Feasibility of using dialysis for determining calcium ion concentration and pH in calcium-fortified soymilk at high temperature

Abstract: Dialysis was performed to examine some of the properties of the soluble phase of calcium (Ca) fortified soymilk at high temperatures. Dialysates were obtained while heating soymilk at temperatures of 80 and 100 °C for 1 h and 121 °C for 15 min. It was found that the pH, total Ca, and ionic Ca of dialysates obtained at high temperature were all lower than in their corresponding nonheated Ca‐fortified soymilk. Increasing temperature from 80 to 100 °C hardly affected Ca ion concentration ([Ca²⁺]) of dialysate obtained from Ca chloride‐fortified soymilk, but it increased [Ca²⁺] in dialysates of Ca gluconate‐fortified soymilk and Ca lactate‐fortified soymilk fortified with 5 to 6 mM Ca. Dialysates obtained at 100 °C had lower pH than dialysate prepared at 80 °C. Higher Ca additions to soymilk caused a significant (P≤ 0.05) reduction in pH and an increase in [Ca²⁺] of these dialysates. When soymilk was dialyzed at 121 °C, pH, total Ca, and ionic Ca were further reduced. Freezing point depression (FPD) of dialysates increased as temperature increased but were lower than corresponding soymilk samples. This approach provides a means of estimating pH and ionic Ca in soymilks at high temperatures, in order to better understand their combined role on soymilk coagulation.     

Effects of phosphates and citrates on sediment formation in UHT goats' milk

Sediment formation was investigated during UHT treatment of goats' milk, subjected to indirect treatment at 140 degrees C for 2 s, with upstream homogenisation. Stabilisers evaluated were sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), trisodium citrate (TSC), disodium hydrogen orthophosphate (DSHP), and sodium dihydrogen orthophosphate (SDHP). With no added stabiliser, goats' milk produced a heavy sediment on UHT treatment. Addition of SDHP reduced pH, had little effect on ionic calcium and did not substantially reduce sediment. However, addition of SHMP, DSHP and TSC each reduced ionic calcium, increased ethanol stability and reduced sediment. Following stabiliser additions, there was a good correlation between ethanol stability and ionic calcium (R2=0.85) but not between ethanol stability and pH (R2=0.08). Overall, reducing ionic calcium reduced the amount of sediment formed for all these three stabilisers, although there was no single trend line between sediment formation and ionic calcium concentration. Sediment formation was not well correlated with pH for TSC or for SHMP, but it was for DSHP, making it the only stabiliser where sediment formation correlated well both with ionic calcium and pH, which might account for its effectiveness at higher ionic calcium levels. Sediment was much reduced when the temperature was reduced from 140 degrees C to 125 degrees C and 114 degrees C. There were no further changes in sediment on storage for two weeks. Analysis of the sediment showed that it was predominantly fat and protein, with a mass ratio ranging between 1.43:1 and 1.67:1. Its mineral content was usually less than 5% of dry weight. The maximum amounts of P and Ca were found to be 2.32% and 1.63%, respectively.     

Effect of sodium hexametaphosphate concentration and cooking time on the physicochemical properties of pasteurized process cheese

Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is commonly used as an emulsifying salt (ES) in process cheese, although rarely as the sole ES. It appears that no published studies exist on the effect of SHMP concentration on the properties of process cheese when pH is kept constant; pH is well known to affect process cheese functionality. The detailed interactions between the added phosphate, casein (CN), and indigenous Ca phosphate are poorly understood. We studied the effect of the concentration of SHMP (0.25-2.75%) and holding time (0-20 min) on the textural and rheological properties of pasteurized process Cheddar cheese using a central composite rotatable design. All cheeses were adjusted to pH 5.6. The meltability of process cheese (as indicated by the decrease in loss tangent parameter from small amplitude oscillatory rheology, degree of flow, and melt area from the Schreiber test) decreased with an increase in the concentration of SHMP. Holding time also led to a slight reduction in meltability. Hardness of process cheese increased as the concentration of SHMP increased. Acid-base titration curves indicated that the buffering peak at pH 4.8, which is attributable to residual colloidal Ca phosphate, was shifted to lower pH values with increasing concentration of SHMP. The insoluble Ca and total and insoluble P contents increased as concentration of SHMP increased. The proportion of insoluble P as a percentage of total (indigenous and added) P decreased with an increase in ES concentration because of some of the (added) SHMP formed soluble salts. The results of this study suggest that SHMP chelated the residual colloidal Ca phosphate content and dispersed CN; the newly formed Ca-phosphate complex remained trapped within the process cheese matrix, probably by cross-linking CN. Increasing the concentration of SHMP helped to improve fat emulsification and CN dispersion during cooking, both of which probably helped to reinforce the structure of process cheese.     

