The heat stability of milk

Note: The Effect of Silo Milk Composition Parameters on Heat Stability of Whole Milk Powder

The aim of this work was to study silo raw milk (SRM) compositional parameters that affect the heat stability of whole milk powder (WMP). Seasonal changes of heat stability from SRM and WMP were also characterised. Silo raw milk samples and the corresponding WMP samples were collected twice a month from a local factory from April 2000 to April 2001. Silo raw milk heat coagulation time (HCT), urea and lactose concentrations were found to contribute to milk powder HCT statistical model (R2 = 0.72). High HCT values during summer and low ones during spring were detected for both SRM and WMP samples. Heat coagulation time values of SRM were always higher than those measured in their powders, due to the effects of processing conditions on heat stability

Decoupling macronutrient interactions during heating of model infant milk formulas

Understanding macronutrient interactions during heating is important for controlling viscosity during infant milk formula (IMF) manufacture. Thermal behavior of macronutrients (casein, whey, lactose, fat) was studied, in isolation and combination, over a range of concentrations. Addition of phosphocasein to whey protein solutions elevated denaturation temperature (Td) of β-lactoglobulin and the temperature at which viscosity started to increase upon heating (Tv). Secondary structural changes in whey proteins occurred at higher temperatures in dispersions containing phosphocasein; the final extent of viscosity increase was similar to that of whey protein alone. Addition of lactose to whey protein solutions delayed secondary structural changes, increased Td and Tv, and reduced post heat treatment viscosity. This study demonstrated that heat-induced changes in IMF associated with whey protein (denaturation, viscosity) are not only a function of concentration but are also dependent on interactions between macronutrients.

Mineral partitioning in milk and milk permeates at high temperature

The soluble phase of milk was separated at 20 and 80°C using ultrafiltration. The resulting permeates were then subjected to further ultrafiltration and dialysis at close to these two temperatures. It was found that pH, Ca2+ and soluble Ca decreased as the separation temperature increased both in original UF permeates and in dialysates obtained from these permeates, but P decreased only slightly. The major reason for these changes was due to the precipitation of calcium phosphate/citrate complexes onto the casein micelle with concomitant release of H+. The pH of both permeates and dialysates from milk at 20°C were slightly higher than for milk. When UF permeates collected at 20 and 80°C, were each dialysed at both these temperatures, the dialysate collected at 80°C showed much less temperature dependence for pH and ionic calcium compared with that collected at 20°C. This is in contrast to milk, which shows considerable temperature dependence for pH and ionic calcium. Further experiments revealed that the pH and Ca2+ concentration of permeates showed high temperature dependence above the temperature at which they were separated, but a much lower temperature dependence below that temperature. These findings suggest that dialysis and UF of milk at high temperature provide the best means yet for estimating the pH and ionic calcium of milk at that temperature.

Mammals, Milk, Molecules, and Micelles

After a brief description of my family background and school days, my professional career as a dairy scientist is described under three headings: research, teaching, and writing. My research activities fall into four areas: biochemistry of cheese, fractionation and characterization of milk proteins, heat stability of milk, and dairy enzymology. Finally, I offer some advice to young scientists.

Paneer production: A review

Paneer represents a South Asian variety of soft cheese prepared by acid and heat coagulation of milk. It is popular throughout South Asia and used in the preparation of a number of several culinary preparations and snacks. It is a rich source of high quality animal protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. Due to availability of different types of milk and variation in milk composition, various techniques have been developed for the production of paneer as per the requirements of the consumers with appreciable improvement in the yield and other quality characteristics. Some of the modifications recommended in the preparation of paneer are discussed in this review. Examples of some 'value-added' paneer have been dealt.

