Emulsifying Properties of Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane in Milk Fat Emulsion: Conditions for the Reconstitution of Milk Fat Globules

A procedure for the reconstitution of milk fat globules (MFG) stabilized with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) was developed. MFG was reconstituted by homogenizing a mixture of 1% MFGM and 25% milk fat at 45°C and at pH 7.0 for 1 min. The emulsifying properties of MFGM were evaluated by emulsifying activity (EA), emulsion stability (ES), whippability and foam stability. Of the variables affecting the reconstitution of MFG, prolonged homogenization decreased EA and ES. About 25% milk fat gave maximal EA and ES, increasing the MFGM concentration increased both EA and ES, which were also influenced by the pH level. Foam disappeared at >30°C.     

Milk fat globule membrane proteins are involved in controlling the size of milk fat globules during conjugated linoleic acid–induced milk fat depression

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins surround the triacylglycerol core comprising milk fat globules (MFG). We previously detected a decrease in the size of fat globules during conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-induced milk fat depression (MFD), and other studies have reported that some MFGM proteins play a central role in regulating mammary cellular lipid droplet size. However, little is known about the relationship between MFD, MFG size, and MFGM proteins in bovine milk. The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of MFGM proteins during MFD induced by CLA. Sixteen mid-lactating Holstein cows (145 ± 24 d in milk) with similar body condition and parity were divided into control and CLA groups over a 10-d period. Cows were fed a basal diet (control, n = 8) or control plus 15 g/kg of dry matter (DM) CLA (n = 8) to induce MFD. Cow performance, milk composition, and MFG size were measured daily. On d 10, MFGM proteins were extracted and identified by quantitative proteomic analysis, and western blotting was used to verify a subset of the identified MFGM proteins. Compared with controls, supplemental CLA did not affect milk production, DM intake, or milk protein and lactose contents. However, CLA reduced milk fat content (3.73 g/100 mL vs. 2.47 g/100 mL) and the size parameters volume-related diameter D_[4,3] (3.72 μm vs. 3.35 μm) and surface area-related diameter D_[3,2] (3.13 μm vs. 2.80 μm), but increased specific surface area of MFG (1,905 m²/kg vs. 2,188 m²/kg). In total, 177 differentially expressed proteins were detected in milk from cows with CLA-induced MFD, 60 of which were upregulated and 117 downregulated. Correlation analysis showed that MFG size was negatively correlated with various proteins, including XDH and FABP3, and positively correlated with MFG-E8, RAB19, and APOA1. The results provide evidence for an important role of MFGM proteins in regulating MFG diameter, and they facilitate a mechanistic understanding of diet-induced MFD.     

Interactive Effects of Milk Fat Globule and Casein Micelle Size on the Renneting Properties of Milk

The size of the casein micelles (CM) and the milk fat globules (MFG) vary depending on farming factors, such as seasonal variation and stage of lactation, and cow genetics. The MFG and CM size of milk can influence the renneting behavior and texture of manufactured dairy products. In this work, we investigated the combined effects of MFG and CM size on the onset of gelation, the maximum rate of gelation, the value for G′_60 min (the final storage modulus) and G″_60 min (the final loss modulus), and tan δ upon renneting. Fractionation of MFG on the basis of size was carried out using laboratory-based centrifugation, whereas milk of predominantly large (184–218 nm) or small (147–159 nm) CM was selected naturally on-farm. Casein micelle size had the dominant effect on curd firmness and gelation rates of milk, where small CM milk formed rennet gels earlier and resulted in a firmer gel than milk with large CM. However, MFG size also influenced the renneting properties. The strongest rennet gels were obtained when large MFG (3.88–5.78 μm) was combined with small CM (153–159 nm). Selecting milk on the basis of the microstructure of key milk components could be achieved by natural selection of dairy cows or via fractionation technologies. Selection may provide a useful tool for efficient manufacturing of different dairy products based on the desirable characteristics specific to each.     