Effect of calcium carbonate,calcium citrate,tricalcium phosphate,calcium gluconate and calcium lactate on some physicochemical properties of soymilk

Soymilk fortified with 25 mm Ca (Ca carbonate, Ca citrate, triCa phosphate, Ca gluconate or Ca lactate) was compared with the properties of unfortified soymilk (control). Calcium carbonate, Ca citrate and triCa phosphate did not significantly affect [Ca²⁺], absolute viscosity and particle size of soymilk, but Ca gluconate and Ca lactate significantly increased these properties. The pH of soymilk was significantly increased by adding Ca carbonate but significantly reduced by adding Ca gluconate and Ca lactate. Dry sediment of soymilk increased significantly with the addition of all Ca salts excluding triCa phosphate. Freezing point depression increased significantly only for Ca gluconate and Ca lactate, mainly owing to their higher solubility.     

Effects of stabiliser addition and in-container sterilisation on selected properties of milk related to casein micelle stability

Different stabilising salts and calcium chloride were added to raw milk to evaluate changes in pH, ionic calcium, ethanol stability, casein micelle size and zeta potential. These milk samples were then sterilised at 121 °C for 15 min and stored for 6 months to determine how these properties changed. Addition of tri-sodium citrate (TSC) and di-sodium hydrogen phosphate (DSHP) to milk reduced ionic calcium, increased pH and increased ethanol stability in a concentration-dependent fashion. There was relatively little change in casein micelle size and a slight decrease in zeta potential. Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) also reduced ionic calcium considerably, but its effect on pH was less noticeable. In contrast, sodium dihydrogen phosphate (SDHP) reduced pH but had little effect on ionic calcium. In-container sterilisation of these samples reduced pH, increased ethanol stability and increased casein micelle size, but had variable effects on ionic calcium; for DSHP and SDHP, ionic calcium decreased after sterilisation but, for SHMP, it remained little changed or increased. Milk containing 3.2 mM SHMP and more than 4.5 mM CaCl₂ coagulated upon sterilisation. All other samples were stable but there were differences in browning, which increased in intensity as milk pH increased. Heat-induced sediment was not directly related to ionic calcium concentration, so reducing ionic calcium was not the only consideration in terms of improving heat stability. After 6 months of storage, the most acceptable product, in appearance, was that containing SDHP, as this minimised browning during sterilisation and further development of browning during storage.     

Physicochemical properties of calcium-fortified soymilk with microencapsulated and chelated calcium salt

In the current research, soymilk was fortified with 2,000 mg L^?1 calcium (Ca) through direct addition and microencapsulated Ca. There have been no reports regarding Ca-fortification of soymilk by W/O/W double-emulsion method. In order to inhibit Ca–protein interaction and improve soymilk stability, different concentrations (0, 10, 15, 22, 25 and 30 g L^?1) of potassium citrate were added to soymilk samples as a metal-chelating agent (CA). Adding CA caused an undesirable aftertaste. Thus, in order to solve this problem, Ca was microencapsulated using water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double-emulsion method, and coacervates were formed by means of gelatin–agar electrostatic interaction. Physicochemical properties of pasteurized soymilk including pH, phase separation index, sedimentation, viscosity, conductivity and color parameters (L, a, b and ΔE) were assayed over storage time. CA addition led to reduction in phase separation index, sedimentation, viscosity and increase in conductivity. However, microcapsule addition showed no phase separation so that soymilk stabilization was achieved; still, viscosity, conductivity and ΔE parameters were increased by Ca microcapsule addition. Microencapsulation was a proper Ca-fortification method in soymilk regarding higher stability of the final product over pasteurization shelf life.     

