Water vapour permeability,thermal and wetting properties of whey protein isolate based edible films

This study deals with the effect of whey protein isolate (WPI) and glycerol (GLY) used as a plasticizer on some physical properties of cast whey protein isolate (WPI) films. Films were prepared from heated (80 °C for 30 min) aqueous solutions of WPI at 7, 8, 9 and 10% (w/w), GLY (40%, w/w, of WPI) and WPI at 8% (w/w), GLY (30, 40, and 60%, w/w, of WPI). For all types of films, water vapour permeability for four relative humidity differentials (30–100%, 30–84%, 30–75%, and 30–53%), surface and thermal properties were measured. Varying the proportion of WPI and GLY in edible films had some effect on water vapour permeability, wetting and thermal properties of WPI films. A cumulative effect of both glycerol and protein content was observed on the water vapour permeability increase. Indeed film barrier properties are much better for the lowest WPI (7%) and GLY (40%) contents. GLY increases the degradation temperature and favours film surface wettability whereas protein content did not affects thermal properties of films.     

Cheese fortification using water-in-oil-in-water double emulsions as carrier for water soluble nutrients

Encapsulation of vitamin B₁₂ in water-in-oil-in-water double emulsions was optimized to produce functional cream for cheese milk standardization. The effect of encapsulation on vitamin B₁₂ release during in vitro gastric digestion and on retention during cheese making was determined. Primary water-in-oil emulsions were prepared from vitamin B₁₂ (0.2%, w/v) solution and butter oil containing 8% (w/w) polyglycerol polyricinoleate, and dispersed in skim milk or sodium caseinate solution using a dispersing tool or a valve homogenizer. Encapsulation of vitamin B₁₂ in double emulsions exhibited greater than 96% efficiency and prevented vitamin losses during in vitro gastric digestion. Less than 5% of the encapsulated vitamin B₁₂ was released from double emulsion stabilized with sodium caseinate. Compared with non-encapsulated vitamin B₁₂, encapsulation in double emulsions reduced vitamin B₁₂ losses in whey and increased retention in cheese from 6.3 to more than 90%.     

Drying and storage of crude β-galactosidase extracts from Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus 11842

The retention of β-galactosidase activity in crude cellular extract (CCE) preparations from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus ATCC 11842 was investigated after spray drying at three different outlet air temperatures (40, 50 or 60 °C), freeze drying, and after 30 days storage. Lactose, skim milk and whey protein preparations in concentrations ranging from 5 to 30% (w/w) were used as drying adjuncts. To further investigate the protective role of sugars in the enzyme activity preservation, cellobiose and sucrose were also employed in 5 and 10% concentrations during spray-drying at 60 °C or freeze-drying. The addition of lactose or skim milk in all examined concentrations resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher β-galactosidase activity retention in comparison to all other CCE spray dried at 60°C. The effect was less pronounced at lower spray drying temperatures and increased whey protein concentrations, especially during freeze drying, when almost complete recovery of the enzyme activity upon reconstitution was achieved. Cellobiose provided less β-gal protection in comparison to lactose or sucrose. Lactose was more effective than sucrose at 5% concentration, but both sugars were equal at 10%. The β-gal activity retention in dry CCE preparations during storage at 7 °C over 30 day period was related to the initial water activity; higher initial a_w of powders obtained at lower spray drying temperature was correlated with significant (P<0.05) β-gal activity loss. Freeze dried and spray dried (60 °C) preparations were more stable in comparison to all other samples, retaining high β-gal activity during storage up to 30 days.     