Heat stability of milk: further studies on the pH-dependent dissociation of micellar κ-casein

Whey protein complexed and became co-sedimentable with casein micelles after heating milk at ≥ 90°C for 10 min at pH ≤ 6·9 while at higher pH values (7·3) whey proteins and κ-casein-rich protein dissociated from the micelles on heating. κ-Casein-deficient micelles were more sensitive to heat, Ca2+ or ethanol than whey protein-coated or native micelles and were readily coagulable by rennet. Isolated κ-casein added to skim milk before preheating (90°C for 10 min) did not associate with the micelles at pH ≥ 6·9. Sodium dodecyl sulphate increased the level of both non-sedimentable N (NSN) and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) and shifted the NSN-pH and NANA-pH curves to more acidic values while cetyltrimethylammonium bromide had the opposite effect. It is suggested that the pH-dependent dissociation in micellar κ-casein, which appears to be reversible, depends on the surface charge on the micelles; at a certain negative charge, disruption of hydrophobic and electrostatic forces could result in the dissociation of κ-casein from the casein micelles.

Effects of added salts on the heat stability of recombined concentrated milk

Changes in heat stability and Ca2+activity of recombined concentrated milk (18% solids non-fat:8% fat) induced by the additions of 0·011–0·217 mol phosphate/kg skim milk solids (SMS), 0·022–0·217 mol citrate/kg SMS, 0·011–0·022 mol Ca/kg SMS and 0·016–0·067 mol EDTA/kg SMS were evaluated. Heat stability was assessed using an objective method which involved determination of viscosity after heating under controlled conditions. Low levels of added phosphate and citrate generally effected an acid shift of the viscosity–pH profile, while higher levels caused a broadening of the profile. Addition of CaCl2at a level of 0·011 mol/kg SMS resulted in a narrowing of the viscosity–pH curve; additions of higher levels resulted in a non-heat stable recombined milk concentrate. EDTA also caused a narrowing of the viscosity–pH curve. The results highlight the importance of pH control for effective stabilization of recombined milk concentrates by additions of phosphate and citrate.

Binding of calcium ions to bovine αsl-casein and precipitability of the protein–calcium ion complexes

Binding isotherms for the calcium ion–αsl-casein system have been measured, as functions of ionic strength, temperature, and pH, and the isotherms have been analysed in terms of binding constants modified by substitution effects. The results demonstrate that the strength of binding is increased with increasing temperature and decreased by increasing ionic strength or decreasing pH, all of which may be explained semi-quantitatively. Parallel studies on the precipitability of the αsl-casein–Ca2+complexes showed that there is considerable variation in the extent of calcium binding required to initiate precipitation of the protein, and in the calcium concentration necessary to achieve the required extent of ligand binding.

Heat stability of milk: influence of colloidal and soluble salts and protein modification on the pH-dependent dissociation of micellar κ-casein

Reducing the colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) content of milk by 40% or increasing it by 20% did not significantly affect the heat-induced pH-dependent dissociation of micellar κ-casein. However, changes in soluble Ca and phosphate affected the dissociation of κ-casein markedly; decreasing the phosphate concentration or increasing the Ca concentration reduced the formation of non-sedimentable N (NSN) and non-sedimentable 12% TCA-insoluble N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (NANA). Dialysis of milk against water for short periods (∼ 5 h) reduced the formation of both NSN and non-sedimentable 12% TCA-insoluble NANA, as did NaCl at concentrations above 0·05 M. Modification of protein amino groups by succinylation promoted the release of κ-casein while amidation of carboxyl groups had the opposite effect. It appears that the pH-dependent dissociation of κ-casein produced on heating milk above 90°C is controlled by electrostatic interactions. The effects of soluble ions such as Ca2+ or Na+ appear to be due to shielding of such negatively-charged groups as seryl phosphate and carboxyl on the protein, thus reducing the release of κ-casein.