Role of pH and Ionic Strength on Water Relationships in Washed Minced Chicken-breast Muscle Gels

ABSTRACT The relationship between pH, ionic strength, and water balance of chicken-breast muscle gels was investigated. An increase in gel pH (pH 6.4 to 7.4) without added NaCl led to dramatic increases in water-holding capacity and water uptake (P < 0.05). Gels at 150 mM NaCl exhibited less ability to adsorb water than salt-free gels (P < 0.05 at pH 6.8 to 7.4) and had lower water-holding capacities (P < 0.05) and fold scores at and below pH 7. Varying salt concentration of the gel-bathing solutions had dramatic effect on the water uptake of the gels. The results show that strong water-absorbing gels can be produced at low ionic strengths and suggest that the negative charge of the muscle proteins is the driving force for water uptake and retention.     

离子强度对乌鳢胶原蛋白短肽聚集结构及理化特性的作用

为了研究乌鳢胶原肽在6种不同离子强度诱导下聚集的结构与特性的变化规律,对聚集体变化过程中的内源荧光、浊度、微观结构、粒径、黏度及其二级结构进行测定。结果表明,在0～500 mM的Na Cl范围内,离子强度具有促进胶原蛋白肽自组装聚集的效果,且聚集速率随离子强度的增大而增加。在0～150 mM范围内,胶原蛋白肽聚集的三维网络紧密性增加,聚集体平均粒径增大74.42%,最大剪切黏度增加487.67%。当离子强度在150～500 mM范围时,胶原蛋白肽三维网络紧密性降低,聚集体平均粒径下降,最大剪切黏度降低21.39%。胶原蛋白肽聚集体的二级结构并没有随离子强度变化而发生明显变化。因此,适度的增大样品离子强度可促进胶原肽的自组装聚集,改善其凝胶的三维网络结构和理化特性,为胶原蛋白肽进一步应用于制备药物载体的研究提供参考。     

Effect of CaCl2 and KCl on Physiochemical Properties of Model Nutritional Beverages Based on Whey Protein Stabilized Oil-in-Water Emulsions

ABSTRACT: Calcium chloride (0 to 10 mM) and potassium chloride (0 to 600 mM) were added into model nutritional beverage emulsions containing 7% (w/w) soybean oil droplets and 0.35% (w/w) whey protein isolate (pH 6.7). The particle size, surface charge, viscosity, and creaming stability of the emulsions then were measured. The surface charge decreased with increasing mineral ion concentration. The particle size, viscosity, and creaming instability of the emulsions increased appreciably above critical CaCl₂ (3 mM) and KCl (200 mM) concentrations because of droplet flocculation. The origin of this effect was attributed to reduction of the electrostatic repulsion between droplets due to electrostatic screening and ion binding. CaCl₂ promoted emulsion instability more efficiently than KCl because Ca²⁺ ions are more effective at reducing electrostatic repulsion than K⁺ ions.     

Controlling denaturation and aggregation of whey proteins during thermal processing by modifying temperature and calcium concentration

Whey protein isolate solutions (8.00 g protein/100 g; pH 6.8) were treated for 2 min at 72, 85 or 85 °C with 2.2 mM added calcium Ca to produce four whey protein systems: unheated control (WPI‐UH), heated at 72 °C (WPI‐H72), heated at 85 °C (WPI‐H85) or heated at 85 °C with added Ca (WPI‐H85Ca). Total levels of whey protein denaturation increased with increasing temperature, while the extent of aggregation increased with the addition of Ca, contributing to differences in viscosity. Significant changes in Ca ion concentration, turbidity and colour on heating of WPI‐H85Ca, compared to WPI‐UH, demonstrated the role of Ca in whey protein aggregation.     

