Influence of sodium chloride on the proteolysis of casein by rennet and by pepsin

Effect of Packaging and Salt Content and Type on Antioxidant and ACE-Inhibitory Activities in Requeson Cheese

Requeson cheese is obtained from whey proteins. The production of this cheese is the most economical way to recover and concentrate whey proteins, which is why it is frequently made in some Latin American countries. Four requeson cheese treatments were prepared with different concentrations and combinations of salts (sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride) and were conventionally or vacuum packed. Proteolysis, peptide concentration, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS) activities were evaluated over time (one, seven and fourteen days). Requeson cheese presented antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities, however, these values vary depending on salt addition, type of packaging and time of storage. The highest values of antioxidant activity (ABTS) were found in cheese added with 1.5% NaCl and 1.5% (NaCl/KCl, 1:1). Cheese without added salt and vacuum packed presented the highest ACE inhibition percentage at day seven. Therefore, it can be concluded that requeson cheese elaborated exclusively of sweet whey, presents antioxidant and ACE inhibition activity. However, for a cheese with ACE inhibitory capacity, it is recommended not to add salts or add at 1% (NaCl) and vacuum pack it. Additionally, for a cheese with antioxidant activity, it is recommended to add salt at 1.5% either NaCl or (1:1) NaCl/KCl and pack it either in a polyethylene bag or vacuum. In conclusion, requeson cheese elaborate with 100% sweet whey is a dairy product with antioxidant and ACE inhibition activity, being low in salt and fat.

Non-thermal processing has an impact on the digestibility of the muscle proteins

Muscle proteins undergo several processes before being ready in a final consumable form. All these processes affect the digestibility of muscle proteins and subsequent release of amino acids and peptides during digestion in the human gut. The present review examines the effects of different processing techniques, such as curing, drying, ripening, comminution, aging, and marination on the digestibility of muscle proteins. The review also examines how the source of muscle proteins alters the gastrointestinal protein digestion. Processing techniques affect the structural and functional properties of muscle proteins and can affect their digestibility negatively or positively depending on the processing conditions. Some of these techniques, such as aging and mincing, can induce favorable changes in muscle proteins, such as partial unfolding or exposure of cleavage sites, and increase susceptibility to hydrolysis by digestive enzymes whereas others, such as drying and marination, can induce unfavorable changes, such as severe cross-linking, protein aggregation, oxidation induced changes or increased disulfide (S-S) bond content, thereby decreasing proteolysis. The underlying mechanisms have been discussed in detail and the conclusions drawn in the light of existing knowledge provide information with potential industrial importance.

Influence of salting process on the structure and in vitro digestibility of actomyosin

Salting process is widely used in the process of meat products, whereas few studies have revealed the digestibility of actomyosin after salting treatment, which is closely related with the nutrition of meat. This work reported effect of salting on the structural change and digestibility of actomyosin before and after heat treatment. Actomyosin in 0.4 M and 0.8 M of NaCl had higher content of disulfide bonds, and actomyosin in 0.4 M NaCl showed the largest particle sizes before and after heat treatment. In addition, actomyosin in 0.6 M and 0.8 M of NaCl was oxidized more severely after heat treatment. Based on peptidomics analysis by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), actomyosin in 0.6 M was digested more easily, which was followed by sample in 0.8 M and 0.4 M of NaCl in descending order. The lowest digestibility of actomyosin in 0.4 M NaCl was related with its higher content of disulfide bond and severer aggregation behavior. The lower digestibility of actomyosin in 0.8 M NaCl should be related with the higher content of disulfide bonds and surface oxidation. These results highlight the crucial role of salting process in affecting the digestibility of meat protein.

Effects of processing conditions on the caseinolytic activity of crude extracts of Cynara cardunculus L/Efectos de las condiciones de extracción sobre la actividad caseinolítica de los extractos de Cynara cardunculus L

Four processing parameters (time of grinding, pH of buffer, salt concentration of buffer, and homogenization time) involved in the liquid extraction of proteinases from flowers of the wild thistle ( Cynara cardunculus), were studied for their effects on final caseinolytic activity by a surface response method. The caseinolytic activity was assayed spectrophotometrically using o-phthal dialdehyde. An empirical quadratic model was applied to experimental data pertaining to the average enzymatic activity and equations describing the optimal conditions were obtained. Simultaneous solution of these equations for the local maxima indicated that, within the range tested, the maximum (estimated) specific caseinolytic activity (around 9.5 μmol of equivalent leucine/min.g of thistle flower) was obtained by grinding the flowers for 36 s, using an extrac tion buffer with a pH of 5.9 and a salt content of 0% (w/w), and homogenizing the ground flower/buffer suspension for 15 min. These data are of use in the optimization of extraction proce dures, which are of relevance to the production of standardized plant rennets suitable for the large scale manufacture of ewe's milk cheese.