The Macrostructure of Milk Lipids: The Fat Globules

The aim of this review article is to summarize the information available related to milk fat globules (MFGs) in order to highlight their contribution to the nutritional and technological characteristics of milk and dairy products. The macrostructure of milk lipids is composed of globules made up of triglycerides with different melting points, enveloped by a biological membrane from the mammary epithelial cell. In milks of different animal species, there are different-sized MFGs, ranging from diameters of less than 0.2 μm to a maximum of 15 μm. The average diameter and the number of globules are affected by endogenous, physiological, and exogenous factors. The size of the globules in turn affects the qualitative characteristics of milk and cheese. In addition, the average diameter of the globules and their surface that is exposed to the digestive system affect fat digestibility in different ways. Finally, the components of the MFG membranes have been shown to take part in the secretion process of globules and to have a beneficial effect on human health. In conclusion, by acting on factors influencing the dimensions of the fat globules and by increasing the content of the milk membrane could help adapt milk production to specific consumer targets and improve milk nutritional properties.     

Size distribution of fat globules in human colostrum, breast milk, and infant formula

Only a few results are available on the size of human milk fat globules (MFG), despite its significance regarding fat digestion in the infant, and no data are available at <24 h postpartum (PP). We measured the MFG size distribution in colostrum and transitional human milk in comparison with fat globules of mature milk and infant formula. Colostrum and transitional milk samples from 18 mothers were collected regularly during 4 d PP and compared with mature milk samples of 17 different mothers and 4 infant formulas. The size distribution was measured by laser light scattering. For further characterization, the ζ-potential of some mature MFG was measured by laser Doppler electrophoresis. The MFG diameter decreased sigmoidally in the first days. At <12 h PP, the mode diameter was 8.9 ± 1.0 μm vs 2.8 ±0.3 μm at 96 h PP. Thus, the surface area of MFG increased from 1.1 ±0.3 to 5.4 ±0.7 m²/g between colostrum and transitional milk. In mature milk, the MFG diameter was 4 μm on average and increased with advancing lactation, whereas the droplets in infant formula measured 0.4 μm. The ζ potential of mature MFG was −7.8 ± 0.1 mV. The fat globules are larger in early colostrum than in transitional and mature human milk and in contrast with the small-sized fat droplets in infant formula. Human MFG also have a low negative surface charge compared with bovine globules. These structural differences can be of nutritional significance for the infant.     

The Effect of Milk Processing on the Microstructure of the Milk Fat Globule and Rennet Induced Gel Observed Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

ABSTRACT: Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was successfully used to observe the effect of milk processing on the size and the morphology of the milk fat globule in raw milk, raw ultrafiltered milk, and standardized and pasteurized milk prepared for cheese manufacture (cheese-milk) and commercial pasteurized and homogenized milk. Fat globule size distributions for the milk preparations were analyzed using both image analysis and light scattering and both measurements produced similar data trends. Changes to the native milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) were tracked using a MFGM specific fluorescent stain that allowed MFGM proteins and adsorbed proteins to be differentiated on the fat globule surface. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis confirmed the identity of native MFGM proteins isolated from the surface of fat globules within raw, UF retentate, and cheese-milk preparations, whereas only casein was detected on the surface of fat globules in homogenized milk. The microstructure, porosity, and gel strength of the rennet induced gel made from raw milk and cheese-milk was also found to be comparable and significantly different to that made from homogenized milk. Our results highlight the potential use of CLSM as a tool to observe the structural details of the fat globule and associated membrane close to its native environment.     

乳脂肪球膜的特性、开发及在模拟母乳脂肪球结构中的应用

乳脂肪球膜（milk fat globule membrane,MFGM）是包裹在天然乳脂肪球外部的3 层膜状结构,然而牛乳基和大豆基婴儿配方奶粉缺少MFGM,脂肪球结构与母乳存在较大差异,因此添加外源MFGM以及制备与母乳脂肪球结构接近的婴儿配方奶粉成为了近期的研究焦点。本文综述了MFGM的相关特性和生产开发途径,以及牛乳MFGM在仿母乳脂肪球结构乳液和婴儿配方奶粉中的应用。体外模拟婴儿胃肠道消化实验以及啮齿动物体内实验结果表明,仿母乳脂肪球结构乳液和婴儿配方奶粉能够促进婴儿脂肪消化并且改善脂质代谢过程。     

Effects of Size and Stability of Native Fat Globules on the Formation of Milk Gel Induced by Rennet

