A RAPD-based survey of thermophilic bacilli in milk powders from different countries

Twenty-eight milk powders from 18 different countries were examined for the number and type of contaminating thermophilic bacilli. Of 742 isolates examined, 96.8% were assigned to the same strains of bacilli as previously found in New Zealand powders. The dominant isolate was Anoxybacillus flavithermus strain C followed by Bacillus licheniformis strain F. The former was also prevalent in New Zealand powders and the results demonstrate that A. flavithermus represents a widespread contaminant, seemingly ubiquitous in factories producing milk powder. The presence of thermophilic strains of Geobacillus stearothermophilus and to a lesser extent of Bacillus subtilis in milk powders was reconfirmed.     

Lactose-free skim milk and prebiotics as carrier agents of Bifidobacterium BB-12 microencapsulation: physicochemical properties,survival during storage and in vitro gastrointestinal condition behaviour

Bifidobacterium BB-12 was microencapsulated by spray drying using lactose-free milk, lactose-free milk and inulin, and lactose-free milk and oligofructose, resulting in powders 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The highest encapsulation yield (88.01%) and the highest bifidobacteria viability during 120 days of storage were noted for spray-dried powder 2. Spray-dried powders 1 and 3 show a higher tendency to yellow colour. After being submitted to in vitro-simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the best probiotic survival rate result was found for spray-dried powder 3 (87.59%). Therefore, spray-dried powders containing prebiotics were the most appropriate combinations for microencapsulation of Bifidobacterium BB-12 and maintenance of cell viability during storage and gastrointestinal system, showing great potential to be used in lactose-free dairy products.     

In-situ lecithination of dairy powders in spray-drying for confectionery applications

Powders are essential ingredients of chocolate. In particular for milk chocolate milk and whey powders are important, together with sucrose, lactose and cocoa solids. During processing to maintain a good flow of the molten chocolate mass, particles with hydrophilic surfaces, such as dairy powders and sugars, are coated with a surface-active compound. Only lecithin and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) (at a limited level) are allowed in chocolate, and as these are expensive as little as possible is added, whilst maintaining rheological properties. Conventionally, lecithin is added during conching, and through the intense kneading of the chocolate mass it is distributed throughout the mass. Usually about 0.5% is added, although the level depends upon the composition of the chocolate. Here we present a new approach to lecithination of spray-dried milk and lactose powders, which we call in-situ lecithination. It has been found that the surface of a spray-dried powder is dominated by any surface-active species, and in a competitive situation, the most rapidly adsorbing species dominates. This behaviour is utilised when lecithin is added to the spray-dryer feed, and through the competitive adsorption of surface-active agents during the drying process, it dominates the powder surface composition as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This is also seen in differences in sedimentation rate when the powders are mixed with cocoa butter to assess the rheological properties of the powder dispersions. The effect was large for lactose powders, but smaller for skim milk powder and whey powder.     

Effects of Co-spray Drying of Surfactants with High Solids Milk on Milk Powder Wettability

Dairy industries often spray lecithin, a food-grade surfactant, to spray-dried whole milk powders while fluidisation to produce instant powders. Though adding surfactant to milk feed was often reported to improve the wettability of dried powders, this approach was not favourably used. The present study investigated the effects of surfactant addition into high solids milk feed before drying on the wettability of whole milk particles. Adding either 0.1 wt.% Tween 80 or 0.1 wt.% lecithin to un-concentrated whole milk led to a significant wettability improvement of spray-dried powders. At higher feed solids levels of 23 and 33 wt.%, the wetting process of pure milk powders was comparatively rapid, but the surfactant-added powders showed similar wettability to the pure milk powders. The development of powder wettability as drying progressed was investigated using single droplet-drying technique for 32 and 43 wt.% whole milk in the presence and absence with surfactants. The technique captured an advanced shell formation during drying of higher solids milk. The wettability of surface shells formed by surfactant-added milk was similar to those formed by pure milk throughout drying, from initial shell formation to final drying stage. By contrast, coating surfactants on the outer layer of particles being dried could substantially improve wettability. The rapid shell formation and the slow material diffusion owing to the high medium viscosity were considered the main factors limiting the migration of surfactant molecules towards droplet surface during drying.     