Note. Effect of brining time on proteolytic changes in Idiazábal cheese during ripening / Nota. Cambios proteolíticos durante la maduración del queso Idiazábal por efecto del tiempo en salmuera

Idiazábal cheeses were made employing brining times of 12 h (batch A) and 36 h (batch B). Proteolytic changes in both batches were examined over 270 d of ripening; proteolysis was low in both batches, but lower in batch B than in batch A. Electrophoretic analysis revealed incom plete breakdown of αs and β-caseins at the end of the ripening period, particularly in batch B. The proportion of soluble nitrogen as a percentage of total nitrogen was 17.55% in batch B and 19.48% in batch A, while the proportion of non-protein nitrogen was 11.78% in batch B and 15.16% in batch A. The proportion of non-protein nitrogen as a percentage of soluble nitrogen was 67.17% in batch B and 77.88% in batch A. The free amino acids, the smallest non-protein nitrogen frac tion, attained values of 1203 mg/100 g of dry matter in batch B and 1902 mg/100 g of dry matter in batch A. After 60 d of ripening, the main free amino acids were glutamic acid, valine, leucine, lysine, and phenylalanine in both batches, although levels were higher in the batch with the shorter brining time. There was no clear trend in the non-protein-forming amino acids with either ripening time or brining time.

Effects of Flavor and Texture on the Sensory Perception of Gouda-Type Cheese Varieties during Ripening Using Multivariate Analysis

The impact of flavor composition, texture, and other factors on desirability of different commercial sources of Gouda-type cheese using multivariate analyses on the basis of sensory and instrumental analyses were investigated. Volatile aroma compounds were measured using headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and steam distillation extraction (SDE)-GC/MS, and fatty acid composition, low-molecular-weight compounds, including amino acids, and organic acids, as well pH, texture, and color were measured to determine their relationship with sensory perception. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was performed to discriminate between 2 different ripening periods in 7 sample sets, revealing that ethanol, ethyl acetate, hexanoic acid, and octanoic acid increased with increasing sensory attribute scores for sweetness, fruity, and sulfurous. A partial least squares (PLS) regression model was constructed to predict the desirability of cheese using these parameters. We showed that texture and buttery flavors are important factors affecting the desirability of Gouda-type cheeses for Japanese consumers using these multivariate analyses.

Camel and bovine chymosin hydrolysis of bovine α(S1)- and β-caseins studied by comparative peptide mapping

In many cheese varieties, the general proteolytic activity of the coagulant is of great importance to the development of flavor and texture during ripening. This study used capillary electrophoresis and LC-MS/MS to compare the in vitro proteolytic behavior of camel and bovine chymosin (CC/BC) on bovine α(S1)- and β-casein (CN) at pH 6.5 and 30 °C. β-CN hydrolysis was also studied at pH 5.2 and in the presence of 0, 2, and 5% (w/v) NaCl. A total of 25 α(S1)- and 80 β-CN peptides were identified, and initial rates of early peptide formation were determined. The modes of proteolytic action of CC and BC shared a high degree of similarity generally. However, except for a few peptide bonds, CC was markedly less active, the magnitude of which varied widely with cleavage site. Preferential α(S1)-CN (Phe23-Phe24) and β-CN (Leu192-Tyr193) hydrolysis by CC proceeded at an estimated 36 and 7% of the initial rate of BC, respectively. The latter rate difference was largely pH and NaCl independent. Several cleavage sites appeared to be unique to CC and especially BC action, but qualitative differences were often predetermined by quantitative effects. In particular, negligible CC affinity to α(S1)-CN₁₆₄/₁₆₅ and β-CN₁₈₉/₁₉₀ prevented further exposure of the N-terminal products. β-CN hydrolysis by either enzyme was always stimulated at the lower pH, yet either inhibited or stimulated by the presence of NaCl, depending mainly on the predominating type of molecular substrate interactions involved at the specific site of cleavage. The potential impact of this proteolytic behavior on cheese quality is discussed.

