Distribution and stability of aflatoxin M1 during production and storage of yoghurt.

Yoghurt from cow's milk artificially contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) at levels of 0.050 and 0.100 g l(-1) was fermented to reach pHs 4.0 and 4.6. Yoghurt fermented to pH 4.6 was also used for preparing strained yoghurt. Yoghurts were stored at 4 degrees C for up to 4 weeks. Analysis of AFM1 in milk, yoghurt, strained yoghurt and yoghurt whey was carried out using immunoaffinity column extraction and liquid chromatography coupled with fluorometric detection. AFM1 levels in yoghurt samples showed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) compared with those initially added to milk. Growth of culture lactic acid bacteria was not affected in the AFM1 contaminated yoghurts, with the exception of Streptococcus thermophilus that showed a significantly (p < 0.01) lower increase in the yoghurt containing the toxin at high concentration. Following fermentation, AFM1 was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in yoghurts with pH 4.0 than in yoghurts with pH 4.6 at both contamination levels. During refrigerated storage, AFM1 was rather more stable in yoghurts with pH 4.6 than with pH 4.0. The percentage loss of the initial amount of AFM1 in milk was estimated at about 13 and 22% by the end of the fermentation, and 16 and 34% by the end of storage for yoghurts with pHs 4.6 and 4.0, respectively. The percentage distribution ratio of AFM1 in strained yoghurt/yoghurt whey of the initial toxin present in the yoghurt was about 90/10 and 87/13 for the lower and the higher contamination levels, respectively.     

Performance of different microbial cultures in potentially probiotic and prebiotic yoghurts from cow and goat milks

Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb‐12 and green banana pulp were used in order to obtain potentially probiotic and prebiotic yoghurts, which were compared over a 45‐day storage period. Goat milk yoghurts demonstrated probiotic effects up to 45 days of storage. Cow milk yoghurts produced with B. animalis subsp. lactis Bb‐12 showed a probiotic effect reduction during the storage period (1.74 log CFU/g). The type of milk affected the yoghurts’ chemical and physicochemical properties. Sensory acceptance was also affected, where cow milk yoghurts were better accepted than goat milk ones.     

Constituents of nutritional relevance in fermented milk products commercialised in Italy

Fermented milk products represent an increasing share of the dairy products consumed in Italy. The nutritional value of these products is related to the milk utilised and to the eventual presence of other ingredients (milk powder, sugar, fruit puree and fruit extracts), whereas the microrganisms used can affect texture and organoleptic characteristics. In this paper constituents of nutritional relevance such as protein, fat, total carbohydrate, amino acids, minerals, vitamin A, vitamin E and cholesterol, have been evaluated in yoghurts, fermented milks (plain and with essences) and Quark cheeses (plain and with fruits). This study confirms the high nutritional quality of fermented milks and stresses the role of non-milk ingredients in modifying and, sometimes, improving the dietary contribution of these products.     

Short communication: Effect of the addition of Bifidobacterium monocultures on the physical,chemical, and sensory characteristics of fermented goat milk

The aim of the study was to use 3 monocultures of Bifidobacterium (Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis AD600, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12, and Bifidobacterium longum AD50) in fermented goat milk to assess the microbial, physicochemical, rheological, and sensory quality of beverages during a 3-wk storage period at 5°C. The results indicated that selected bifidobacteria may be used for production of fermented goat milk because they comply with the minimum standards specified by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization during the entire period of storage. However, goat milk fermented by Bif. longum AD50 had less than 10⁶ cfu/g after 21 d of storage. The acidity, acetaldehyde content, viscosity, and hardness of fermented goat milk beverages depended on the strain and the storage period. Sensory properties were similar and acceptable, with a tendency for the quality to be reduced with an extended storage time. Depending on the monoculture of bifidobacteria used to manufacture fermented goat milk, the product had a different pH value. Titratable acidity in all fermented goat milk increased significantly along with the time of storage. Our study has shown that monocultures of bifidobacteria had a significant effect on the content of acetaldehyde, but the lowest effect over the entire storage period was observed in goat milk fermented by Bif. animalis ssp. lactis BB-12. This sample also had the lowest viscosity values compared with other samples and the best organoleptic properties during a 3-wk storage period.     