Physical Properties of Encapsulated Spray-Dried Milkfat

Spray-dried encapsulated milk fat powders were prepared from stable emulsions containing 40-60% milk fat and carbohydrate matrices. Moisture content of the spray-dried powders varied from 1-4%. Lowest free fat content (<10%) was found in powders with 40% fat, encapsulated in sucrose. Angles of repose ranged from 37 to 46°, and correlated with powder flow (p = 0.01). Bulk density was dependent on the encapsulant and declined with increasing fat content. Product density did not influence powder recovery through the cyclone of the dryer. Particle size distribution ranged from 20 to 120 μm with 80% of the particles < 100 μm. Powders with best physical properties were made with 40-50% butteroil encapsulated in sucrose.     

Flow Properties of Spray-Dried Encapsulated Butteroil

The interdependence of physical properties of spray-dried butteroil encapsulated in sucrose, lactose or all-purpose flour were evaluated and compared to those of common powders such as spray-dried nonfat dry milk, whole milk powder, and sodium chloride. Powders were evaluated in terms of flow (mass flow rate and angle of repose), bulk (density) and mechanical properties (compressibility and stress relaxation). The powders were classified into three groups by mechanical sieving based on size as: “small particles” (>210 μm), “particles” (+210–420 μm) and “encapsulated particles” (+210–500 μm). The flow and mechanical behavior of encapsulated powders were different (P < 0.05) from the other powders. Encapsulated powders were less flowable (P < 0.05) but the addition of 2% anti-caking/flow agent enhanced flow characteristics.     

Cholesterol Oxides in Swedish Foods and Food Ingredients: Milk Powder Products

Cream-, whole milk-and skim milk powders had 1.6, 2.0, and 18.9 mg cholesterol/g fat, respectively. About 90% of the cholesterol was unesterified. Analyses of fresh spray-dried whole-and skim milk powders from “low and medium heat” conditions and fresh roller-dried whole milk powder from “low heat” conditions contained less than 0.1 ppm cholesterol oxides in lipids. However, spray-dried whole-and skim milk powders from “high heat” conditions had substantial levels of some important cholesterol oxides. Skim-milk powders, stored in big sacks for 11–37 months and small consumer packages for 2–23 months, contained variable amounts of 5, 6α-epoxy-5β-cholestan-3β-ol (0.3–4.0 ppm), 5,6β-epoxy-5α-cholestan-3β-ol(0.7–10.40ppm), cholest-5-ene-3β,7α-diol(0.5–16.2 ppm), cholest-5-ene-3β,7β-diol(1.3–20.8 ppm), cholest-5-ene-3β,20α-diol(0.6–2.7 ppm), cholest-5-ene-3,25-diol(0.3–0.8 ppm), 5α-cholestane-3β,5,6β-triol(1.3–2.5 ppm) and 3-hydroxy-cholest-5-en-7one(1.8-24.9 ppm).     

Effect of drying methods on the physical properties and microstructures of mango (Philippine ‘Carabao’ var.) powder

Mango powders were obtained at water content below 0.05 kg water/kg dry solids using Refractance Window® (RW) drying, freeze drying (FD), drum drying (DD), and spray drying (SD). The spray-dried powder was produced with the aid of maltodextrin (DE = 10). The chosen drying methods provided wide variations in residence time, from seconds (in SD) to over 30 h (in FD), and in product temperatures, from 20 °C (in FD) to 105 °C (in DD). The colors of RW-dried mango powder and reconstituted mango puree were comparable to the freeze-dried products, but were significantly different from drum-dried (darker), and spray-dried (lighter) counterparts. The bulk densities of drum and RW-dried mango powders were higher than freeze-dried and spray-dried powders. There were no significant differences (P ? 0.05) between RW and freeze-dried powders in terms of solubility and hygroscopicity. The glass transition temperature of RW-, freeze-, drum- and spray-dried mango powders were not significantly different (P ? 0.05). The dried powders exhibited amorphous structures as evidenced by the X-ray diffractograms. The microstructure of RW-dried mango powder was smooth and flaky with uniform thickness. Particles of freeze-dried mango powder were more porous compared to the other three products. Drum-dried material exhibited irregular morphology with sharp edges, while spray-dried mango powder had a spherical shape. The study concludes that RW drying can produce mango powder with quality comparable to that obtained via freeze drying, and better than the drum and spray-dried mango powders.     