Synergistic effects of polyglycerol ester of polyricinoleic acid and sodium caseinate on the stabilisation of water–oil–water emulsions

The inherent thermodynamic instability of water–oil–water (W/O/W) emulsions has restrictions for their application in food systems. The objective of this study was to develop a food grade W/O/W emulsions with high yield and stability using minimal concentrations of surfactants. Emulsions were prepared using soybean oil, polyglycerol ester of polyricinoleic acid (PGPR) alone or in combination with sodium caseinate (NaCN) as emulsifier(s) for primary water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions and NaCN as the sole emulsifier for secondary W/O/W emulsions. Increasing the concentration of PGPR (0.5–8%w/v) had no effect on the droplet sizes of the resulting W/O/W emulsions. However, significant increases in droplet sizes of W/O/W emulsions were observed when the concentration of NaCN in external phase was reduced from 0.5 to 0.03% (w/v) (p<0.05). Percentage yields of emulsions (using a water-soluble dye) improved when PGPR concentration in the inner phase was increased from 0.5 to 8% (w/v). A stable W/O/W emulsion with a yield >90% could be prepared with 4% (w/v) PGPR alone as primary hydrophobic emulsifier and 0.5% (w/v) NaCN as external hydrophilic emulsifier. The concentration of PGPR in the inner phase could be reduced to 2% (w/v) without affecting the yield and stability of the W/O/W emulsion by partially replacing PGPR with 0.5% (w/v) NaCN, which was added to the aqueous phase of the primary W/O emulsion. The results indicate that a possible synergistic effect may exist between PGPR and NaCN, thus allowing formulation of double emulsions with reduced surfactant concentration.     

In-vitro evaluation of hydrocolloid–based encapsulated fish oil

The release behaviour of hydrocolloid-based encapsulated fish oil was carried out to understand its applicability as a controlled release delivery system. A casein-based Maillard reaction product (MRP), [caseinate–glucose-dried glucose syrup, MRP] and its corresponding non-MRP-based encapsulant materials were used to form stable emulsions with fish oil. The emulsion particle size distribution was found to be uniform with 90% of the particles below 1.3 μm. These oil/water emulsions were spray dried to obtain free-flowing fish oil microcapsules. All casein-based microcapsules had a free fat content of <1% and the encapsulation efficiencies were all >97%. A sequential in-vitro release protocol and a method for evaluation of the released oil in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF/SIF) were developed and tested in this study. A comparative analysis of release behaviour between caseinate and whey protein-based MRP and non-MRP-based encapsulant materials was also obtained. The amount of released oil after subjecting to the sequential in-vitro protocol was found to be <2% and 36% for caseinate and whey protein-based MRP microcapsules respectively.     

Influence of homogenisation conditions and drying method on physicochemical properties of dehydrated emulsions containing different solid components

Dehydrated o/w emulsions containing sodium caseinate and lactose (sample 1), and gelatine, sucrose and maltodextrin (DE 10) (sample 2) were used to study the influence of homogenisation conditions – homogenisation pressure (15 and 70 MPa) and number of passes (1 and 2) – and the drying method – spray‐drying vs. freeze‐drying – on physicochemical parameters, including oil microencapsulation efficiency (ME), oil droplet size in reconstituted emulsions, water activity, glass transition temperature, powder bulk density and time for emulsion reconstitution in water. Results showed that small and uniform oil droplets attained with increased homogenisation pressure were not sufficient for high oil encapsulation. The permeability of the solid wall to the extraction solvent appeared to be the dominant factor, and this may increase with homogenisation pressure. With the exception of oil droplet size in sample 1 and ME in sample 2, the drying method exerted larger changes in the physicochemical parameters studied than the homogenisation pressure. For sample 2, significant changes in the ME were not observed between the freeze‐dried and spray‐dried samples, even though a great emulsion destabilisation was observed in the reconstituted emulsion of the latter.     

Foam‐Mat Freeze‐Drying of Bifidobacterium longum RO175: Viability and Refrigerated Storage Stability

Foaming as a pretreatment was used prior to freeze‐drying of Bifidobacterium longum RO175 to investigate the potential acceleration of the drying rate and increase in microorganism viability after the process. A study on storage of foamed and nonfoamed freeze‐dried products at 4 °C completed this study. B. longum RO175 in foamed medium could be freeze‐dried in 1/7 to 1/4 of the time required for nonfoamed suspensions. In addition, foamed suspensions presented higher viability immediately after freeze‐drying (13.6% compared to 12.81 % or 11.46%, depending on the cryoprotective media). Refrigerated storage led to a reduction in B. longum RO175 viability for all tested protective agents (foamed and nonfoamed). No correlation between glass transition temperature and stability of probiotic powders was observed during storage. In addition, lower viability after 56 d of storage was observed for foamed materials, probably due to foam porous structure and higher hygroscopicity, and oxygen presence and moisture pickup during storage.     