In vivo sodium release and saltiness perception in solid lipoprotein matrices. 1. Effect of composition and texture

Reducing the sodium content in foods is complex because of their multidimensional sensory characteristics and the multifunctionality of sodium chloride. The aim of this study was to elucidate how food composition may influence in-mouth sodium release and saltiness perception. Lipoprotein matrices (LPM) were produced using milk constituents and characterized by means of rheological measurements, texture, and taste sensory profiles. Texture and taste perceptions were affected differently by variations in the salt level, dry matter, and fat contents. Composition and textural changes also modified temporal sodium release and saltiness perception recorded in five subjects, but the effects varied as a function of the salt content. The water content mainly appeared to influence the amount of sodium released, whereas saltiness perception was mainly related to fat content. Elasticity, coating, and granularity were found to be correlated with temporal sodium release and/or saltiness parameters.

In vivo sodium release and saltiness perception in solid lipoprotein matrices. 2. Impact of oral parameters

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between sodium release, saltiness, and oral parameters during the eating of lipoprotein matrices (LPM). Sodium release and saltiness relative to 10 LPM were recorded during normal mastication by five subjects with differing oral parameters (chewing efficiency and salivary flow rate). The LPM samples varied in composition (dry matter, fat, salt, and pH levels) and represented a broad range of hardness. Mastication was recorded using electromyography simultaneously with sensory assessment. Differences in chewing behavior could explain most of the variability in sodium release and saltiness among subjects. Subjects with a higher chewing force and lower salivary flow rate experienced higher levels of sodium release and saltiness. In terms of the LPM, sodium release and saltiness were affected by either chewing behavior or food composition.

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.

Proteolysis of αs1-casein by chymosin: influence of pH and urea

The specificity of chymosin on αs1-casein was shown to be dependent on the reaction pH and on the state of aggregation of the substrate. In aqueous solution αs1-casein was optimally hydrolysed to αs1-I at pH 5·8; if the casein was solubilized in the isoelectric region by the use of 5 M-urea, optimum proteolysis occurred at pH 2·8. Hydrolysis of αs1-I to yield αs1-II, αs1-III and αs1-IV occurred at pH values > 5·8 in the presence or absence of urea. In the isoelectric region αs1-II, αs1-III and αs1-IV were not formed in the absence of urea where the substrate was aggregated: instead a peptide αs1-V was produced; at the same pH and using urea as a solubilizing agent αs1-II, αs1-III and αs1-IV were formed together with a further peptide αs1-VI.

Proteolytic specificity of chymosin on bovine αs1-casein

In dilute buffers ⋟ pH 5·8, chymosin hydrolysed bovine αs1-casein to αs1-I, αs1-II and αs1-III/αs1-IV in a sequential manner while at pH 4·6 αs1-casein was hydrolysed to αs1-I which was then hydrolysed to αs1-V. In the presence of 5 % (w/v) NaCl at pH 5·2, αs1-casein was hydrolysed to αs1-I which was then hydrolysed to αs1-VII and αs1-VIII. αs1-I, αs1-II and αs1-III/αs1-IV were isolated by chromatography on cellulose phosphate followed by preparative slab-gel electrophoresis; αs1-V was isolated by repeated preparative slab-gel electrophoresis and αs1-VII by gel filtration on Sephadex G-150 followed by preparative slab-gel electrophoresis. The mol. wts of the peptides, estimated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100, were 21000, 17600, 15600, 19900 and 14600 for αs1-I, αs1-II, αs1-III/αs1-IV and αs1-V and αs1-VII respectively. Characterization of the peptides by amino acid, phosphorus and terminal residue analysis showed that they probably consisted of segments of the αs1-casein chain as follows: αs1-I: residues 24/25–199; αs1-II: residues 24/25–169; αs1-III/αs1-IV: residues 24/25–149–150; αs1-V: residues 29/33–199; αs1-VII: residues 56–179. Peptide bonds close to phosphate residues on the αs1-casein chain were not hydrolysed by chymosin at high pH values (⋟ 5·8) when the phosphate groups were charged, but became available for hydrolysis when the reaction pH was reduced. Proteolytic specificity was also modified by NaCl.

