100, 200 or 300 MPa (one stage) and 130, 230 or 330 MPa (two-stage). HPH-treated milk was compared with milk heat-treated (90 °C for 90 s) and homogenised at 15 MPa, and with milk treated under the same thermal conditions and also fortified with 3% skim milk powder. Milk treated at 300 or 200 MPa showed higher gel strengths on coagulation, higher gel firmness in texture analysis, less syneresis and lower titratable acidity compared with conventionally treated milk fortified with 3% skim milk powder.     

Maintenance of breast milk immunoglobulin A after high-pressure processing

Human milk is considered the optimal nutritional source for infants. Banked human milk is processed using low-temperature, long-time pasteurization, which assures microbial safety but involves heat denaturation of some desirable milk components such as IgA. High-pressure processing technology, the subject of the current research, has shown minimal destruction of food macromolecules. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of pressure treatments on IgA content. Moreover, bacterial load was evaluated after pressure treatments. The effects of high-pressure processing on milk IgA content were compared with those of low-temperature, long-time pasteurization. Mature human milk samples were heat treated at 62.5°C for 30 min or pressure processed at 400, 500, or 600 MPa for 5 min at 12°C. An indirect ELISA was used to measure IgA in human milk whey obtained after centrifugation at 800 × g for 10 min at 4°C. All 3 high-pressure treatments were as effective as low-temperature, long-time pasteurization in reducing the bacterial population of the human milk samples studied. After human milk pressure processing at 400 MPa, 100% of IgA content was preserved in milk whey, whereas only 72% was retained in pasteurized milk whey. The higher pressure conditions of 500 and 600 MPa produced IgA retention of 87.9 and 69.3%, respectively. These results indicate that high-pressure processing at 400 MPa for 5 min at 12°C maintains the immunological protective capacity associated with IgA antibodies. This preliminary study suggests that high-pressure processing may be a promising alternative to pasteurization in human milk banking.     

High Pressure Homogenization versus Heat Treatment: Effect on Survival, Growth, and Metabolism of Dairy Leuconostoc Strains

The effect of high pressure homogenization (HPH) with respect to a traditional heat treatment on the inactivation, growth at 8°C after treatments, and volatile profile of adventitious Leuconostoc strains isolated from Cremoso Argentino spoiled cheeses and ingredients used for their manufacture was evaluated. Most Leuconostoc strains revealed elevated resistance to HPH (eight passes, 100 MPa), especially when resuspended in skim milk. Heat treatment was more efficient than HPH in inactivating Leuconostoc cells at the three initial levels tested. The levels of alcohols and sulfur compounds increased during incubation at 8°C in HPH-treated samples, while the highest amounts of aldehydes and ketones characterized were in heated samples. Leuconostoc cells resuspended in skim milk and subjected to one single-pass HPH treatment using an industrial-scale machine showed remarkable reductions in viable cell counts only when 300 and 400 MPa were applied. However, the cell counts of treated samples rose rapidly after only 5 days of storage at 8°C. The Leuconostoc strains tested in this work were highly resistant to the inactivation treatments applied. Neither HPH nor heat treatment assured their total destruction, even though they were more sensitive to the thermal treatment. To enhance the inhibitory effect on Leuconostoc cells, HPH should be combined with a mild heat treatment, which in addition to efficient microbial inactivation, could allow maximal retention of the physicochemical properties of the product.