Heat stability of milk

The heat stability of a standard reconstituted skim-milk preparation has been investigated as a function of pH, temperature of coagulation, and forewarming treatment. Apparent activation energies have been calculated from the temperature dependence of coagulation time, and a constant value of 144 kJ/mole has been found for milks between pH 6·6 and 6·9. The effect of forewarming resulted in a decrease in stability at the most acid pH values, a slight increase at higher pH but below the pH maximum, and a decrease in the region of the pH minimum. A working hypothesis is proposed for the mechanisms leading to the coagulation of milk at elevated temperatures, based upon Ca induced precipitation of casein, protein polymerization, β-lactoglobulin: κ-casein interaction, and precipitation of insoluble Ca phosphates.

Factors affecting the ethanol stability of bovine milk.: I. Effect of serum phase components

By resuspending casein micelles in whey and dialysate it is shown that the role of whey proteins in the ethanol (EtOH)-induced coagulation of skim-milk is minimal. Experiments involving the interchange of milk sera indicated that the position of the EtOH stability/pH profile along the pH axis was governed by the diffusible constituents of the milk serum phase. The identities of those serum components governing the shape and position of the EtOH stability/pH profile were investigated. The addition of Ca2+ caused a shift in the entire profile to higher pH. Reduction of the available Ca2+ by addition of EDTA (up to 5 ran) shifted the profile to lower pH. The addition of phosphate (up to 5 mM) or citrate (up to 1 mM) had no effect on the profile, though higher concentrations of citrate (up to 5 mMi) caused slight shifts to lower pH. When equimolar amounts of Ca and phosphate were added, the system showed a shift in profile approximately equivalent to that of the free Ca introduced. Increasing the ionic strength of a milk by the addition of NaCl did not shift the profile, but decreased the maximum EtOH stability of the high pH arm of the sigmoidal profile. The EtOH stability/pH profile retained the same sigmoidal shape in all cases.

Calculation by computer of individual concentrations in a simulated milk salt solution. I

A modegl is proposed for the equilibria between the components of the salts in milk. The model includes complex formation between calcium ions and the various ionized forms of citric, lactic and phosphoric acids, and makes allowance for the effect of ionic strength. A computer program has been written to calculate the pH of the milk salt solutions and the concentration of each of the complexes formed. Calculated pH values agree with observed values for solutions of known composition.

The synergic effect of urea and aldehydes on the heat stability of concentrated skim-milk

When urea is added to concentrated skim-milk (22·5% total solids) no increase in heat stability is observed. However, a similar addition of urea to concentrate stabilized with aldehyde brought about a significant further increase in heat stability. Urea can further stabilize concentrated skim-milk only when aldehyde addition has brought about a change in coagulation mechanism from the normal 2-stage process to a single-stage coagulation. These results can be related to the 2 coagulation mechanisms observed in unconcentrated milks.

Influence of 2-mercaptoethanol on heat stability of concentrated whey-protein-free milk and formation of soluble casein

The heat coagulation time (HCT) of concentrated whey-protein-free (WPF) milk measured at 120 and 130 °C was reduced toby addition of 5–20 mM-2-mercaptoethanol (ME). However, although the amount of soluble casein formed on heating was doubled by addition of ME, the shape of the HCT–pH profile was affected only slightly. The proportion of κ-casein in the soluble casein from heated concentrated WPF milk containing ME was very high, though it was somewhat lower than that of the soluble casein from heated concentrated WPF milk containing no ME. No solubilization of colloidal Ca phosphate was observed in either unheated or heated concentrated WPF milk on addition of ME. These facts suggest that ME probably promotes the formation of soluble casein with release of κ-casein from micelles on heating, thus destabilizing the casein micelles.

Milk proteins: molecular, colloidal and functional properties

The proteins of bovine milk are the best-characterized food-protein system. Lactoproteins, which have high biological value, contribute ∼25% of dietary protein in North West Europe, North America and Oceania. However, in protein-rich western diets, milk proteins are frequently more highly valued for their functional properties than for their nutritional qualities. The remarkably high heat stability of the caseinate system permits the manufacture of a range of sterilized, concentrated and dehydrated products while its gelation on very limited proteolysis is the basis of cheese manufacture. Skim-milk powders, caseinates and whey protein concentrates are the most flexible and widely used functional proteins in food processing.