Contribution of rennet and starter proteases to proteolysis in Cheddar cheese

Proteolysis in aseptic, chemically acidified (GDL) cheese and in starter cheese made under controlled bacteriological conditions (i.e. free of non-starter micro-organisms) was measured by gel electrophoresis, the formation of pH 4·6- and 12% TCA-soluble N, gel filtration and the liberation of free amino acids. The results show that rennet was mainly responsible for the level of proteolysis detected by gel electrophoresis, pH 4·6-soluble N and gel filtration i.e. large, medium and small peptides. However, rennet alone was capable of producing only a limited range of free amino acids; only methionine, histidine, glycine, serine and glutamic acid were produced at quantifiable levels (> 0·2 μmoles/g) in GDL cheese; it is suggested that free amino acids in Cheddar cheese are mainly the result of microbial peptidase activity. The levels of free amino acids in the starter cheese were considerably lower than values reported for commercial Cheddar.

Proteolysis of β-casein in Cheddar Cheese

β-Casein is highly resistant to proteolysis in Cheddar cheese. A decrease in NaCl concentration reduced its resistance, but even in the absence of salt the amount of proteolysis of β-casein was slight. Proteolysis in Cheddar cheese increased when the moisture levels were raised by adding water. The relative susceptibility of β-casein to proteolysis by rennin was reduced considerably when the concentration of a sodium caseinate solution was raised from 10 to 20%. Sequestering the Ca2+by means of EDTA had no significant effect on proteolysis of β-casein. It would appear that the resistance of β-casein to proteolysis is due to the substrate rather than the enzyme and it is suggested that the reduced relative susceptibility to proteolysis is due to some concentration-dependent physical change in the casein molecule which renders the β-casein inaccessible. The salt concentration would also appear to influence this change.

Cheddar-cheese flavour is largely independent of rennet concentration and it is possible to manufacture cheese of satisfactory quality using half-normal rennet levels.

A study of proteolysis during Camembert cheese ripening using isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional electrophoresis

Isoelectric focusing and 2-dimensional electrophoresis were used to study the development of the pH 4·6-insoluble fraction during Camembert cheese ripening. Modifications of this fraction were due mainly to the action of 5 proteinases: rennet (chymosin + bovine pepsin), plasmin and Penicillium caseicolum aspartyl-and metalloproteinases. Rennet was inactive on β-casein, but acted very early on αs1-casein. However, rennet and P. caseicolum aspartyl-proteinase had a very similar action on the latter substrate, which prevented clear definition of the respective actions of these proteinases on αs1-casein after 7 d of ripening. Plasmin action on β-casein was important from 21 and 35 d of ripening at the surface and in the centre of the cheese respectively, suggesting an important influence of pH changes during maturation. The respective activities of the metallo-and aspartyl-proteinases of P. caseicolum were characterized and followed using β-casein degradation products as markers. The metallo-proteinase activity was detectable immediately after the development of the Penicillium (7 d), while that of the aspartyl-proteinase was observed 3 d later. Thereafter, the amount of β-casein degradation peptides resulting from the metalloproteinase decreased while that resulting from the aspartyl-proteinase increased, suggesting a more important role of the latter enzyme.

Proteolysis in Cheddar cheese: role of coagulant and starter bacteria

Cheddar cheese was produced free of non-starter bacteria, acidified with starter or glucono-δ-lactone and containing active coagulant (chymosin or pepsin) or inactivated coagulant (pepsin). The level and type of proteolysis in the experimental cheeses was monitored by protein solubility at pH 4·6 and in 12 % TCA, polyacrylamide gel and high voltage paper electrophoresis, gel filtration and paper chromatography. The results show that the coagulant was primarily responsible for the formation of large peptides while small peptides and free amino acids were produced principally by the starter, possibly from coagulant-produced peptides.

Suitability of some microbial coagulants for Feta cheese manufacture

Three microbial rennets, Noury rennet (Mucor pusillus, Lindt), Rennilase (M. miehei) and Suparen (Endothia parasitica), were assessed as calf rennet substitutes for Feta cheesemaking, in comparison with calf rennet. Cheeses prepared were all of good quality with similar organoleptic properties. Yield (referred to 55% moisture), moisture content, NaCl and protein content did not differ significantly. Different rates of proteolysis were observed in the cheeses, the highest of which was exhibited by calf rennet followed by Rennilase, Noury rennet and Suparen preparations. These calf rennet substitutes are well suited for Feta cheese manufacture.