不同乳化剂对油酸和亚油酸乳状液稳定性的影响

本文以粒径、稳定性和流变为考察指标,利用激光粒度仪、食品稳定性分析仪、流变仪等研究不同种类和添加量的食品乳化剂(阿拉伯胶、酪蛋白酸钠、吐温20)对不饱和脂肪酸(油酸和亚油酸)乳状液的制备及其稳定性的影响。结果表明,三种乳化剂均可制备出稳定性较好的乳状液,不同乳化剂的质量分数不同得到乳状液的稳定性不同。较高质量分数的阿拉伯胶(4%,w/v)乳状液,具有最低的澄清指数并且具有最大粘度(0.30~0.40 Pa·s)。当酪蛋白酸钠的质量分数为2%时,制备出的乳状液较稳定,但粒径较大,贮藏稳定性较差。较低质量分数的吐温20(1%,w/v)的乳状液具有最小粒径(0.20~0.21 μm),经过贮藏后变化程度也最小。本文研究了不同食品乳化剂制备的不饱和脂肪酸乳状液及其稳定性,可为不饱和脂肪酸乳状液的制备和应用提供参考。     

Interfacial composition and stability of emulsions made with mixtures of commercial sodium caseinate and whey protein concentrate

The interfacial composition and the stability of oil-in-water emulsion droplets (30% soya oil, pH 7.0) made with mixtures of sodium caseinate and whey protein concentrate (WPC) (1:1 by protein weight) at various total protein concentrations were examined. The average volume-surface diameter (d₃₂) and the total surface protein concentration of emulsion droplets were similar to those of emulsions made with both sodium caseinate alone and WPC alone. Whey proteins were adsorbed in preference to caseins at low protein concentrations (<3%), whereas caseins were adsorbed in preference to whey proteins at high protein concentrations. The creaming stability of the emulsions decreased markedly as the total protein concentration of the system was increased above 2% (sodium caseinate >1%). This was attributed to depletion flocculation caused by the sodium caseinate in these emulsions. Whey proteins did not retard this instability in the emulsions made with mixtures of sodium caseinate and WPC.     

How is an ideal satiating yogurt described? A case study with added-protein yogurts

Protein is recognized as the macronutrient with the highest satiating ability. Yogurt can be an excellent basis for designing satiating food as it is protein-based food product. Five different set-type yogurts were formulated by adding extra skim milk powder (MP), whey protein concentrate (WPC), calcium caseinate (CAS) or a blend of whey protein concentrate with calcium caseinate (CAS–WPC). A control yogurt without extra protein content was also prepared. Differences in sensory perceptions (through CATA questions) were related to the consumers' expected satiating ability and liking scores (of several modalities). In addition, an “Ideal satiating yogurt” was included in the CATA question to perform a penalty analysis to show potential directions for yogurt reformulation and to relate sensory and non-sensory yogurt characteristics to satiating capacity.     