Rennet‐induced gelation crucially impacts cheese structure. In this study, effects of the size and stability of native fat globules on the kinetics of rennet‐induced coagulation were revealed by determining the caseinomacropeptide release rate and rheological properties of milk. Moreover, the mobility and stability of fat globules during renneting was revealed using diffusing wave spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. By use of a 2‐stage gravity separation combined centrifugation scheme, native fat globules were selectively separated into small (SFG, D_4,3 = 1.87 ± 0.02 μm) and large fat globules (LFG, D_4,3 = 5.65 ± 0.03 μm). The protein and fat content of SFG and LFG milk were then standardized to 3.2 g/100 mL and 1.2 g/100 mL, respectively. The milk containing different sized globules were then subjected to renneting experiments in the laboratory. Reduction of globule size accelerated the aggregation of casein micelles during renneting, giving a shorter gelation time and earlier 1/l^* change. The gel produced from LFG milk was broken due to coalescent fat globules and generated coarser gel strands compared to the finer strands formed with SFG milk. Structural differences were also confirmed with a higher final storage modulus of the curd made from SFG milk than that from the LFG. In conclusion, the size of fat globules affects the aggregation of casein micelles. Moreover, fat globule coalescence and creaming during renneting, also affects the structure of the rennet gel. A better understanding of the size of globules effect on milk gelation could lead to the development of cheese with specific properties.     

Ultrasonication retains more milk fat globule membrane proteins compared to equivalent shear-homogenization

Ultrasonication, like common shear homogenization, can reduce the milk fat globule size and may change the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). This work compared the effect of ultrasonication to equivalent shear homogenization on MFGM proteins and lipid-derived volatile components. Results showed that treating milk with ultrasound at 35 kJ/L would realize a similar size distribution of the milk fat globules as shear-homogenization at 20 MPa. Proteomics analysis revealed that in total 192 MFGM proteins were identified and quantified and a number of these proteins were lost after both treatments; however, more MFGM proteins remained after ultrasonication than after shear-homogenization. SDS-PAGE results showed that milk plasma proteins, and especially caseins, were absorbed on the milk fat globules after both treatments. In addition, the amount of the volatile free fatty acids increased after both treatments.Industrial relevance: Ultrasonication, as an innovative food processing technology, in comparison to traditional homogenization, was shown to equally efficiently decrease the MFG size, but lead to less damage to native MFGM proteins, which may be due to its longer homogenization time window. These results increased knowledge on the biochemical changes of milk fat globules after their size reduction and showed that ultrasonication could be used as a novel approach to improve dairy product quality.     

Fat globules selected from whole milk according to their size: Different compositions and structure of the biomembrane,revealing sphingomyelin-rich domains

Milk fat globules are unique delivery systems for biologically active molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. However, their properties have not yet been fully investigated. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of the polar lipid and fatty acid compositions of milk fat globules as a function of their size and investigated the structure of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). An optimised process of microfiltration was used to select the small milk fat globule (SMFG; 1.6 μm) fractions and the large milk fat globule (LMFG; 6.6 μm) fractions from the same initial whole milks (4.2 μm). The SMFG-fractions contained significantly (i) higher amounts of polar lipids, 8.9 ± 0.9 vs 2.7 ± 0.3 mg/g fat for LMFG-fractions and 6.3 ± 0.5 mg/g fat for whole milks, (ii) lower relative proportions of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin in the MFGM, (iii) higher amounts of C12:0, C14:0, C16:0, C18:1 trans, C18:2 c9 tr11, and lower amounts of C18:0 and C18:1 c9 than did LMFG-fractions and whole milks. Whatever the size of native milk fat globules, the biophysical characterisation performed in-situ, using confocal laser scanning microscopy, showed heterogeneities in the MFGM. The lateral segregation of sphingomyelin in rigid liquid-ordered domains, surrounded by the fluid matrix of glycerophospholipids in the liquid-disordered phase, was revealed. The heterogeneous distribution of glycolipids and glycoproteins was also observed in the MFGM. A new model for the structure of the MFGM is proposed and discussed. The physical, chemical and biological consequences, (i) of the differences in milk fat globule compositions according to their size and (ii) of the specific structure of the MFGM due to sphingomyelin remain to be elucidated.     