In vivo studies on the digestion of bovine caseins in the rat stomach

The action of gastric proteinases on bovine caseins was studied in vivo on rats fed skim-milk, or whole casein in water or whole casein in mineral solution, by analysing the gastric content after 30 min digestion. Clotting of the diet in the stomach greatly reduced the rate of gastric emptying. The proteolysis of caseins observed by gel electrophoresis appeared to follow a different pathway for the 3 different diets. The amino acid compositions of the trichloracetic acid sediments of the stomach contents did not differ between the 3 diets. The presence of free amino acids in the stomachs at significant levels (0·8–5 % of the total amino acid content) was observed.

Proteolysis and Microstructure of Piacentinu Ennese Cheese Made Using Different Farm Technologies

The aim of this study was to provide the biochemical and structural characterization of Piacentinu Ennese cheese and to evaluate the impact of different farm technologies on cheese proteolysis and microstructure. Fifteen cheeses were manufactured according to traditional technology, i.e., from raw milk and farmhouse rennet in the absence of starter culture. Pasteurized milk, commercial rennet, and starter were used for production of 20 nontraditional cheeses. Proteolysis in Piacentinu Ennese cheese was monitored during a 2- to 10-mo ripening time. Low rates of overall proteolysis were observed in cheese, as percentages of total N soluble at pH 4.6 and in 12% trichloroacetic acid were about 11.40 and 8.10%, respectively, after 10 mo of age. Patterns of primary proteolysis by urea-PAGE showed that alpha(s)-caseins were degraded to a larger extent than were beta-caseins, although a considerable amount of both caseins was still intact after 10 mo. Reversed phase-HPLC analysis of the cheese peptide fractions showed a slow decrease in the levels of hydrophobic peptides coupled to increasing levels of hydrophilic compounds as the cheese aged. The structural characteristics of Piacentinu Ennese cheese were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy after 2, 4, and 6 mo of age. The micrographs showed a sponge-like structural network with a well-distributed system of empty spaces, originally occupied by whey and fat. The microstructure changed during cheese ripening to become more compact with cavities of smaller size. Farm technology significantly affected cheese proteolysis and microstructure. Nontraditional cheeses had higher levels of pH 4.6-soluble N and showed a larger hydrolysis of alpha(s)-casein fractions by urea-PAGE analysis than did traditional cheeses. Large differences between cheese-types also concerned the patterns of secondary proteolysis. Nontraditional cheeses had higher levels of 12% trichloroacetic acid-soluble N and showed larger proportions of free amino acids and hydrophilic peptides in the HPLC profiles of the corresponding 70% ethanol-soluble N fraction than traditional cheeses. Nontraditional cheeses also had a more open structure with a coarser and less continuous appearance than did traditional cheeses. A large amount of variability in cheese proteolysis and structure within nontraditional treatment reflected farm-dependent changes in manufacturing conditions related to the use of various types of rennet and starter.

Evaluation of bitterness in Ragusano cheese

The appearance of undesirable bitter taste in Ragusano cheese was investigated by comparing the composition of 9 bitter cheeses with that of 9 reference cheeses of good quality by means of chemical, electrophoretic, and chromatographic analyses. Rates of proteolysis were significantly affected in cheeses of different quality. Primary proteolysis, as measured by pH 4.6-soluble N, was significantly greater in bitter cheeses compared with reference samples. Urea-PAGE profiles showed an almost complete breakdown of caseins in bitter cheeses and the further degradation of primary peptides into smaller compounds not detectable by this technique. Cheeses with defects had significantly lower levels of secondary proteolysis as reflected by the percentage of pH 4.6-soluble N soluble in 12% trichloroacetic acid and the amounts of total free amino acids. Peptides separated by reversed phase-HPLC revealed that the large and significant differences in peptide profiles of the soluble fractions between bitter and reference cheeses were mainly due to a much higher proportion of hydrophobic peptides in the former. The occurrence of bitterness in Ragusano cheese was therefore attributable to unbalanced levels of proteolysis and peptidolysis. Extensive degradation of caseins and primary peptides by activities of proteases produced large amounts of small- and medium-sized hydrophobic peptides that were not adequately removed by peptidases of microflora and therefore accumulated in cheese potentially contributing to its bitter taste. The presence of these compounds in bitter cheeses was related to high salt-in-moisture and low moisture contents that limited the enzymatic activities of microflora important in secondary proteolysis. Combining salt-in-moisture and the ratio of hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic soluble peptides resulted in the best logistic partial least squares regression model predicting cheese quality. Although bitterness is known to be rarely encountered in cheese at salt-in-moisture levels >5.0, all of the bitter cheeses analyzed in this study had salt-in-moisture levels much greater than this value. According to the logistic model, a risk of bitterness development may exist for cheeses with a midrange (5 to 10%) salt-in-moisture content but with an inadequate level of secondary proteolysis.

