Rheological and physico-chemical properties of milk gel using isolate of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) seeds: A new source of milk clotting peptidase

Plant-derived rennet: research progress, novel strategies for their isolation, identification, mechanism, bioactive peptide generation, and application in cheese manufacturing

Rennet, an aspartate protease found in the stomach of unweaned calves, effectively cuts the peptide bond between Phe105-Met106 in κ-casein, hydrolyzing the casein micelles to coagulate the milk and is a crucial additive in cheese production. Rennet is one of the most used enzymes of animal origin in cheese making. However, using rennet al.one is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for cheese production worldwide. Numerous studies have shown that plant rennet can be an alternative to bovine rennet and exhibit a good renneting effect. Therefore, it is crucial and urgent to find a reliable plant rennet. Based on our team's research on rennet enzymes of plant origin, such as from Dregea sinensis Hemsl. and Moringa oleifer Lam., for more than ten years, this paper reviews the relevant literature on rennet sources, isolation, identification, rennet mechanism, functional active peptide screening, and application in cheese production. In addition, it proposes the various techniques for targeted isolation and identification of rennet and efficient screening of functionally active peptides, which show excellent prospects for development.

Plant extracts and essential oils in the dairy industry: A review

Plants have been used as food additives worldwide to enhance the sensory qualities of foods and extend their shelf life by reducing or eliminating foodborne pathogens. They also serve as therapeutic agents due to their beneficial effects on human health through their anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory properties. Plants can be added to food as a dry powder, grated material, paste, juice, or as an extract that can be produced by a variety of methods. Plant extracts and essential oils are concentrated sources of bioactive phytochemicals that can be added to food in small amounts in a variety of forms. These forms include liquid, semi-solid, or dry powder for easy and uniform diffusion. Encapsulation can protect bioactive compounds from temperature, moisture, oxidation, and light, as well as allow for controlling the release of the encapsulated ingredients. Nanoemulsions can enhance the bioactivity of active components. This review explains how plant extracts and essential oils are used in the dairy industry as antimicrobial materials, analyzing their impact on starter bacteria; as natural antioxidants to prevent the development of off-flavors and increase shelf life; and as technological auxiliaries, like milk-clotting enzymes, stabilizers, and flavoring agents. Therefore, plant extracts and essential oils are a better choice for the dairy industry than plants or their parts due to a wide range of applications, homogeneous dispersion, and ability to control the concentration of the bioactive ingredients and enhance their efficiency.

EPS-Producing Lactobacillus plantarum MC5 as a Compound Starter Improves Rheology, Texture, and Antioxidant Activity of Yogurt during Storage

This study evaluated the effects of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum MC5 on the quality, antioxidant activity, and storage stability of yogurt, to determine its possible application as a starter in milk fermentation. Four groups of yogurt were made with different proportions of probiotic L. plantarum MC5 and commercial starters. The yogurt samples’ rheological properties, texture properties, antioxidant activity, storage stability, and exopolysaccharides (EPS) content during storage were determined. The results showed that 2:1 and 1:1 yogurt samples (supplemented with L. plantarum MC5) attained the highest EPS content (982.42 mg/L and 751.71 mg/L) during storage. The apparent viscosity, consistency, cohesiveness, and water holding capacity (WHC) of yogurt samples supplemented with L. plantarum MC5 were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Further evaluation of antioxidant activity revealed that yogurt samples containing MC5 starter significantly increased in DPPH, ABTS, OH, and ferric iron-reducing power. The study also found that adding MC5 can promote the growth of Streptococcus thermophilus. Therefore, yogurt containing L. plantarum MC5 had favorable rheological properties, texture, and health effects. The probiotic MC5 usage in milk fermentation showed adequate potential for industrial application.

Natural Yogurt Stabilized with Hydrocolloids from Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata) Seeds: Effect on Physicochemical, Rheological Properties and Sensory Perception

Stabilizers are ingredients employed to improve the technological properties of products. The food industry and consumers have recently become interested in the development of natural ingredients. In this work, the effects of hydrocolloids from butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) seeds (HBSS) as stabilizers on the physicochemical, rheological, and sensory properties of natural yogurt were examined. HBSS improved the yogurt’s physical stability and physicochemical properties, decreasing syneresis and modifying the samples’ rheological properties, improving the assessment of sensory characteristics. The samples presented shear thinning behavior characterized by a decrease in viscosity with the increase of the shear rate; nevertheless, the samples showed a two-step yield stress. HBSS is an alternative as a natural stabilizer for the development of microstructured products.