Different Ultrasound Exposure Times Influence the Physicochemical and Microbial Quality Properties in Probiotic Goat Milk Yogurt

Effect of Malvaviscus arboreus Flower and Leaf Extract on the Functional, Antioxidant, Rheological, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Goat Yogurt

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating different concentrations (1% and 2%) of Malvaviscus arboreus flower (FE) and leaf (LE) extracts as functional ingredients in goat milk yogurt. This study analyzed the impact of these formulations (YFE1%, YFE2%, YLE1%, and YLE2%) on the physicochemical, bioactive, antioxidant, rheological, textural, and sensory properties of goat yogurt over a 28-day storage period. Including FE and LE extracts significantly enhanced the yogurt's antioxidant activity, reaching up to 10.17 µmol TEAC/g, and strengthened its ability to inhibit lipid oxidation during storage. This study also observed a reduction in the viability of lactic acid bacteria, particularly L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, suggesting that the extracts may have antimicrobial properties. Notably, using FE, especially at a concentration of 2% (YFE2%), improved both antioxidant and textural properties while reducing syneresis by the end of the storage period. Sensory evaluations showed positive results for YFE1% and YFE2% formulations. These findings suggest that FE has significant potential as a functional food ingredient. This research lays the groundwork for future studies exploring the integration of Malvaviscus arboreus-based ingredients into functional food products, opening new possibilities for innovation in this field.

Ultrasonic processing: effects on the physicochemical and microbiological aspects of dairy products

Dairy products that are contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms through unhygienic farm practices, improper transportation, and inadequate quality control can cause foodborne illness. Furthermore, inadequate storage conditions can increase the microflora of natural spoilage, leading to rapid deterioration. Ultrasound processing is a popular technology used to improve the quality of milk products using high-frequency sound waves. It can improve food safety and shelf life by modifying milk protein and fats without negatively affecting nutritional profile and sensory properties, such as taste, texture, and flavor. Ultrasound processing is effective in eliminating pathogenic microorganisms, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. However, the efficiency of processing is determined by the type of microorganism, pH, and temperature of the milk product, the frequency and intensity of the applied waves, as well as the sonication time. Ultrasound processing has been established to be a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional heat-based processing technologies that lead to the degradation of milk quality. There are some disadvantages to using ultrasound processing, such as the initial high cost of setting it up, the production of free radicals, the deterioration of sensory properties, and the development of off-flavors with lengthened processing times. The aim of this review is to summarize current research in the field of ultrasound processing and discuss future directions.

The effects of ultrasound on probiotic functionality: an updated review

The effects of ultrasound (US) on probiotics, as health-promoting microbes, have attracted the attention of researchers in fermentation and healthy food production. This paper aims to review recent advances in the application of the US for enhancing probiotic cells' activity, elaborate on the mechanisms involved, explain how probiotic-related industries can benefit from this emerging food processing technology, and discuss the perspective of this innovative approach. Data showed that US could enhance fermentation, which is increasingly used to enrich agri-food products with probiotics. Among the probiotics, recent studies focused on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus casei, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Bifidobacteria. These bacteria proliferated in the log phase when treated with US at relatively low-intensities. Also, this non-thermal technology increased extracellular enzymes, mainly β-galactosidase, and effectively extracted antioxidants and bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Accordingly, better functional and physicochemical properties of prebiotic-based foods (e.g., fermented dairy products) can be expected after ultrasonication at appropriate conditions. Besides, the US improved fermentation efficiency by reducing the production time, making probiotics more viable with lower lactose content, more oligosaccharide, and reduced unpleasant taste. Also, US can enhance the rheological characteristics of probiotic-based food by altering the acidity. Optimizing US settings is suggested to preserve probiotics viability to achieve high-quality food production and contribute to food nutrition improvement and sustainable food manufacturing.

The role of sonication in developing synbiotic Beverages: A review

Synbiotics are a combination of probiotic cells and prebiotic components and this harmonious association has numerous health benefits. Conventional processing technologies use high temperatures for processing which reduces the viability and the final quality of synbiotic beverages. Sonication is a rapidly growing technology in the food processing sector and can be employed for the formulation of synbiotic beverages with improved functionalities. The cavitation events generated during the sonication result in beneficial effects like increased viability of probiotic cells, enhanced bifidogenic characteristics of prebiotic components, less processing time, and high-quality products. The sonication process does not affect the sensory attributes of synbiotic beverages however, it alters the structure of prebiotics thus increasing the access by the probiotics. These positive effects are solely dependent on the type of ultrasound process and the ultrasound operating parameters. The review aims to provide information on the technological aspects of ultrasound, a brief about synbiotics, details on the ultrasound process used for the formulation of synbiotics, the influence of ultrasound operating parameters, and a focus on the research gap.

