Diffusing wave spectroscopy and rheological studies of rennet-induced gelation of skim milk in the presence of pectin and κ-carrageenan

Effect of Potato Pulp Pectic Polysaccharide on the Stability of Acidified Milk Drinks

In order to broaden the application of potato pulp pectic polysaccharide (PPP) in stabilizing acidified milk drinks (AMDs) and investigate the stabilizing effect and physical properties of AMDs prepared with PPP, a comparative study was made among PPP, commercial high methoxyl pectin (HMP) and low methoxyl pectin (LMP). The zeta potential, rheology, particle size and serum separation of AMDs were evaluated after preparing with PPP, HMP and LMP, respectively. Results indicated that PPP led to lower serum separation than LMP (14.65% for AMDs prepared with 0.5% PPP compared to 25.05% for AMDs prepared with 0.5% LMP), but still higher than HMP (9.09% for AMDs prepared with 0.5% HMP). However, narrower particle size distribution and lower viscosity of AMDs was achieved by PPP than by LMP and HMP. PPP can electrostatically adsorb on the surface of casein and its abundant neutral sugar side chains would provide steric hindrance to prevent casein flocculation in AMDs. Our results might provide some new ideas for the application of PPP in improving the stability of AMDs.

Optimization of Sugar Replacement with Date Syrup in Prebiotic Chocolate Milk Using Response Surface Methodology

Chocolate milk is one of the most commonly used non-fermentative dairy products, which, due to high level of sucrose, could lead to diabetes and tooth decay among children. Therefore, it is important to replace sucrose with other types of sweeteners, especially, natural ones. In this research, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the ingredients formulation of prebiotic chocolate milk, date syrup as sweetener (4-10%w/w), inulin as prebiotic texturizer (0-0.5%w/w) and carrageenan as thickening agent (0-0.04%w/w) in the formulation of chocolate milk. The fitted models to predict the variables of selected responses such as pH, viscosity, total solid, sedimentation and overall acceptability of chocolate milk showed a high coefficient of determination. The independent effect of carrageenan was the most effective parameter which led to pH and sedimentation decrease but increased viscosity. Moreover, in most treatments, date syrup and inulin variables had significant effects which had a mutual impact. Optimization of the variables, based on the responses surface 3D plots showed that the sample containing 0.48% (w/w) of inulin, 0.04% (w/w) of carrageenan, and 10% of date syrup was selected as the optimum condition.

Characterization of yogurts made with milk solids nonfat by rheological behavior and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The effect of adding milk solids nonfat (MSNF) on the physical properties and microstructure of yogurts was investigated. The physical properties of fat free yogurt, fat free with MSNF yogurt, whole fat yogurt, and whole fat with MSNF yogurt were analyzed using shear viscosity, viscoelasticity, and texture analysis. The two yogurts with MSNF had higher consistency coefficient (K), storage modulus (G′), yield stress, and hardness. To gain insight into the multiphase system, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and brightfield microscope images were acquired. The addition of MSNF significantly modified NMR relaxation time; T₁ values were reduced significantly. Brightfield microscope images showed that the size of the protein network of the two yogurts with MSNF added was greater than that of the two yogurts without MSNF added. The microstructural information supported the physical information. The results showed that the increase in MSNF contributed positively to strengthening the physical/mechanical properties of yogurt.

Effect of carrageenan addition on the rennet-induced gelation of skim milk

BACKGROUND

Carrageenan (CG) (κ-CG, ι-CG and λ-CG) was added to skim milk and the rennet-induced aggregation was studied. Caseinomacropeptide (CMP) release, diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS) and rheology were used to follow the structural dynamics of casein micelles during gelation. The influence of carrageenan on the nature of protein interactions in the gels was investigated using a combination of ultracentrifugation and specific dissociating agents.

RESULTS

For the recombined samples containing κ-CG and low concentrations of ι-CG and λ-CG, the CMP release was slowed down; however, the development of DWS and rheological parameters was similar to that of the control sample, and the increase in the incorporation of proteins through calcium bridges and hydrophobic interactions may be the most likely contributors. For the recombined samples containing high concentrations of ι-CG and λ-CG, other factors may impede the gel formation process.

CONCLUSION

High concentrations of ι-CG and λ-CG strongly interfered with the rennet-induced aggregation, interrupted the interaction of caseins and therefore may contribute to good quality of low-fat cheese. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Exopolysaccharide Producing Lactic Acid Bacterial on the Gelation and Texture Properties of Yogurt

Lactic acid bacterial play a important role in yogurt texture and gel quality. The performance of lactic acid bacteria starter directly affected the quality of yogurt. Exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing LAB may improve the texture of fermented milks, depending on the strain. EPS production was found to have a major effect on the texture properties and gelation properties, but varying textures with EPS production, structure and interaction with milk proteins. Yoghurts fermented with EPS-producing cultures showed different mouth thickness and ropiness rheological parameters and varying syneresis and gel firmness. The mechanism that how the metabolic properties of EPS producing lactic acid bacteria affect the texture and gel quality of yogurt is reviewed in the article.