Milk fat globule membrane – a source of polar lipids for colon health? A review

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) surrounds fat globules, protects them against lipolysis and disperses the milk fat in the milk plasma. Besides their structural and emulsifying roles, in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that phospholipids and sphingolipids of MFGM possess cancer risk‐reducing properties. Several reports attribute its chemopreventive activity to products of sphingomyelin hydrolysis, which affect multiple cellular targets that control cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. With knowledge on the potential health benefits of MFGM lipids and proteins, dairy industries could in the future address their research in developing new functional dairy products enriched in beneficial MFGM components.     

Effects of ultrasonication on the physicochemical properties of milk fat globules of Bubalus bubalis (water buffalo) under processing conditions: A comparison with shear-homogenization

Ultrasonication has been widely studied in bovine milk but the effects of ultrasound (US) on the buffalo's milk fat globules (MFG) are not well known yet. In this study, buffalo's milk samples were ultrasonicated at 20 kHz and physicochemical properties were assessed under different processing conditions. Shear homogenization was performed with 1188 J/mL energy density for the comparison. Results show that ultrasonication reduced the average volume-weighted mean diameter (D[4,3]) of MFG by 93% and increased the surface area by a factor of 8.5 compared to the native counterparts. The zeta-potential (ZP) of MFG are increased by ultrasonication compared to fresh milk (−26.37 vs. −18.22 mV) indicating better stability. Changing the pH of ultrasonicated milk to the isoelectric pH (pI) reduced the zeta-potential (ZP) by −19.8 mV and increased the (D[4,3]) > 0.4 mm indicating the gelation. The size of milk particles increased up to 76–586 μm and the ZP was reduced by 3.1 mV with the increase of ionic strength from 50 to 200 mM. Heating of milk at 90 °C for 30 min increased D[4,3] in US homogenized milk by 22%. Both ultrasonication and shear-homogenization increased the free saturated fatty acids by 2.75–3 g/100 g fat compared to raw buffalo's milk. Ultrasonication increased the gel hardness by 98% compared and shear-homogenized milks. The results of this study indicate that the ultrasonication reduced the size of buffalo's MFG up to sub-micron level with superior stability while improving (P < 0.05) the gels strength compared to shear-homogenization.Industrial relevanceBuffalo set-yoghurts made with unhomogenized milk exhibit higher syneresis and poor stability upon shear-induced breakdown, which are mainly due to the porous gel structure containing a large number of bigger fat globules. Under the large scale production, buffalo set-yoghurts are often fortified with dairy/non-dairy solids and stabilizers in order to prevent this problem. However, the use of some inexpensive, non-food grade alternatives are also reported in some parts of the world for the cottage or medium level production of buffalo yoghurts. In this work, it was shown that ultrasonication with the energy density of 1188 J/mL can be used to produce buffalo set-yoghurts with superior gel strength and therefore, can be used as an unconventional approach to improve the product quality.     

Composition and Structure of the Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane—Some Nutritional and Technological Implications

Milk fat is dispersed in milk as small, spherical globules, stabilized in the form of emulsion by its surrounding membrane. This membrane, called the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), is created in the secretory cells of the mammary gland, and represents an ordered and unique biophysical system. This review characterizes the main milk fat globule components, their structure, and intracellular origin. The milk fat globule membrane has many potentially bioactive components. These are discussed in terms of their health effects for the native and processed globules. Because of their functional and nutritional properties, MFGM components can be used as valuable ingredients in the manufacture of new functional foods.     