Strategies to Improve the Quality of Goat Yogurt: Whey Protein Supplementation and Milk Pre-Treatment with High Shear Dispersion Assisted by Ultrasound

This work investigated the fermentation kinetics and characteristics of goat yogurt supplemented with bovine whey protein isolate (WPI) (0%, 2.5% and 5.0%) subjected to high shear dispersion (HSD) assisted by ultrasound (US). Protein supplementation and the physical processes increased the electronegativity of the zeta potential (≤60%), whereas particle size reduction was observed only with physical processes (≤42%). The addition of 2.5% WPI reduced yogurt fermentation time by 30 min. After 24 h of storage at 7 °C, lactic acid bacteria counts did not differ between samples (≥8 log CFU/mL), and the supplementation was sufficient to increase the apparent viscosity (≤5.65 times) and water-holding capacity (WHC) of the yogurt (≤35% increase). However, supplementation combined with physical processes promoted greater improvements in these parameters (6.41 times in apparent viscosity and 48% in WHC) (p < 0.05), as confirmed by the denser and better-organized protein clusters observed in microscopic evaluation. Thus, both approaches proved to be promising alternatives to improve goat yogurt quality. Therefore, the decision to adopt these strategies, either independently or in combination, should consider cost implications, the product quality, and market demand.

The Effect of High-Pressure Processing of Caprine Milk on the Production and Properties of Yoghurt

The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of HP-treated caprine milk for yoghurt production and to evaluate the effect of HP treatment on yoghurt properties. Reconstituted caprine milk was subjected to HP treatment (350 MPa/10 min/20 °C); a lactic acid starter culture (YC-X16, Chr. Hansen) was added. Milk was fermented at a temperature of 43 °C until pH 4.60. Bacterial counts, pH, color, rheological characteristics, texture, microstructure, and the sensory attributes of the yoghurt were determined after production and after seven days of storage at a temperature of 4 °C. HP treatment increased color saturation and whiteness index and induced a minor increase in milk pH. Minor differences in the acidification curve were noted. During storage, Streptococcus thermophilus counts were significantly higher in yoghurt from HP-treated than from untreated milk, whereas Lactobacillus delbruecki ssp. bulgaricus counts remained stable. A color analysis did not reveal differences between the experimental and control yoghurts. After storage, yoghurt made from HP-treated milk was characterized by thicker consistency and lower rheological stability than the control yoghurt. The micrographs of the yoghurts confirmed the differences in rheological parameters. Yoghurt produced from HP-treated caprine milk and stored for seven days received the highest scores in the sensory evaluation.

High-intensity ultrasound influences the probiotic fermentation of Baru almond beverages and impacts the bioaccessibility of phenolics and fatty acids, sensory properties, and in vitro biological activity

High-intensity ultrasound (HIUS, 20 kHz, 450 W, 6 min) was used as an alternative to the pasteurization of a water-soluble Baru almond extract (WSBAE). Then, probiotic fermented beverages (Lacticaseibacillus casei) were processed and evaluated during storage (7 °C, 28 days). Four formulations were prepared: RAW (untreated [no pasteurization or ultrasound] and unfermented WSBAE), PAST (pasteurized WSBAE fermented with probiotic), U-BEF (WSBAE added with probiotic, submitted to ultrasound, and fermented), and U-AFTER (WSBAE submitted to ultrasound, added with probiotic, and fermented). PAST and HIUS-treated beverages had similar microbiological quality. The PAST formulation showed decreased monounsaturated fatty acids, compromised health indices, and had the lowest consistency. U-AFTER showed higher concentrations of lactic and acetic acids, lower bioaccessibility for most phenolics and fatty acids, and reduced consumer acceptance. U-BEF had the fermentation time reduced by 13.64%, higher probiotic survival during storage and simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and higher bioaccessibility of phenolics and fatty acids during storage. Furthermore, it presented higher in vitro antidiabetic properties and improved consistency and stability. Finally, U-BEF had improved volatile compound composition, resulting in increased sensory acceptance and improved sensory properties. Our results indicate that the HIUS applied after probiotic addition may be a suitable alternative to pasteurization in the processing of fermented beverages, resulting in reduced fermentation times and improved technological, sensory, and biological properties.

Effects of ultrasonic processing on the quality properties of fortified yogurt

This study evaluated the effect of ultrasonic processing on functional yogurts fortified with banana-resistant starch (BRS) and green papaya powder (GPP). Ultrasonication technology (80% amplitude, 8 min at 20 kHz frequency) was utilized as an alternative to conventional thermal treatment (85 °C, 30 min) to improve functional yogurts' physical and textural properties. A total of 6 set-type yogurt groups were prepared by ultrasonication (UT) and conventional treatment (CT). Based on the textural studies and correlation (Pearson's) plots, fortified and UT samples were more stiff, firm, sticky, adhesive, and viscous (least elastic) compared to the CT samples. All of the tested yogurts maintained a remarkable number of viable colony counts (≥7.23 log CFU/mL) during the storage. Ultrasonication significantly (p < 0.05) changed the L, a*, and b* color values. The ultrasonic processing reduced whey syneresis and improved the water-holding capacity in fresh and stored yogurts. Further, it retained the fatty acid profile of fortified yogurts. However, ultrasonication negatively affected, i.e., reduced the total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of yogurts as compared to the conventionally (thermal) treated counterparts. Overall, ultrasound technology can be a potential alternative to thermal treatment for the improved quality and safety of fortified yogurts.

