Cathepsin D activity in quarg

The behavior of cathepsin D during milk processing and its contribution to bitterness in a model fresh cheese

The bovine endopeptidase cathepsin D was investigated regarding its temperature-dependent inactivation and ability to form bitter peptides within a spiked model fresh cheese. Cathepsin D was found to be more susceptible than other milk endogenous peptidases to temperature treatments in skim milk. Inactivation kinetics revealed decimal reduction times of 5.6 min to 10 s in a temperature range from 60 to 80°C. High temperature and ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatments from 90 to 140°C completely inactivated cathepsin D within 5 s. A residual cathepsin D activity of around 20% was detected under pasteurization conditions (72°C for 20 s). Therefore, investigations were done to estimate the effect of residual cathepsin D activity on taste in a model fresh cheese. The UHT-treated skim milk was spiked with cathepsin D and acidified with glucono-δ-lactone to produce a model fresh cheese. A trained bitter-sensitive panel was not able to distinguish cathepsin D-spiked model fresh cheeses from the control model fresh cheeses in a triangle test. Model fresh cheese samples were also analyzed for known bitter peptides derived from casein fractions using a HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (MS) approach. In accordance with the sensory evaluation, the MS analyses revealed that the bitter peptides investigated within the cathepsin D-spiked model fresh cheese were not found or were below the limit of detection. Even though cathepsin D may be present during the fermentation of pasteurized milk, it does not seem to be responsible for bitter peptide formation from milk proteins on its own.

Fat-free fermented concentrated milk products as milk protein-based microgel dispersions: Particle characteristics as key drivers of textural properties

The popularity of fat-free fermented concentrated milk products, such as fresh cheeses and high-protein yogurt, has increased over the recent years, attributed to greater availability and improvements in taste and texture. These improvements have been achieved through modifications and new developments in processing technologies, for example, higher heat treatment intensities and incorporating different membrane filtration technologies. Though numerous processing parameters are discussed in the literature, as well as reasons behind the developments, detailed examinations of how process modifications affect the final textural attributes of these products are lacking. To draw links between processing parameters and texture, we review the literature on fat-free fermented concentrated milk products from the perspective of fermented milk protein-based microgel particles as the basic structural unit. At each main processing step, relationships between process parameters, micro- and macrostructural and sensory (textural) properties are discussed.An overview of particle characteristics that drive structural changes at each processing step is developed in relation to textural characteristics. Using this approach of assessing relationships between structural characteristics of concentrated dispersions of fat-free fermented milk protein-based microgel particles and processing parameters provides a basic context for the selection of optimal parameters to achieve a desired texture.

Microfiltration of Ovine and Bovine Milk: Effect on Microbial Counts and Biochemical Characteristics

The aim of this research work was to assess the effect of the microfiltration (ceramic membranes 1.4 μm, 50 °C) of partially defatted ovine milk (fat 0.4%) and bovine milk (fat 0.3%) characteristics. Feed milks, permeates and retentates were analyzed for microbial counts, gross composition, protein fractions, the indigenous enzymes cathepsin D and alkaline phosphatase and the behavior during renneting. It was showed that the microbial quality of both ovine and bovine permeate was improved by reduction of the total mesophilic microflora about 4 Log and 2 Log, respectively. The protein contents and the total solids contents of both permeates were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced. A further analysis of protein fractions by Reversed Phase -High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) revealed lower αs1- and β-casein and higher κ-casein contents in permeates. The activity of alkaline phosphatase followed the allocation of the fat content, while activity of cathepsin D in permeates was not influenced, although somatic cells counts were removed. Regarding cheesemaking properties, the firmness of ovine curd made from the feed milk did not differ significantly from that made from the permeate. The obtained results suggested that microfiltration could be used for pre-treating of ovine milk prior to cheesemaking.

Effect of high-pressure treatment at various temperatures on indigenous proteolytic enzymes and whey protein denaturation in bovine milk

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of high pressure (HP) processing (200, 450 and 650 MPa) at various temperatures (20, 40 and 55°C) on the total plasmin plus plasminogen-derived activity (PL), plasminogen activator(s) (PA) and cathepsin D activities and on denaturation of major whey proteins in bovine milk. Data indicated that transfer of both PL and PA from the casein micelles to milk serum occurred at all pressures utilized at room temperature (20°C). In addition to the transfer of PL and PA from micelles, there were reductions in activities of PL (16–18%) and PA (38–62%) for the pressures 450 and 650 MPa, at room temperature. There were synergistic negative effects between pressure and temperature on residual PL activity at 450 and 650 MPa and on residual PA activity only at 450 MPa. Cathepsin D activity in the acid whey from HP-treated milk was in general baroresistant at room temperature. The residual activity of cathepsin D decreased significantly at 650 MPa and 40°C and at the pressures 450 and 650 MPa at 55°C. Synergistic negative effects on the amount of native β-lactoglobulin were observed at 450 and 650 MPa and on the amount of native α-lactalbumin at 650 MPa. There were significant correlations between enzymatic activities (PL, PA and cathepsin D) and the residual native β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin in bovine milk. In conclusion, HP significantly affected the activity of indigenous proteolytic enzymes and whey protein denaturation in bovine milk. Reduction in activity of indigenous enzymes (PL, PA and cathepsin D) and transfer of PL and PA from the casein to milk serum induced by HP is expected to have a profound effect on cheese yield, proteolysis during cheese ripening and quality of UHT milk during storage.

Influence of residual milk-clotting enzyme on alpha(s1) casein hydrolysis during ripening of Reggianito Argentino cheese

Milk-clotting enzyme is considered largely denatured after the cooking step in hard cheeses. Nevertheless, typical hydrolysis products derived from rennet action on alpha(s1)-casein have been detected during the ripening of hard cheeses. The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of residual milk-clotting enzyme on alpha(s1)-casein hydrolysis in Reggianito cheeses. For that purpose, we studied the influence of cooking temperature (45, 52, and 60 degrees C) on milk-clotting enzyme residual activity and alpha(s1)-casein hydrolysis during ripening. Milk-clotting enzyme residual activity in cheeses was assessed using a chromatographic method, and the hydrolysis of alpha(s1)-casein was determined by electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography. Milk-clotting enzyme activity was very low or undetectable in 60 degrees C- and 52 degrees C-cooked cheeses at the beginning of the ripening, but it increased afterwards, particularly in 52 degrees C-cooked cheeses. Cheese curds that were cooked at 45 degrees C had higher initial milk clotting activity, but also in this case, there was a later increase. Hydrolysis of alpha(s1)-casein was detected early in cheeses made at 45 degrees C, and later in those made at higher temperatures. The peptide alpha(s1)-I was not detected in 60 degrees C-cooked cheeses. The results suggest that residual milk-clotting enzyme can contribute to proteolysis during ripening of hard cheeses, because it probably renatures partially after the cooking step. Consequently, the production of peptides derived from alpha(s1)-casein in hard cheeses may be at least, partially due to this proteolytic agent.