Maillard Reaction Products as Encapsulants for Fish Oil Powders

The use of Maillard reaction products for encapsulation of fish oil was investigated. Fish oil was emulsified with heated aqueous mixtures comprising a protein source (Na caseinate, whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, or skim milk powder) and carbohydrates (glucose, dried glucose syrup, oligosaccharide) and spray‐dried for the production of 50% oil powders. The extent of the Maillard reaction was monitored using L*, a*, b* values and absorbance at 465 nm. Encapsulation efficiency was gauged by measurement of solvent‐extractable fat and the oxidative stability of the fish oil powder, which was determined by assessment of headspace propanal after storage of powders at 35 °C for 4 wk. Increasing the heat treatment (60 °C to 100 °C for 30 to 90 min) of sodium caseinate‐glucose‐glucose syrup mixtures increased Maillard browning but did not change their encapsulation efficiency. The encapsulation efficiency of all heated sodium caseinate‐glucose‐glucose syrup mixtures was high, as indicated by the low solvent‐extractable fat in powder (<2% powder, w/w). However, increasing the severity of the heat treatment of the sodium caseinate‐glucose‐glucose syrup mixtures reduced the susceptibility of the fish oil powder to oxidation. The increased protection afforded to fish oil in powders by increasing the temperature‐time treatment of protein‐carbohydrate mixtures before emulsification and drying was observed irrespective of the protein (sodium caseinate, whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, or skim milk powder) and carbohydrate (glucose, glucose/dried glucose syrup, or oligosaccharide/dried glucose syrup) sources used in the formulation. Maillard reaction products produced by heat treatment of aqueous protein‐carbohydrate mixtures were effective for protecting microencapsulated fish oil and other oils (evening primrose oil, milk fat) from oxidation.     

Systematical characterization of functional and antioxidative properties of heat-induced polymerized whey proteins

Effects of pH (6–8), protein concentration (6–11%, w/v), heating temperature (70–95 °C) and time (5–30 min) on functional and antioxidative properties of heat-induced polymerized whey protein were systematically investigated. All samples were determined for solubility at pH 4.6, emulsion capacity and stability, and antioxidative properties involving 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis(2-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) scavenging abilities. Heating resulted in significant loss in solubility, emulsion capacity and stability for whey protein, p?<?0.05. Heating decreased DPPH but enhanced ABTS scavenging ability for whey protein significantly, p?<?0.05. Changes caused by pH variation were much stronger than those observed for other factors. Both protein concentration and heating time had negative effects while heating temperature had positive effect on emulsion capacity of whey protein. Data indicates that functional and antioxidative properties of whey protein could be altered by factors including pH, protein concentration, heating temperature and time.     

Effect of moderate electric field on structural and thermo-physical properties of sunflower protein and sodium caseinate

Moderate electric field (MEF) was employed to sunflower protein isolate (SPI) and sodium caseinate (CAS) to change their structural and thermo-physical properties with a non-thermal approach. MEF treatment significantly reduced the average particle size with noticeable changes in the uniformity of SPI and CAS solutions. A maximum of 10% reduction in the surface tension was observed for 0.2% w/w SPI sample by applying 150 V for 20 s. This effect was less pronounced for CAS samples and for the protein concentration of 2% w/w. FTIR spectra provided an increased α-helix content for SPI inducing a bulkier, loosened and more hydrophilic structure which is unlikely for CAS. Intrinsic Fluorescence Spectroscopy revealed that MEF treatments changed the tertiary structures of SPI and CAS. Denaturation temperatures and enthalpies of the SPI and CAS samples were decreased by MEF treatments.     

Influence of storage, heat treatment, and solids composition on the bleaching of whey with hydrogen peroxide

The residual annatto colorant in liquid whey is bleached to provide a desired neutral color in dried whey ingredients. This study evaluated the influence of starter culture, whey solids and composition, and spray drying on bleaching efficacy. Cheddar cheese whey with annatto was manufactured with starter culture or by addition of lactic acid and rennet. Pasteurized fat-separated whey was ultrafiltered (retentate) and spray dried to 34% whey protein concentrate (WPC34). Aliquots were bleached at 60 °C for 1 h (hydrogen peroxide, 250 ppm), before pasteurization, after pasteurization, after storage at 3 °C and after freezing at -20 °C. Aliquots of retentate were bleached analogously immediately and after storage at 3 or -20 °C. Freshly spray dried WPC34 was rehydrated to 9% (w/w) solids and bleached. In a final experiment, pasteurized fat-separated whey was ultrafiltered and spray dried to WPC34 and WPC80. The WPC34 and WPC80 retentates were diluted to 7 or 9% solids (w/w) and bleached at 50 °C for 1 h. Freshly spray-dried WPC34 and WPC80 were rehydrated to 9 or 12% solids and bleached. Bleaching efficacy was measured by extraction and quantification of norbixin. Each experiment was replicated 3 times. Starter culture, fat separation, or pasteurization did not impact bleaching efficacy (P > 0.05) while cold or frozen storage decreased bleaching efficacy (P < 0.05). Bleaching efficacy of 80% (w/w) protein liquid retentate was higher than liquid whey or 34% (w/w) protein liquid retentate (P < 0.05). Processing steps, particularly holding times and solids composition, influence bleaching efficacy of whey. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Optimization of whey bleaching conditions is important to reduce the negative effects of bleaching on the flavor of dried whey ingredients. This study established that liquid storage and whey composition are critical processing points that influence bleaching efficacy.     