This communication reviews recent studies on milk proteins with respect to molecular and colloidal properties; coagulation by Ca2+, heat and ethanol; and functional properties and their chemical and enzymic modification.

Effect of homogenization on the heat stability of milk

The effect of homogenization on the heat stability characteristics of milk was examined. The heat stability of homogenized milk, as determined by the time taken for protein clots to form when heated at 140 °C, was reduced with increasing pressure in the range 3·5–34·5 MPa. The heat stability of homogenized milks was greater for samples obtained in the summer months than for those obtained in the winter. The general destabilizing effect of homogenization could be partly offset by 2-stage homogenization (20·7 MPa followed by 3·5 MPa), addition of phosphate stabilizers (0·08% w/v) or homogenization at a high temperature (65 °C). Whilst homogenized and unhomogenized milks reacted similarly to the addition of Ca, phosphate stabilizers, sulphydryl-blocking and oxidizing agents, the effects of season, addition of urea or formaldehyde were different for homogenized milk.

Heat-induced changes in sodium Caseinate

Chemical and physical changes that occur in Na caseinate (at 1 or 2% in water, pH 7·0) on heating in the range 120–150 °C were investigated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, ion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatography, light scattering, u.v. spectroscopy, amino acid analysis, and the formation of pH 4·6 and 12% TCA-soluble N and 12% TCA-soluble P. The electropherograms of heated samples were smeared and indistinct suggesting intermolecular aggregation which was not reversed by 6 M-urea or SDS and indicating covalent bond formation; αs2-casein was especially sensitive. Aggregation was confirmed by ion-exchange chromatography and light scattering. Fragmentation of the caseins also occurred on heating, as indicated by the formation of pH 4·6 and 12% TCA-soluble N and by gel filtration. Formation of soluble N and dephosphorylation followed first-order kinetics. Concentrations of available lysine and available methionine were reduced by 10–15% on heating at 140 °C for 30min; chemical assays for arginine and tryptophan indicated increases, suggesting interference. Ultraviolet spectroscopy indicated a slight apparent increase in aromatic residues after heating at 140 °C for up to 60 min.

Heat-induced association-dissociation of casein micelles preceding coagulation

Heating milk at 140 °C caused an initial increase in the percentage of total casein sedimented at 10000 g for 1 h and in the relative viscosity, but as heating continued both parameters decreased before increasing again just before the onset of visible coagulation. This suggests that heating milk at high temperatures caused an initial aggregation of casein micelles with a concomitant increase in particle size and weight, followed by dissociation of these aggregates with reaggregation just before coagulation. Chromatography of heated milk on controlled pore glass confirmed the above suggestion. Calcium appeared to play a major role in the initial association of casein micelles which was also influenced by the initial pH and total solids concentration but whey protein had no effect.

Mineral balance in skim-milk and milk retentate: effect of physicochemical characteristics of the aqueous phase

The effect of physicochemical characteristics (pH, temperature, composition) of the aqueous phase on the mineral balance in milk and milk retentate has been studied. The ratio of colloidal Ca to total protein decreased with pH, but at any given pH the higher the protein concentration, the higher was the ratio of colloidal Ca to total protein. The solubilization of Ca during cooling and the decrease in soluble Ca during heating were approximately the same in retentates and in milk. Among the components of the aqueous phase, soluble Ca and citrate ions were related to the amount of colloidal Ca.

The determination of the zeta potential of casein micelles

The principle of moving boundary electrophoresis has been employed for the measurement of the electrophoretic mobility and subsequent calculation of zeta potential of bovine casein micelles. The zeta potential of casein micelles was observed to increase with increase in temperature (from 10 to 50 °C) and to decrease with decrease in pH. Heat treatment of milk between 90 °C/30 min and 135 °C/50 min had no significant effect on zeta potential. The zeta potential of casein micelles during rennet action decreases until all the κ-casein has been cleaved by the enzyme.