Heat stability of milk supplemented with calcium chloride

Calcium chloride (0-25 mM) was added to skim milk powder that was reconstituted to 9% total solids. Heat stability was evaluated between 60 and 120°C for different times by observing whether samples had coagulated, and by measuring the amount of sediment and residual protein in the centrifuged supernatant. Milk samples were also dialyzed during their respective heat treatments to recover the soluble phase at different temperatures to measure pH and ionic calcium. The transition conditions between good and poor heat stability were established for different calcium chloride concentrations and temperatures. As temperature increased, coagulation occurred at lower levels of added calcium chloride. The transition was quite distinct at higher temperatures but less so at lower temperatures; it was initiated by an increase in sediment formation before a firm coagulum was formed. Both pH and ionic calcium decreased in dialysates as temperature increased. No coagulation was observed if Ca(2+) was <0.5 mM and pH was >6.3 in dialysates taken at their respective coagulation temperatures. Being able to measure pH and ionic calcium at high temperatures will allow better understanding of factors affecting heat stability. Electrophoresis of the supernatants permitted identification of the protein fractions participating in the coagulation process. When coagulation was observed below 80°C, substantial amounts of undenatured β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin were found in the supernatant, as well as some soluble casein fractions. All the major whey protein and casein fractions were found in the sediment.     

Influence of milk protein concentrates with modified calcium content on enteral dairy beverage formulations: Physicochemical properties

Because of their high protein and low lactose content, milk protein concentrates (MPC) are typically used in the formulation of ready-to-drink beverages. Calcium-mediated aggregation of proteins during storage is one of the main reasons for loss of storage stability of these beverages. Control and calcium-reduced MPC [20% calcium-reduced (MPC-20) and 30% calcium-reduced (MPC-30)] were used to evaluate the physicochemical properties in this study. This study was conducted in 2 phases. In phase I, 8% protein solutions were prepared by reconstituting the 3 MPC and adjusting the pH to 7. These solutions were divided into 3 equal parts, 0, 0.15, or 0.25% sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) was added, and the solutions were homogenized. In phase II, enteral dairy beverage formulations containing MPC and a mixture of gums, maltodextrin, and sugar were evaluated following the same procedure used in phase I. In both phases, heat stability, apparent viscosity, and particle size were compared before and after heat treatment at 140°C for 15 s. In the absence of SHMP, MPC-20 and MPC-30 exhibited the highest heat coagulation time at 30.9 and 32.8 min, respectively, compared with the control (20.9 min). In phase II, without any addition of SHMP, MPC-20 exhibited the highest heat coagulation time of 9.3 min compared with 7.1 min for control and 6.2 min for MPC-30. An increase in apparent viscosity and a decrease in particle size of reconstituted MPC solutions in phases I and II with an increase in SHMP concentration was attributed to casein micelle dissociation caused by calcium chelation. This study highlights the potential for application of calcium-reduced MPC in dairy-based ready-to-drink and enteral nutrition beverage formulations to improve their heat stability.     

浓缩豆乳的粘度变化及控制方法的研究

豆乳在浓缩时，随着豆乳固形物的增加，粘度也急剧增加。降低浓缩豆乳的粘度是制造速溶豆粉，大豆炼乳的技术关键。探讨了反复抽提法，加抗坏血酸法，酶解法的效果，分析了粘度的形成机理和影响因素，结果认为采取适度分解豆乳中的蛋白质，调整ＰＨ，并加以高温短时处理，可有效地降低浓缩豆乳的粘度，豆乳风味同时得到改善。     

Influence of mixtures of calcium-chelating salts on the physicochemical properties of casein micelles

Calcium-chelating salts (CCS), such as phosphates and citrates, are often added to milk systems to modify physical properties like heat stability. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of binary CCS mixtures on the properties of casein (CN) micelles including the distribution of Ca between the soluble and CN-bound states. Six binary CCS mixtures were prepared from 4 different types of CCS [i.e., trisodium citrate (TSC), disodium phosphate (DSP), tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), and sodium hexameta phosphate (SHMP)] by combining 2 CCS at a time in 5 different proportions (8.3:91.7, 29.2:70.8, 50:50, 70.8:29.2, and 91.7:8.3). Different concentrations of these mixtures (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7% wt/wt) were added to milk protein concentrate solutions (5% wt/wt) at pH 5.8. The ability of CCS to disperse CN particles and its interaction with Ca were assessed from turbidity measurements, acid-base titration behavior, and the quantity of CN-bound Ca and inorganic phosphate (Pi). Turbidity and the buffering peak at pH ∼5.0 during acid titration decreased with an increasing concentration of CCS. This was due to the chelation of Ca and the dispersion of CN micelles. The presence of TSC in mixtures decreased the amount of CN-bound Ca and Pi; however, the presence of TSPP in mixtures increased CN-bound Ca and Pi. When DSP was present at high proportions in mixtures of CCS, the CN-bound Ca and Pi slightly increased. When SHMP was used in mixtures of CCS, CN-bound Ca and Pi increased with the use of a low proportion of SHMP but decreased when SHMP was used at high proportions in the mixture. Combinations of DSP-TSPP used in the proportions 29.2:70.8, 50:50, and 70.8:29.2 resulted in the gelation of milk protein concentrates when the total CCS concentration was ≥0.3%. These results indicated that the type of CCS present in a mixture modified CN properties by various mechanisms, including chelation of Ca, dispersion of CN micelles, and formation of new types of Ca-CCS complexes. The type of interaction between the newly formed Ca-CCS complexes and the dispersed CN depended on the proportion, concentration, and type of CCS present in the mixtures. This information is useful in understanding how mixtures of CCS affect CN properties.     