Green olive fermentation using spontaneous and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus plantarum</Emphasis> cultures

The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of spontaneous and Lactobacillus cultures in Spanish style fermentation of olive fruits. A fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 was carried out for comparison. Fermentation was performed at room temperature during 120 days in two different concentrations of NaCl (2.4–13.6 % w/v) and sucrose (0–0.82 % w/v) in the brines. The pH, chlorides, lactic acid, reducing sugar and lactic bacteria in selective medium were investigated during the olive fermentation. After 120 days of fermentation, the formulation with 12 % NaCl in the brine hampered the growth of lactic bacteria, avoiding the consumption of reducing sugars. However, low salt concentrations (≤4 %) promoted a decrease in pH, an increase of the lactic acid and the growth of lactic bacteria, providing best environmentally suitable for the fermentation process. Whereas using concentrations of 12 % NaCl and 0.7 % sucrose showed better chemical conditions, ensuring the safety of the product produced. Multivariate analysis showed that the olives with both cultures were in close relation to lactic acid and reducing sugar and different from lactic bacteria.     

Optimisation of bambara groundnut water extract and skim milk composition as cryoprotectant for increasing cell viability of Lactobacillus spp. using response surface methodology

Four legume water extracts, that is bambara groundnut, soya bean, red kidney bean and black bean as well as skim milk, were examined for their effectiveness in protecting Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus fermentum SK5 during the freeze‐drying and storage. Bambara groundnut water extract (BGWE) showed promising cryoprotective activity that was comparable to skim milk. BGWE and skim milk at 2–10% w/v and 5–20% w/v individually produced survival rates for both strains of 87–88%. To further optimise the synergistic cryoprotective medium, response surface methodology was employed. The optimal combination was 4.93% w/v BGWE and 11.68% w/v skim milk for L. rhamnosus GG and 5.17% w/v BGWE and 11.36% w/v skim milk for L. fermentum SK5 with survival rates of 95.17% and 94.36%, respectively. The storage life of freeze‐dried cells of both probiotics at 4 °C and 30 °C for 6 months was markedly improved when they were produced with these optimal combinations.     

Effect of high‐pressure homogenisation on the retention of selected aroma compounds in model dairy emulsions

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of high‐pressure homogenisation on the aroma retention of mixed sodium caseinate–whey protein (2% + 2% w/v) emulsions. For this purpose, raw and pasteurised emulsions, with different fat contents (5%, 8% and 15% w/v) and subjected to different homogenisation pressures (0, 18, 100 and 150 MPa), were produced. The retention of seven aroma compounds (hexanal, benzaldehyde, diacetyl, ethyl butyrate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and ethyl octanoate) was evaluated by static headspace gas chromatography. Results showed that aroma release was affected by the presence and the quantity of the lipid phase. As regards homogenisation, an increase in the retention of hexanal with homogenisation pressure was observed and interactions between hexanal and caseinate were suggested. Benzaldehyde showed significant changes in headspace partition with increasing pressure only in the 5% fat content emulsions, whereas no homogenisation effect on aroma retention was observed for diacetyl or esters.     