The results of this study indicate that electrostatic interactions alone are not sufficient for an understanding of the absolute stability of casein micelles.

A differential scanning calorimetric study of the thermal behaviour of bovine β-lactoglobulin at temperatures up to 160 °C

The thermal behaviour of β-lactoglobulin was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the temperature range 40–160 °C. The DSC curves revealed, in addition to the usually observed denaturation peak near 80 °C, a distinct endothermal peak between 130 and 150 °C. When the pH was increased from 6·5, the area under the peak near 80 °C (denaturation heat) decreased significantly, whereas the peak area near 140 °C increased. The temperature of maximum heat absorption in the peaks near both 80 and 140 °C gradually increased as the pH decreased. Addition of sugars and variation of the heating rate both caused a temperature shift of the endothermal heat effect at 140 °C, similar to that at 80 °C. No peak near 140 °C was observed when β-mercapto-ethanol was added to the β-lactoglobulin solution before scanning. The origin and nature of the high temperature denaturation peak is discussed in terms of conformational changes of the protein.

Electrophoretic mobility of casein micelles

A simplified moving boundary electrophoresis technique has been developed for the measurement of the electrophoretic mobility of casein micelles. The zeta potentials of casein micelles from different skim-milk samples were calculated using Henry's equation and shown to decrease with decrease in pH between pH 6.9 and 5.3 and to increase with increase in temperature between 10 and 45 °C. Neither severe heat treatment (up to 135 °C for 51 min) nor centrifugal fractionation of micelles into different micelle size ranges had any significant effect on zeta potential. The ionic composition of the serum phase has been shown to be extremely important in determining the electrophoretic mobility. Casein micelles electrophoresed through milk ultrafiltrate consistently gave a lower mobilities than the same micelles centrifuged through milk centrifugate. The results are discussed in relation to present theories of casein micelle structure; these theories do not accommodate all of the observations.

Studies on the heat stability of milk: I. Behaviour of divalent cations and phosphate in milks heated in a stainless steel system

Skim milk was heated rapidly to 130 °C in stainless steel tubing, and was then held at this temperature for periods of up to 1 h in a stainless steel holding vessel. Samples taken at intervals during the holding period were analysed for cations, inorganic and organic phosphate and protein in the total sample and in the supernatant after centrifugation at 60 500g. The cation and total phosphate (organic+inorganic) contents of the sedimentable material remained constant throughout the heating, although the caseins became extensively dephosphorylated. Dephosphorylated protein dissociated from the casein micelles during the first 20 min of heating, after which its concentration in the serum began to decrease, perhaps indicating the onset of the heat coagulation reaction.

Factors influencing the stability of milk dialysate

The turbidity increase on storage of milk dialysate was shown to be due to Ca phosphate precipitation. The rate of precipitation at 40 °C could be decreased by shortening the duration of dialysis or by the addition of small amounts of EDTA. The dialysate was stabilized against Ca phosphate precipitation by the addition of the whey protein fraction of milk. Individual whey proteins varied in their stabilizing ability: α-lactalbumin was found to be more effective than β-lactoglobulin which gave approximately the same effect as an immunoglobulin fraction. BSA and lysozyme had a destabilizing effect and ovalbumin possessed a slight stabilizing ability.

Physico-chemical characteristics of casein micelles in dilute aqueous media

The heat stability and rennet coagulation time (second stage) of milk were reduced by brief dialysis against water. Destabilization appears to arise from a developed imbalance between Ca and phosphate plus citrate due to the very slow diffusion of Ca on dialysis. Average micelle size as indicated by permeation chromatography in porous glass CPG 10 was slightly reduced by dialysis for 24 h. Direct addition of low levels (10–100 mM) of NaCl to milk markedly reduced heat stability at pH > 7·0 (normal minimum) possibly due to dissociation of κ-casein, but increased rennet coagulation times; higher levels of NaCl decreased heat stability throughout the pH range 6·4–7·4.