纳豆菌的分离、鉴定及产蛋白酶液态发酵条件的优化

利用奶粉豆粕培养基,采用稀释平板分离法,以H/C(透明圈直径/菌落直径)为指标,从日本传统食品纳豆中分离出9株蛋白酶产生菌。将这些初筛菌株进行发酵培养,采用Folin-酚法测定酵上清液的蛋白酶活性,选出蛋白酶活性最高的菌株H2,并依据形态特点和主要生理生化特征,鉴定为芽孢杆菌纳豆亚种(Bacillussubtilis sub.Natto)。最后以蛋白酶活性为指标,考察培养基初始pH值、温度、装液量、接种量和种龄等因素对H2菌株液态发酵的影响。结果表明,该菌株液态发酵产蛋白酶的适宜条件是:培养基初始pH值7、培养温度40℃、装液量40 mL/250 mL、接种量3%、种龄25 h。     

Effects of selected properties of ultrafiltered spray-dried milk powders on some properties of chocolate

The effects of selected properties of spray-dried milk fat powders on chocolate were determined. Milk powders produced from control or ultrafiltered (UF) milks with various levels of fat were blended with skim milk powder to give a standard 26 g fat 100 g⁻¹ powder. Particle size of the chocolate mixes after refining decreased as the fat content and free-fat content of the powders increased. Despite this, increasing fat and free-fat contents of powders reduced the Casson viscosity of the subsequent molten chocolates. Casson viscosities using powders from control or UF milks were similar, but decreased as the particle size of powders increased and particle size after refining the chocolate mix decreased. Casson yield value and hardness decreased as fat content of powders increased. Casson yield value increased with vacuole volume of powders. It is possible to alter important properties of chocolates using milk powders of varying fat contents, free-fat contents and particle sizes.     

Effect of protein concentration on the surface composition,water sorption and glass transition temperature of spray-dried skim milk powders

The effects of dilution of protein content in skim milk (34–8.5% protein content), by lactose addition, on the surface composition, water sorption property and glass transition temperatures of spray-dried powders were investigated. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of spray-dried powders showed preferential migration of proteins toward the surface of the milk particles whereas the lactose remained in the bulk. Sorption studies showed that the lower protein concentration in milk powders is linked to an increased water adsorption property and lowering of water activity (a_w) for lactose crystallization. Analysis of glass transition temperature (T_g) of the powders sorbed at different humidities showed no distinct change in T_g values, indicating the dominant effect of lactose on the glass transition temperature of all the powders.     

Effects of ultrafiltration of whole milk on some properties of spray-dried milk powders

The objective was to produce spray-dried milk powders for assessment subsequently in chocolate. Milks were ultrafiltered to increase their protein content (3.08–5.33 g 100 g⁻¹), concentrated to different solids levels (42.8–52.3 g 100 g⁻¹) and spray-dried to produce powders (26–59 g 100 g⁻¹ fat). The relationships between the milk protein content, concentrate viscosity and some powder properties were quantified. The free-fat content of the powders increased linearly to 74 g 100 g⁻¹ fat with milk protein content for 26 and 40 g 100 g⁻¹ fat powders. The particle size and moisture content of the powders increased linearly with concentrate viscosity for 26 g 100 g⁻¹ fat powders. Differences between the control and ultrafiltration-treated milk powders were explained. The free-fat content and the particle size increased with the fat content of the control powders. The vacuole volume of the powders was inversely more related to the free-fat content than to the fat content of the control powders.     

Evaluation of DNA extraction methods for Bacillus anthracis spores spiked to food and feed matrices at biosafety level 3 conditions