Chemometric Analysis of Proteolysis During Ripening of Ragusano Cheese

Chemometric modeling of peptide and free amino acid data was used to study proteolysis in Protected Denomination of Origin Ragusano cheese. Twelve cheeses ripened 3 to 7 mo were selected from local farmers and were analyzed in 4 layers: rind, external, middle, and internal. Proteolysis was significantly affected by cheese layer and age. Significant increases in nitrogen soluble in pH 4.6 acetate buffer and 12% trichloroacetic acid were found from rind to core and throughout ripening. Patterns of proteolysis by urea-PAGE showed that rind-to-core and age-related gradients of moisture and salt contents influenced coagulant and plasmin activities, as reflected in varying rates of hydrolysis of the caseins. Analysis of significant intercorrelations among chemical parameters revealed that moisture, more than salt content, had the largest single influence on rates of proteolysis. Lower levels of 70% ethanol-insoluble peptides coupled to higher levels of 70% ethanol-soluble peptides were found by reversed phase-HPLC in the innermost cheese layers and as the cheeses aged. Non-significant increases of individual free amino acids were found with cheese age and layer. Total free amino acids ranged from 14.3 mg/g (6.2% of total protein) at 3 mo to 22.0 mg/g (8.4% of total protein) after 7 mo. Glutamic acid had the largest concentration in all samples at each time and, jointly with lysine and leucine, accounted for 48% of total free amino acids. Principal components analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis of the data from reversed phase-HPLC chromatograms and free amino acids analysis showed that the peptide profiles were more useful in differentiating Ragusano cheese by age and farm origin than the amino acid data. Combining free amino acid and peptide data resulted in the best partial least squares regression model (R(2) = 0.976; Q(2) = 0.952) predicting cheese age, even though the peptide data alone led to a similarly precise prediction (R(2) = 0.961; Q(2) = 0.923). The most important predictors of age were soluble and insoluble peptides with medium hydrophobicity. The combined peptide data set also resulted in a 100% correct classification by partial least squares discriminant analysis of cheeses according to age and farm origin. Hydrophobic peptides were again discriminatory for distinguishing among sample classes in both cases.

Effect of salt on structure-function relationships of cheese

Our objective was to determine the effect of salt on structural and functional properties of cheese. Unsalted Muenster cheese was obtained on 1 d, vacuum packaged, and stored for 10 d at 4 degrees C. The cheese was then cut into blocks that were vacuum packaged. After 4 d of storage at 4 degrees C, cheese blocks were high-pressure injected one, three, or five times, with a 20% (wt/wt) sodium chloride solution. Successive injections were performed 24 h apart. After 40 d of storage at 4 degrees C, cheese blocks were analyzed for chemical, structural, and functional attributes. Injecting sodium chloride increased the salt content of cheese, from 0.1% in the control, uninjected cheese to 2.7% after five injections. At the highest levels, salt injection promoted syneresis, and, after five injections, the moisture content of cheese decreased from 41 to 38%. However, the increased salt content caused a net weight gain. Cheese pH, soluble nitrogen, and total and soluble calcium content were unaffected. Cheese injected five times had a 4% increased area of cheese occupied by protein matrix compared with uninjected cheese. Hardness, adhesiveness, and initial rate of cheese flow increased, and cohesiveness decreased upon salt injection. However, the final extent of cheese flow, or melting was unaffected. We concluded that adding salt to cheese alters protein interactions, such that the protein matrix becomes more hydrated and expands. However, increasing the salt content of cheese did not cause an exchange of calcium with sodium. Therefore, calcium-mediated protein interactions remain a major factor controlling cheese functionality.

Bitterness in cheese: a review

Bitterness, the necessary consequence of proteolysis, has been under investigation from different perspectives. This review attempts to give more up-to-date information on the definition of some principal aspects, the relationship between the proteolytic activity and bitter peptide accumulation in cheese, and methods of isolation and detection of bitter peptides. Further knowledge on the physicochemical properties of bitter peptides in cheese as well as in synthetic peptides and the possible control methods for bitterness are discussed. Particular interest in using some strains of lactobacilli or their enzymes as an adjunct in accelerated ripened cheese (ARC) and enzyme-modified cheese (EMC) without bitterness is also described in detail.