Effects of riboflavin photosensitization on the changes of isoflavones in soymilk

Effects of riboflavin photosensitization on the distribution of isoflavones in commercially available soymilk were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total isoflavones (TI) in soymilk with riboflavin (1000 ppm, w/v) under light were significantly different from those stored in the dark for 24 h (P < 0.05), while TI in samples with 0 and 1000 ppm added riboflavin were not significant from each other in dark conditions (P > 0.05). To test the effects of the concentration of riboflavin on TI, soymilk was mixed with riboflavin to make 0, 100, 250, and 500 ppm (w/v) and stored under light at 25 degrees C for 24 h. TI in soymilk with 100 ppm riboflavin under light significantly decreased by 13.5% for 24 h (P < 0.05) compared to control samples and were not significantly different from those with 250 or 500 ppm samples (P > 0.05). Daidzin and genistin were predominant isoflavones in soymilk, and the rate of photo degradation of genistin was higher than that of daidzin for 24 h in soymilk under riboflavin photosensitization.     

Effects of pH Adjustment and Sodium Ions on Sour Taste Intensity of Organic Acids

ABSTRACT:  Protonated organic acid species have been shown to be the primary stimuli responsible for sour taste of organic acids. However, we have observed that sour taste may be modulated when the pH of acid solutions is raised using sodium hydroxide. Objectives were to evaluate the effect of pH adjustment on sour taste of equimolar protonated organic acid solutions and to investigate the potential roles of organic anions and sodium ions on sour taste perception. Despite equal concentrations of protonated acid species, sour taste intensity decreased significantly with increased pH for acetic, lactic, malic, and citric acids ( P < 0.05). Total organic anion concentration did not explain the suppression of sour taste in solutions containing a blend of 3 organic acids with constant concentration of protonated organic acid species and hydrogen ions and variable organic anion concentrations ( R ²= 0.480, P  = 0.12). Sour taste suppression in these solutions seemed to be more closely related to sodium ions added in the form of NaOH ( R ²= 0.861, P  = 0.007). Addition of 20 mM NaCl to acid solutions resulted in significant suppression of sour taste ( P  = 0.016). However, sour taste did not decrease with further addition of NaCl up to 80 mM. Presence of sodium ions was clearly shown to decrease sour taste of organic acid solutions. Nonetheless, suppression of sour taste in pH adjusted single acid solutions was greater than what would be expected based on the sodium ion concentration alone, indicating an additional suppression mechanism may be involved.     

Effect of salt addition on the micellar composition of milk subjected to pH reversible CO2 acidification

Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effect of salt supplementation on the micellar composition of reconstituted skim milk subjected to acidification by CO2 pressure to pH 5.8, followed by depressurization under vacuum. Using a Doehlert design, calcium and phosphate were added to skim milk in the range of 0 to 25 mmol/kg and 0 to 16 mmol/kg of milk, respectively, and the pH was adjusted to 6.65 +/- 0.02. After carbonation, the milk sample was depressurized, and the pH returned to its initial value without modification of the ionic strength. Micellar composition was assessed by the concentration of micellar Ca, P, Mg, and protein, and the buffering properties of milk. The second order polynomial models satisfactorily predicted the effect of salt supplementation on the micellar composition (R2adj > 0.75). Added calcium was the most determinant factor, and favored the removal of Ca, P, Mg, and proteins from the soluble phase to the micellar phase when this addition was less than 17.5 mmol/kg of milk. Above this concentration, only the concentration of micellar Ca increased. The buffering response surface showed that the amount of micellar calcium phosphate increased to a maximum upon addition of 17.5 mmol of Ca/kg. By comparison with a control sample (supplemented but untreated skim milk), changes were essentially due to salt supplementation and not to the CO2 treatment. We suggest that Ca formed micellar calcium phosphate when added at a concentration less than 17.5 mmol/kg; whereas above this concentration, Ca bound directly to micellar proteins.     