Effects of poly‐γ‐glutamic acid on the physicochemical characteristics of skim milk yoghurt

The physicochemical and sensory properties of skim milk yoghurts containing poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (PGA) at different levels (0.0025, 0.005 and 0.01%) were evaluated. Addition of PGA up to 0.01% to reconstituted skim milk (11%, w/v) did not affect the growth of lactic acid bacteria or the development of titratable acidity in yoghurt, whereas full‐fat control yoghurt had reduced acid production. No changes were found in viable cell counts of PGA yoghurts during storage (4 weeks at 4 °C). The addition of PGA (0.005%) significantly decreased syneresis in skim milk yoghurt and did not cause any undesirable effects in sensory acceptability.     

Potential application of Saccharomyces boulardii as a probiotic in goat's yoghurt: survival and organoleptic effects

Potential application of Saccharomyces boulardii in yoghurts could offer an alternative probiotic product to people suffering from antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea whilst on treatment. Three different yoghurts were made using goat's milk. Yoghurt 1 was the control with only starter culture added to the milk. For Yoghurt 2, S. boulardii was added in parallel with the starter culture, and for Yoghurt 3, the yeast was added after the yoghurt was coagulated by the starter. Duplicate counts for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and S. boulardii alongside organoleptic assessment were carried out every 3 days following manufacture and storage at 6 °C. Our results demonstrate that S. boulardii can survive in high numbers for the period of 4 weeks tested without significant changes in taste. Very important is the fact that the presence of the yeast stimulated the survival of the LAB, which in both yeast yoghurts were significantly higher than in the control.     

Probiotic fermented beverages based on acid whey

Acid whey is a byproduct of cheesemaking that is difficult to use because of its low pH and less-favorable processing properties compared with rennet whey. The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualities of fermented beverages made using acid whey. In manufacturing the beverages, we used probiotic cultures Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 or Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12. The production process included combining pasteurized acid whey with UHT milk, unsweetened condensed milk, or skim milk powder. We introduced milk to enrich casein content and obtain a product with characteristics similar to that of fermented milk drinks. The products were stored under refrigerated conditions (5 ± 1°C) for 21 d. During storage, we assessed the beverages' physicochemical properties and organoleptic characteristics. The properties of the beverages depended on their composition, microbial culture, and storage time. Beverages containing L. acidophilus had higher acidity, which increased during storage; the acidity of samples containing B. animalis was more stable. Beverages made with skim milk powder (La1 and Bb1) had higher acetaldehyde content, but this parameter decreased in all samples during storage. The hardness of the samples did not change during storage and was highest in beverage La3, made from whey, condensed milk, and L. acidophilus. Beverage La2, made from whey, milk, condensed milk, and L. acidophilus, had the best sensory properties. The whey beverages we developed provided a good medium for the probiotic bacteria; bacteria count throughout the storage period exceeded 8 log cfu/mL, distinctly higher than the minimum therapeutic dose.     

Physical properties and microstructure of yoghurts supplemented with milk protein hydrolysates

The physical properties and the microstructure of yoghurts containing probiotic bacteria, and supplemented with milk protein hydrolysates, were studied. Three casein hydrolysates and three whey protein hydrolysates were added to milk at a concentration ranging from 0.25 to 4 g L⁻¹. The milks were then fermented with either of two different cultures. The resulting yoghurts with added hydrolysates were compared to the control yoghurt without supplementation. For both cultures, addition of hydrolysates decreased the complex viscosity and graininess in yoghurts. The addition of hydrolysates also reduced fermentation time. Microstructural observations showed a more open and less branched structure in yoghurts when milk protein hydrolysates were incorporated. The difference in fermentation time between milks with different levels of added hydrolysates could partially explain the differences in microstructure and physical properties of the final yoghurts.     

Bioactive compound levels and sensory quality of partially skimmed organic yoghurts: Effects of the milk treatment,production season and starter culture*

The aim of the study was to assess the physicochemical properties, texture, colour and sensory quality of organic yoghurts with regard to the milk treatment (raw milk obtained directly from organic farms, partially skimmed and heat‐treated in the laboratory vs organic milk purchased in the shop that was pasteurised in a dairy), production season and starter culture. The yoghurts produced on the basis of bulk milk obtained from farms during the spring/summer season proved to be of greater nutritional value and had higher content of bioactive whey proteins, except for β‐lactoglobulin, and lipophilic vitamins than retail milk.     