不同均质工艺处理对巴氏杀菌乳脂肪球膜蛋白质组成的影响

乳脂肪球大小和膜蛋白组分的变化决定了脂肪球稳定性,从而影响巴氏杀菌乳在贮藏期内的品质稳定性。本研究通过十二烷基硫酸钠-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳和液相色谱-质谱联用法分析不同预热温度（50、60、70?℃）和不同均质压力（20、30、40、45?MPa）对脂肪球膜蛋白的影响,并通过稳定性分析仪探究脂肪球膜蛋白变化与稳定性的关系。结果表明,均质工艺对脂肪球膜蛋白种类无显著影响,但对脂肪球膜蛋白的含量有一定影响：黄嘌呤氧化还原酶（xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase,XO）、嗜乳脂蛋白（butyrophilin,BTN）、脂肪滴结合蛋白（adipophilin,ADPH）在预热60 ℃时的含量最低,黏液素（mucin 1,MUC1）在预热60 ℃时的含量最高,脂肪酸结合蛋白（fatty acid binding protein,FABP）、组织糖蛋白高碘酸烯夫6/7（periodic acid Schiff 6/7,PAS6/7）的含量随着预热温度的升高而减少,组织糖蛋白高碘酸薛夫IV（cluster of differentiation 36,CD36）的含量随着预热温度的升高而增多;XO、PAS6/7、BTN、ADPH、FABP在均质压力40 MPa时含量最低,CD36的含量随均质压力的增加而减少;脂肪球膜蛋白构成中,牛血清白蛋白（bovine serum albumin,BSA）、αs1-酪蛋白（casein,CN）和β-CN含量增加,其中BSA含量增加最明显。综上,推测均质工艺导致αs1-CN、β-CN和BSA组分参与了脂肪球膜的构建,并对脂肪球稳定性产生了积极的影响。     

Effect of the size and interface composition of milk fat globules on their in vitro digestion by the human pancreatic lipase: Native versus homogenized milk fat globules

Although the bioavailability of dietary lipids is of primary importance in human nutrition and health, the mechanisms involved in lipid digestion are not fully understood and are of growing interest. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the size of milk fat globules and of the composition of their interface on the activity of the human pancreatic lipase (PL). Native milk fat globules of various sizes covered by their biological membrane (MFGM) and homogenized fat globules of various sizes covered by milk proteins were prepared from whole milk and underwent lipolysis by the human PL with colipase and bile salts. A lag phase preceding the hydrolysis of milk TAG occurred with all native milk fat globules samples but not with homogenized milk samples. The kinetic parameters of human PL were determined by measuring the enzyme activity either after the lag phase for native milk fat globules samples or immediately after the addition of the enzyme for homogenized milk samples. The catalytic efficiency of human PL is 4.6-fold higher on small (1.8 μm) than large (6.7 μm) native milk fat globules, related to a 3.6-fold larger available surface. Despite the 25-fold larger available surface, milk TAG from homogenized milk are only 2-fold better hydrolyzed compared to native milk fat globules, as a possible result of a less favourable interface covered by milk proteins. The potential mechanisms involved in native vs. homogenized milk fat globules digestion by the human PL are discussed. Our study highlights the crucial role of the MFGM in the efficient digestion of milk fat globules and brings new insight for the design of dairy products and infant formulas.     

The effect of dietary forage to concentrate ratio and forage type on milk fatty acid composition and milk fat globule size of lactating cows

We examined the effects of 2 grass silage-based diets differing in forage:concentrate (FC) ratio and those of a red clover silage-based diet on intake, milk production, ruminal fatty acid (FA) biohydrogenation, milk FA composition, and milk fat globule (MFG) size distribution. Ten multiparous Nordic Red cows received the following treatments: grass silage-based diets containing high (70:30, HG) or low (30:70, LG) FC ratio or a red clover silage-based diet with an FC ratio of 50:50 (RC) on a dry matter basis. Determinations of MFG were performed from fresh milk samples without addition of EDTA so the results of fat globules >1 µm in diameter are emphasized instead of the entire globule population. Lower FC ratio in grass silage-based diets increased milk production with no effect on daily fat yield, leading to 13% lower milk fat concentration. The effect of FC ratio on MFG size was moderate. It did not affect the volume-weighted diameter in grass silage-based diets, although LG lowered the volume-surface diameter of MFG in the size class >1 µm compared with HG. Compared with HG, feeding LG moderately decreased the biohydrogenation of 18:2n-6, leading to a higher level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk fat. Feeding RC lowered milk fat concentration and daily milk fat yield compared with grass silage-based diets. The volume-weighted diameter of MFG in the size class >1 µm was smaller in RC milk compared with grass silage-based diets. Feeding RC increased the flow of 18:3n-3 at the omasum by 2.4-fold and decreased the apparent ruminal 18:3n-3 biohydrogenation compared with grass silage-based diets despite similar intake of 18:3n-3. It also resulted in the lowest amount of saturated FA and the highest amounts of cis-9 18:1, 18:3n-3, and polyunsaturated FA in milk. In conclusion, LG decreased milk fat content and induced minor changes in MFG size distribution compared with HG, whereas RC lowered milk fat production, altered milk FA composition to nutritionally more beneficial direction, and led to smaller MFG compared with grass silage-based diets.     