The DNA extraction efficiency from milk, whey, soy, corn gluten meal, wheat powders and heat-treated corn grain that were spiked with Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus thuringiensis spores was determined. Two steps were critical: lysis of the spores and binding of the free DNA to the DNA binding magnetic beads in the presence of the interfering powders. For the guanidine-thiocyanate based Nuclisens lysis buffer from Biomerieux we found that between 15 and 30% of the spores survived the lysis step. As most lysis buffers in DNA/RNA extraction kits are guanidine based it is likely that other lysis buffers will show a similar partial lysis of the Bacillus spores. Our results show that soybean flour and wheat flour inhibited the DNA extraction process strongest, leading to unreliable DNA extractions when using too much of the matrix. For corn gluten meal, heat-treated corn grain and milk powders, DNA extraction efficiencies in the presence of 100mg and 10mg of powder resulted in 70%-95% reduced DNA recoveries. The inhibition was, however, reliable and intermediate compared to the inhibition by soy and wheat. Whey powder had the lowest inhibitory effect on DNA-extraction efficiency and recoveries of 70-100% could be reached when using 10mg of powder. The results show that reducing the amount of matrix leads to better DNA-extraction efficiencies, particularly for strongly inhibiting powders such as soy and wheat. Based on these results, a standard protocol to directly isolate DNA from micro-organisms present in complex matrixes such as food and feed powders was designed.     

乳酸菌菌粉定量计数方法研究

目的:以9株乳杆菌、6株双歧杆菌、3株球菌、1株凝结芽孢杆菌菌粉为研究对象,在国标GB 4789.35-2016的基础上,对稀释倍数、稀释液成分、培养基成分进行比较研究,考察对乳酸菌菌粉计数活菌数的影响。方法:采用稀释平板计数的方法,对不同的乳酸菌菌粉进行活菌计数。结果:初始乳酸菌菌粉样品稀释倍数对最终计数活菌数无明显影响,ISO稀释液对部分乳杆菌、双歧杆菌菌粉的活菌计数结果有显著提高(P<0.05);双歧杆菌菌粉采用TOS琼脂培养基的计数结果显著优于国标培养基(P<0.05);凝结芽孢杆菌菌粉采用改良芽孢计数培养基计数结果优于PCA和NA计数培养基。结论:平板计数方法中,稀释液中含有酪蛋白胨能提升双歧杆菌菌粉的活菌计数数量;TOS琼脂培养基更有利于双歧杆菌的增殖培养;改良芽孢计数培养基更有利于凝结芽孢杆菌的芽孢萌发增殖。     

清香型白酒酒醅发酵菌株分离鉴定及细菌群落结构分析

采用纯培养技术对清香型白酒酒醅中的乳酸菌和芽孢杆菌进行分离鉴定,同时通过Illumina MiSeq高通量测序技术解析清香型白酒酒醅细菌群落结构。结果表明,所有酒醅样品共分离得到13株乳酸菌,分别鉴定为乳酸片球菌（Pediococcus acidilactici）4株、副干酪乳杆菌（Lactobacillus paracasei）3株、短乳杆菌（Lactobacillus brevis）3株、粪肠球菌（Enterococcus faecium）2株以及希尔氏乳杆菌（Lactobacillus hilgardii）1株。从酒醅中分离得到的17株芽孢杆菌菌株分别鉴定为地衣芽孢杆菌（Bacillus licheniformis）9株、枯草芽孢杆菌（Bacillus subtilis）2株、短小芽胞杆菌（Bacillus pumilus）2株、澳洲芽孢杆菌（Bacillus australimaris）2株、解淀粉芽孢杆菌（Bacillus amyloliquefaciens）1株以及蜡样芽孢杆菌（Bacillus cereus）1株。Illumina MiSeq高通量测序技术结果显示,酒醅中优势菌门分别为厚壁菌门（Firmicutes）（97.96%）、放线菌门（Actinobacteria）（1.24%）和变形菌门（Proteobacteria）（0.76%）;优势细菌属为乳酸杆菌属（Lactobacillus）（97.42%）、栖热嗜油菌属（Thermoleophilum）（1.22%）和假单胞菌属（Pseudomonas）（0.72%）。     

A rapid computer-assisted method for the determination of urea in dairy products: skim milk powder from various sources

The enzymatic determination of urea in spray-dried skim milk powders was transferred to a computer aided photometric analysing system. Sample preparation is optimal using ultrafiltration, but the direct use of a milk sample is also possible with this system. The precision including sample preparation as coefficient of variation was about 0.69%, the standard deviation of the assay was 0.115-0.135 at an average content of 5.4-5.5 mg urea per 100 ml skim milk. The method was tested on 147 spray-dried skim milk powders, which were of varying origin and collected at different times of the year (Jan.-Oct.). In this way a representative survey for the urea content of a great number of skim milk powders was possible. It was also shown, that the urea content is highly affected by season. It is very constant from February to May (0.25-0.26%), and rises from June to October up to nearly 0.32%.     