Effect of Continuous Flow High-Pressure Throttling on Rheological and Ultrastructural Properties of Soymilk

ABSTRACT:  Soymilk processing uses a filtration or centrifugation step to remove coarse solids in the comminuted soy. The objective was to utilize the whole beans and determine the effect of continuous flow high pressure throttling (CFHPT) process in reducing particle size and narrowing down the particle size distribution. The rheological and ultrastructural properties of such soymilk were also determined. Whole dehulled soybeans and deionized water were ground in a food processor before comminution in a Megatron (process M) or a Fitzmill (process F) or a Stonemill (process S). The comminuted slurry was homogenized at pressures of 69, 103, 138, 207, and 276 MPa using a CFHPT system, heated to 80 °C in a tubular heat exchanger prior to depressurization, and held at elevated temperatures of 97, 106, 114, 131, and 148 °C, respectively, for each applied pressure after throttling. To avoid flashing, back pressure was applied after the holding tube and soymilk was cooled immediately. Process M produced soymilk with smallest particle size and the highest apparent viscosity. All soymilk samples showed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow behavior. Ultrastructural images showed a clear protein network with very small fat globules entrapped in the protein matrix. Particles were uniformly distributed when the highest pressure treatment was applied for process M, which was considered as the best process.     

不同11S/7S比值原料豆乳的乳液特性研究

为探明大豆蛋白11S/7S比值对豆乳乳液特性的影响,选取7个不同11S/7S比值(0.55~5.09)的大豆品种制备豆乳,并检测豆乳中蛋白溶解度、粒径、Zeta电位、豆乳粘度、游离巯基、表面疏水性和沉淀率等与豆乳乳液特性紧密相关的指标。结果表明:大豆中11S/7S比值较小时,豆乳中蛋白溶解度高,粒径小,豆乳粘度小,蛋白Zeta电位绝对值高,游离巯基含量多,表面疏水性高,豆乳沉淀率低,豆乳稳定性高。反之,大豆中11S/7S比值较大时,蛋白溶解度低,粒径偏大,豆乳粘度大,蛋白Zeta电位绝对值低,游离巯基含量少,表面疏水性低,造成豆乳沉淀率高,豆乳稳定性低。但当原料中11S/7S比值处于3.0~3.49时,各豆乳上述指标之间差异不显著(P>0.05)。     

Microbiological,physicochemical and rheological properties of fermented soymilk produced with exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing lactic acid bacteria strains

Growth of Lactobacillus plantarum 70810, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 6005 and a commercial yogurt starter culture in soymilk was investigated in the present study. It was found that the fermented soymilk using L. plantarum 70810 had significantly higher viable cell counts, water holding capacity (WHC, 88.27%), apparent viscosity (1840.35 mPa s) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) amount (832.15 mg/L) than the other two starter cultures in soymilk. Direct observation of microstructure in fermented soymilk indicated that the network structures of EPS-protein could improve the texture of fermented soymilk. Considering that the beneficial effects of L. plantarum 70810 in fermented soymilk, volatile compounds in fermented soymilk were further identified. Then the growth and fermentation characteristics of L. plantarum 70810 including changes in viable cell counts, pH, titratable acidity, apparent viscosity and EPS production during storage were investigated. In comparison to original soymilk base, the concentrations of the characteristic flavor compounds for fermented soymilk using L. plantarum 70810 increased, whereas hexanal, 2-pentylfuran and 2-pentanone in relation to beany flavor of soymilk decreased. In addition, fermented soymilk using L. plantarum 70810 maintained high viable cell count (>10⁸ cfu/mL), apparent viscosity (966.43 mPa s) and amounts of EPS (635.49 mg/mL) during storage at 4 °C for 21 days.