牛乳脂肪球膜组分分离鉴定及其功能性研究进展

乳脂肪球膜（milk fat globule membrane,MFGM）是牛乳中脂肪球外表面包裹着的一层膜,在牛乳中的含量非常微小。但由于其具有良好的生理活性以及潜在的食品加工应用潜力,关于其展开的基础研究和应用基础研究受到广泛关注。本综述介绍MFGM的分离制备技术、结构、组分鉴定分析、生理活性及其应用特性的研究进展,以期为MFGM在食品工业尤其是在功能性食品中的应用提供一定的理论支持。     

Proteolysis of milk fat globule membrane proteins during in vitro gastric digestion of milk

The influence of gastric proteolysis on the physicochemical characteristics of milk fat globules and the proteins of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in raw milk and cream was examined in vitro in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) containing various pepsin concentrations at pH 1.6 for up to 2 h. Apparent flocculation of the milk fat globules occurred in raw milk samples incubated in SGF containing pepsin, but no coalescence was observed in either raw milk samples or cream samples. The changes in the particle size of the fat globules as a result of the flocculation were dependent on the pepsin concentration. Correspondingly, the physical characteristics of the fat globules and the composition of the MFGM proteins in raw milk changed during incubation in SGF containing pepsin. The major MFGM proteins were hydrolyzed at different rates by the pepsin in the SGF; butyrophilin was more resistant than xanthine oxidase, PAS 6, or PAS 7. Peptides with various molecular weights, which altered with the time of incubation and the pepsin concentration, were present at the surfaces of the fat globules.     

Symposium review: Fat globules in milk and their structural modifications during gastrointestinal digestion

The fat globules in milk are unique oil droplets that are stabilized by a specific and structurally complex membrane, the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). In the last decade, excellent progress has been made on studying the structure of the milk fat globules and the MFGM and how common processing treatments affect these structures to deliver dairy products with improved functional properties. Although the digestion of milk fat to deliver energy and lipid-soluble nutrients is essential for survival of the neonate, there is little understanding of the complex processes involved. The structural alterations to fat globules during gastrointestinal processing affect the way in which milk fat is digested, absorbed, and metabolized. The packaging of these globules within the MFGM or in other forms may affect the bioaccessibility of raw or processed milk fat globules; in turn, this may affect access of the gastrointestinal enzymes to the globules and, therefore, may influence the rate and extent of lipid digestion. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding milk fat globules during gastrointestinal digestion, including the effects of processing on their bioavailability and the kinetics of lipid digestion. Possible effects of the dairy matrix on lipid digestion and physiological responses are briefly described.     

Effects of pulsed electric field on fat globule structure,lipase activity,and fatty acid composition in raw milk and milk with different fat globule sizes

To modify the structure of milk fat globules (MFGs), raw milk (RM) with native MFGs, and milk with small (MS) and large (ML) MFGs, were subjected to moderate pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment at 9 and 16 kV·cm⁻¹ for 30 μs. The changes caused by PEF on MFG structure leading to MFG-MFG and MFG-protein aggregation were found to depend on the size, composition and/or previous damage caused by the separation and mixing processes during production of MS and ML, in addition to the intensity of the PEF treatment. Although, PEF treatment had a more pronounced effect on MFGM proteins of MS, these MFG were less affected by PEF due to significant adsorption of milk proteins. The structural changes caused by PEF were accompanied by changes in lipase activity and fatty acid (FA) profiles, i.e. increase in the proportion of C6:0, C8:0, C10 and some long-chain FAs and a decrease in medium and other long chain FAs.Industrial relevancePEF is gaining attention in the dairy industry. However, information regarding the effect of PEF processing on milk components and functionality is still limited. The present investigation contributes to understand the potential of PEF at moderate field intensities to modify the MFGs and consequences for milk stability, lipolysis and composition of FAs. The new insight is relevant in development of new products and ingredients containing milk fat.