Influence of Emulsification Technique and Wall Composition on Physicochemical Properties and Oxidative Stability of Fish Oil Microcapsules Produced by Spray Drying

Encapsulation of fish oil is an effective way to protect it against oxidation and masking its fishy odor. One of the possible ways to produce fish oil microcapsules is to produce an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion followed by spray drying. This study compares the production of the O/W emulsion by mechanical homogenization (rotor–stator) with membrane emulsification and examines the effect of the type and amount of wall material added before drying. The membrane emulsification process selected for the emulsion production is premix membrane emulsification (ME), which consists of the production of a coarse emulsion by mechanical means followed by droplet breakup when the coarse emulsion is forced through a membrane. The emulsions produced had an oil load of 10 and 20 % and were stabilized using whey protein (isolate and hydrolyzate at 1 or 10 %) and sodium caseinate with concentrations of 2 and 10 %. Regarding the material used to build the microcapsule wall, whey protein, maltodextrin, or combinations of them were used at three different oil/wall ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3). The results clearly show that premix ME is a suitable technology for producing O/W emulsions stabilized with proteins, which have a smaller droplet size and are more monodisperse than those produced by rotor–stator emulsification. However, protein concentrations of 10 % are required to reduce the droplet size down to 2–3 μm. Small and monodisperse emulsions have been found to produce microcapsules with lower surface oil content, which increases oil encapsulation efficiency and presents lower levels of oxidation during storage at 30 °C. Of all the possible combinations studied, the one with the highest oil encapsulation efficiency is the production of a 20 % O/W emulsion stabilized with 10 % sodium caseinate followed by the addition of 50 % maltodextrin and drying.     

A comparative study of physico‐chemical properties and antioxidant activity of freeze‐dried mung bean (Vigna radiata) and adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) sprout hydrolysate powders

Mung bean (MB) and adzuki bean (AZB) sprouts were hydrolysed with Flavourzyme^® at four different concentrations for 6 h. Nongerminated beans subjected to each enzyme concentrations were set as the control. For both bean sprouts, the highest amounts of free amino group, total free amino acids and total phenolic content (TPC) were obtained with 7% (w/w) Flavourzyme^®. Each bean sprout hydrolysate was subjected to freeze‐drying in absence and presence of 5% maltodextrin (w/v). The addition of maltodextrin resulted in a decrease in the free amino group, TPC, surface hydrophobicity and hygroscopicity in resulting freeze‐dried powders. Gallic acid, p‐coumaric acid and vitexin were identified in all freeze‐dried powders, while catechin and rutin were detected only in freeze‐dried AZB hydrolysate powder. Freeze‐dried AZB hydrolysate powder contained higher antioxidant activities. DPPH radical scavenging activity of all samples measured using electron spin resonance spectrometry was higher than that obtained by the colorimetric method.     

The interaction of milk sphingomyelin and proteins on stability and microstructure of dairy emulsions

The interaction between dairy proteins [micellar casein (MC) vs. whey protein isolate (WPI)] and phospholipids [PL; soy phosphatidylcholine (PC) vs. milk sphingomyelin (SM)] in an oil-in-water emulsion system was investigated. Sole PC–stabilized emulsion (1%, wt/vol) showed a significantly larger mean particle diameter (6.5 μm) than SM-stabilized emulsions (3.8 μm). The mean particle diameters of emulsions prepared by the combination of protein (1%, wt/vol) and PL (1%, wt/vol) did not significantly differ from the emulsions prepared with a single emulsifier (MC, WPI, and SM). Emulsion instability differed significantly among samples by a centrifugation-mediated accelerated stability test. Emulsion instability increased in the order of MC+SM < MC+PC, WPI+SM < WPI+PC < MC < SM < WPI < PC. Protein surface load determined by aqueous phase depletion was significantly decreased only in WPI+PC emulsion, whereas no significant difference was found between the MC+SM and WPI+SM emulsions. Topographic and phase images of emulsion surface by atomic force microscopy showed surface layers prepared by protein+PL combinations were composites with different mechanical properties, and PL formed a more compact domain than proteins. A smoother phase image was observed in MC+PL combinations than in WPI+PL counterparts. Based on the microstructure analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy, combination and MC+SM formed a uniform and thick surface coating of fat droplets. More PC aggregates were observed in the emulsions containing PC (sole PC, MC+PC, and WPI+PC) compared with their SM counterparts. Based on these results, the appropriate selection of the PL matrix is important to modulate the emulsion stability of dairy emulsion products.