THE EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANTS ON THE KEEPING QUALITY OF SPRAY-DRIED WHOLE MILK POWDER

Spray-dried whole milk powders containing either 0.01 per cent ascorbyl palmitate or this compound plus 0.01 per cent citric acid were prepared and their keeping quality under accelerated storage conditions at 37°C compared with control powders and powders containing dodecyl gallate. Ascorbyl palmitate alone afforded little protection against oxidative deterioration but together with citric acid considerably improved keeping quality. Although the addition of several antioxidants to edible oils and fats and butter intended for manufacture is permitted, their addition to milk powder is forbidden (Regulations, 1966). There are several reasons for this discrimination, the chief of which lies in the phenolic nature of the most effective antioxidants in spray-dried whole milk powder (Findlay, Smith & Lea, 1945). More recently ascorbyl palmitate has been used to delay the onset of oxidation in butter (Koops, 1964) and milk fat (Englelhardt & de Man, 1963). It seemed appropriate therefore, despite the different chemical composition and physical condition of the fat in butter and in milk powder, to examine its effectiveness in the latter product. In the quantity employed (0–01 per cent), ascorbyl palmitate would not present a risk to health, and its usefulness could probably be enhanced by the addition of a simple synergist such as citric acid, known to be effective with dodecyl gallate in lard (Lea, 1958).     

Development and application of confocal scanning laser microscopy methods for studying the distribution of fat and protein in selected dairy products.

Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) methods were developed to identify fat and protein in cheeses milk chocolate and milk powders. Various fluorescent probes were assessed for their ability to label fat or protein in selected food products in situ. Dual labelling of fat and protein was made possible by using mixtures of probes. Selected probes and probe mixtures were then used to study (a) structure development of Mozzarella cheese during manufacture and ripening, and (b)) the distribution of fat and protein in milk chocolate made with milk powders containing varying levels of free fat. Microstructural changes in the protein and fat phases of Mozzarella cheese were observed at each major step in processing. Aggregation of renneted micelles occurred during curd formation; this was followed by amalgamation of the para-casein into linear fibres during plasticization. Following storage, the protein phase of the Mozzarella became more continuous; entrapping and isolating fat globules. Chocolate made with a high free-fat spray-dried powder blend showed a homogeneous fat distribution, similar to that of chocolate made with roller-dried milk. Chocolate made with whole milk powder containing 10 g free fat/100 fat showed a non-homogeneous fat distribution with some fat occluded within milk protein particles. These differences in fat distribution were related to Casson yield value and Casson viscosity of the chocolates.     

婴幼儿配方乳粉菌落总数检测与细菌污染种属分析

目的考察婴幼儿配方乳粉的微生物污染情况,分析婴幼儿配方乳粉的菌相构成。方法采用国标方法测定30批次1段、2段、3段婴幼儿配方乳粉菌落总数,使用基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱对检出的优势菌落进行鉴定。结果 30批次婴幼儿配方乳粉的菌落总数均符合国家限量要求,其中1段乳粉菌落总数显著性低于2段和3段乳粉(P0.05)。婴幼儿配方乳粉中检出的细菌主要为芽孢杆菌属、类芽孢杆菌属、球形芽孢杆菌属、肠球菌属、葡萄球菌属和链球菌属,其中芽孢杆菌属检出率最高。此外, 9批次样品中检出蜡样芽胞杆菌。结论我国婴幼儿配方乳粉质量仍存在一定的风险,监管部门应加强日常监管工作。     

Effect of dairy powder rehydration state on gel formation during yogurt process

Protein fortification and solubilisation into the milk base are important parameters enhancing yogurt texture. In this study, the milk base prepared from reconstituted skim milk powder was fortified with 2% of 'aged' (1 year old) or 'fresh' micellar casein (MC) powder. Micellar casein powders were left to rehydrate at 20°C for different times (5 or 180, 300, 480, 900 or 1440 min) before acidification with glucono-delta-lactone. The rehydration of the MC powders into milk was monitored with a granulo-morphometer equipment, thus, for the first time, allowing the elucidation of MC rehydration process into an opaque environment such as milk. Whereas the gel point was delayed proportionally to the powder rehydration length, the storage modulus appears unaffected. Besides, the gelation onset was not altered by the powder age.