Proteolytic degradation of ewe milk proteins during fermentation of yoghurts and storage

Yoghurts are mostly produced from cow milk and to a very limited extent from ewe milk. The evolution of caseins and whey proteins in ovine milk submitted to different thermal treatments (63 degrees C/30 min; 73 degrees C/15 min; 85 degrees C/10 min or 96 degrees C/5 min) was followed during fermentation of yoghurts and during their storage up to 14 days, using two different sets of starters. One set of starter LAB was a "ropy" culture (YC-191), which is a well-defined mixed strain culture containing Streptococcus thermophilus ST-143 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LB-18 and LB-CH2). The other set of starter bacteria (YC-460) was a standard yoghurt culture("non-ropy") containing mixed strain culture of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. Contents of free amino groups in produced yoghurts increased gradually during the fermentation, up to a maximal value obtained after 4 h fermentation, then they did not change significantly during storage of yoghurt produced with YC-191 starter. In contrary, a large drop in the amount of free amino groups was observed in the first 24 h of storage in the case of yoghurt made with YC-460 indicating that microorganisms continue still to grow in low temperatures. During fermentation and storage of both yoghurt types, alpha-lactalbumin was hydrolyzed to a slightly bigger extent than beta-lactoglobulin. During fermentation, beta-casein was slightly more degraded than alpha(s)-caseins; however, the opposite was observed during storage up to 14 days. Generally, a more intense heat pretreatment led to a higher degradation of whey proteins and caseins during fermentation and storage. Differences in proteolytic activity between the two starters used (whey proteins more degraded by YC-191; caseins more degraded by YC-460) may lead to improvement in production and formulation of yoghurts differing in their physicochemical and rheological properties.     

Effects of various whey proteins on the physicochemical and textural properties of set type nonfat yoghurt

In this study, the changes during storage in the physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of nonfat yoghurts fortified with whey proteins, namely whey protein concentrates (WPC), whey protein isolates and whey protein hydrolysates, were investigated. Enrichment of nonfat yoghurt with the whey protein additives (1% w/v) had a noticeable effect on pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, water‐holding capacity, protein contents and colour values on the 14th day of storage (P < 0.01). The addition of whey proteins to the yoghurt milk led to increases in the hardness, cohesiveness and elasticity values, resulting in improved textural properties. The addition of WPC improved the texture of set‐type nonfat yoghurt with greater sizes in the gel network as well as lower syneresis and higher water holding capacity. This study suggests that the addition of whey protein additives used for fortification of yoghurt gave the best textural and sensory properties that were maintained constant during the shelf life.     

Effect of different levels of pine honey addition on physicochemical,microbiological and sensory properties of set‐type yoghurt

In this study, the effects of different levels of pine honey addition (3%, 5% and 7% w/v) to the yoghurt milk on starter bacteria, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of set‐type yoghurts during the storage were investigated. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of yoghurts with added honey increased compared to control yoghurt. There was a significant increase in water‐holding capacity (WHC), viscosity, total solids, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values of the yoghurt samples with the addition of honey at higher concentrations, whereas water activity (aw), pH and luminosity (L*) values decreased. Viscosity and WHC of the yoghurts increased during the storage.     

Physical characteristics of set yoghurt made with altered casein to whey protein ratios and EPS-producing starter cultures at 9 and 14% total solids

This study investigated firmness and syneresis of set yoghurts made at the CN to WP ratios of 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1 using non-EPS-, capsular EPS- and ropy EPS-producing starter cultures. The yoghurts were made at 9 and 14% (w/w) total solids. The total solids, total protein, the concentration of lactose and the ratios of CN to WP as well as the protein's profiles (native- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) in heated and unheated milk blends were investigated. The level of soluble denatured whey protein aggregates in heated milk was also determined. The concentration of EPS, firmness and level of spontaneous syneresis in set yoghurt were monitored weekly throughout 28 days of storage. The microstructure of the set yoghurt made with milk blends at the CN to WP ratio of 4:1 and using three types of starter cultures was carried out after 1 day of storage. There was no difference in the total solids, total protein and lactose concentration of liquid milk blends, except the CN to WP ratios. There was no difference in whey protein denaturation between milk blends. The level of soluble denatured whey protein aggregates in heated milk blends decreased with reducing CN to WP ratio. The firmness and the level of spontaneous syneresis in set yoghurts decreased as the CN to WP ratios were reduced. The use of EPS-producing starter cultures reduced firmness and syneresis and changed the protein matrix in the microstructure of set yoghurts made at 9% (w/w) total solids compared to the control products. These were not observed in set yoghurts made at 14% (w/w) total solids.     

