Structural dependence of concentrated skim milk curd on micellar restructuring

This study was conducted to establish an understanding of how milk concentration modulates the rennet curd structure. Rennet-induced gelation and renneting under slow acidification achieved using glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) and structural properties of reconstituted skim milk gels at two concentration levels (9 and 25 % total solids) were studied by measuring variations in (a) viscoelastic behaviour, (b) micellar size, charge density, diffusivity, and (c) hydrophobicity using dynamic rheometry, dynamic light scattering and fluorimetry, respectively. Concentrated milk showed a greater estimated hydrodynamic radius of casein micelles, lower zeta (ζ)-potential, ratio of serum to total Calcium (Ca) and charge density and increased surface hydrophobicity, all supporting the view that micellar restructuring particularly sub-particle transfer takes place and contributes to rapid gelation. Moreover, hydrophobic interactions occurred very quickly (within 5 min in combined gels, 10 min for renneting only), demonstrating their pivotal role during the flocculation stage. All gels exhibited a solid viscoelastic character as the elastic modulus (G') was greater than loss modulus (G″) while both G' and tan δ (G''/G') were frequency-dependent. Frequency sweeps classified the concentrated gels into three stiffness categories caused by the level of rennet or GDL as rigid, hard and soft, whereas an increased flow-like behaviour (high tan δ), restricted diffusion and excessive water retention revealed limited structural rearrangements (contraction & macrosyneresis) during curd ageing. Acidification increased the diffusion rate in control curd, thus, enhanced contractive rearrangements, macrosyneresis and curd strength. Findings suggest that micellar restructuring induced by milk concentration is the principal modulator of the curd structure.