发酵乳活性双歧杆菌种类快速识别及定量研究

本文建立了发酵乳制品中双歧杆菌种类和数量快速测定方法。以发酵乳中双歧杆菌为靶标,采用PCR-DGGE技术快速识别双歧杆菌种类;采用Real-Tine PCR手段测定双歧杆菌数量。研究结果表明,PCR-DGGE能准确、快速鉴别双歧杆菌种类,检出限为105 CFU/g;Real-Tine PCR能准确、快速定量双歧杆菌,检出限为104 CFU/g。该方法可用于发酵乳中双歧杆菌的快速识别和定量。     

Behaviour of volatile compounds during the shelf life of yoghurt

The production of acetaldehyde, diacetyl and ethanol was evaluated in whole plain yoghurts manufactured with commercial starter cultures, yoghurt acquired in a local market, and milk fermented by a single culture of either Streptococcus thermophilus or Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus . The headspace technique was used for sample preparation, following identification and quantification by gas chromatography. During an 8-h incubation period, mixed cultures were the most efficient in lowering the pH (from 6.30 to 4.8), followed by S. thermophilus (from 6.30 to 5.18) and L. bulgaricus (from 6.30 to 5.8). During the storage period, however, a single culture of L. bulgaricus decreased the pH more than S. thermophilus , but still less than the mixed commercial cultures. Plain yoghurts acquired in the market, those made with commercial starter cultures, and fermented milks obtained with single cultures showed, after 21 days of storage, concentrations of acetaldehyde from 11 to 35 mg/L, and of diacetyl from 0 to 0.85 mg/L. An increasing concentration of ethanol was observed during the storage period, and its production was observed even in the incubation stage of all products. It was also observed that the acetaldehyde concentration was inversely correlated to ethanol production in some products. The combination of headspace, identification and quantification techniques by gas chromatography in this work was efficient in the identification and quantification of the major aromatic compounds and ethanol content of yoghurt.     

Encapsulation in an alginate–goats’ milk–inulin matrix improves survival of probiotic Bifidobacterium in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and goats’ milk yoghurt

In this work, a new encapsulating matrix, alginate–goats’ milk–inulin, was used to encapsulate Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12. The addition of inulin resulted in capsules with a compact structure, and a higher probiotic cell count under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and in probiotic goats’ milk yoghurt during refrigerated storage. Encapsulation of the probiotic bacteria led to slower post‐acidification yoghurts. The results of this study showed that the alginate–goats’ milk–inulin matrix has potential to be used as a new encapsulation material to encapsulate probiotics for use in goats’ milk‐based probiotic fermented dairy products, avoiding the cross‐contamination caused by using capsules based on cows’ milk.     

大豆蛋白酶解产物对不同发酵剂酸奶品质的影响

本文研究了大豆蛋白酶解产物(Soy protein hydrolysate,SPH)对187、495和885三种发酵剂酸奶发酵过程中p H值变化和贮藏过程中乳清析出、流变特性和质构特性的影响。结果表明,SPH对3种酸奶均具有一定的促发酵效果,其中对以187和495为发酵剂的p H值下降速度较慢的酸奶促发酵效果更明显。贮藏过程中,SPH可有效减缓酸奶乳清析出,其中对以885为发酵剂的乳清析出率最高的酸奶作用最明显,降低率达到49.35%。此外,SPH可有效提高187和495发酵剂酸奶的表观黏度和触变环面积,有利于酸奶结构的恢复。通过对酸奶第7 d流变和质构特性的进一步研究,SPH可显著提高3种酸奶的稠度和零剪切黏度,降低其流动指数、柔量和粘性指数,从而有效改善3种酸奶的流变和质构特性,提高酸奶在低应力下稳定性,降低其在高应力下形变破坏程度。     

Biochemical composition and storage stability of a yogurt-like product from African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa)

The biochemical and storage properties of African yam bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa ) yoghurt-like product were evaluated. Milk extracted from the bean flour using hot water was supplemented with 4% milk protein concentrate (MPC), 0.15% dairy calcium (DC) and 0.5% gelatine (G) (singly or in combination). The milk was fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii spp bulgaricus at 43 °C for 3–5 h. Supplemented African yam bean (AYB) yoghurts had a gel-like consistency unlike the control (unsupplemented) sample. Total solids, protein, fat, ash, lactic acid bacterial count, lightness (L-value) and viscosity were improved by supplementation. Riboflavin and antioxidants were reduced; macroelements and thiamine were increased by 0.71–15.6% and 16.7%, respectively, because of fermentation. The stability of the product during storage at 4 °C was improved by supplementation and stirring. The pH of the supplemented product ranged from 4.45 to 4.54 and microbial counts from 2.6 × 10⁶ to 1.6 × 10⁸ during storage for not more than 3 weeks.