The quality characteristics of probiotic yogurts enriched with carob flour: ultrasonication effects at different production stages

The health benefits, nutritional value and also the quality of foods are important aspects for the health-conscious consumers. In this study, the effects of ultrasound treatment at different stages of production (before inoculation (group B), both before and after inoculation (group C), and after inoculation (group D)) on some physicochemical, rheological, microbiological, and sensory properties of probiotic yogurts enriched with carob flour (CF) were investigated. Ultrasound treatment shortened the fermentation time for groups C and D, but did not significantly change the total solids, fat, and protein contents of probiotic yogurts enriched with CF. However, ultrasound-treated groups had higher pH and lower lactic acid values. Ultrasound treatment also improved the counts of yogurt bacteria and probiotic bacteria compared to the untreated control group. In addition, ultrasound-treated groups B and C had higher hardness, viscosity, and water holding capacity (WHC) values, while group D had similar values with the control. Enrichment with CF increased the red and yellow color ratios, and the ultrasound-treated groups (B and C) had higher a* (redness) values and lower b* (yellowness) values. The overall acceptability scores of ultrasound-treated groups were higher, and the texture scores of groups B and C were also higher.

Valorization of biowastes from sustainable viticulture with bioactive potential: application in functional yogurt

Seed and peel flours of organic Bordeaux grapes (Vitis labrusca L.), containing phenolics and antioxidant capacity, influenced both the composition and properties of a yogurt. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the yogurts containing 3% of grape seed flour (GSFY) and 3% of the mixture of flours (MFY, containing 50% of seed and 50% of peel grape flours, w/w) were 18.800 ± 1.060 and 19.509 ± 1.216 mg/g of gallic acid equivalents (GAE), respectively, significantly higher than the content of the control formulation (CY, 3.199 ± 0.326 mg GAE/g). The GSFY, MFY and CY exhibited an antioxidant capacity (mean values), respectively, of 0.6100, 0.7833 and zero µmol TEAC/g by the FRAP method; and 3.6658, 2.9217 and 0.2468 µmol TEAC/g by the ABTS method. The yogurts presented typical coloration of each flour and the texture of the yogurts did not vary significantly compared to the CY. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results distinguished the yogurts containing the grape flours and the control sample, regarding their composition and properties. The grape bioresidues were valorized by obtaining a functional and clean label yogurt.

Graphical abstract

Development and characterization of lactose-free probiotic goat milk beverage with bioactive rich jambo pulp

Goat milk is considered a suitable matrix for the successful incorporation of probiotics, also obtaining new lactose-free fermented products can expand its use. This study aimed to develop and characterize formulations of lactose-free probiotic fermented goat dairy beverages as well as to determine the most appropriate concentration of red jambo pulp to be added. The beverages were developed with different concentrations of lactose-free goat milk and frozen jambo pulp (12, 15 and 18% w/v) and lyophilized (3, 6 and 9% w/v), corresponding to formulations F1 to F6, respectively, as source of bioactive compounds. Probiotics counts decreased significantly (from 8.58 to 7.38 log CFU mL-1). The formulation with a higher proportion of lyophilized (F6) pulp showed the highest levels of phenolic compounds (72.08 mg GAE 100 g-1), anthocyanins (50.80 mg cyanidin-3-glycoside 100 g-1), ascorbic acid (41.68 mg 100 g-1), and antioxidant activity (16.21 μmol TE g-1) (P < 0.05). On the other hand, F3 presented the highest global acceptance and purchase intention (P < 0.05). However, the principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the components related to bioactive compounds (PC1) stood out on sensory attributes (PC3 and PC4) and, therefore, F6 was most appropriate for obtaining a lactose-free goat probiotic fermented milk with improved bioactive properties targeting lactose intolerant consumers and those who are allergic to bovine milk proteins.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05399-z.

Recent Insights Into Processing Approaches and Potential Health Benefits of Goat Milk and Its Products: A Review

Goat milk is considered to be a potential source of various macro- and micro-nutrients. It contains a good proportion of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other nutritional components which help in promoting nutritional and desirable health benefits. Goat milk is considered to be superior in terms of numerous health benefits, and lower risk of allergy, when compared to the milk of other species. Several processing techniques such as pasteurization, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and ultrasound have been employed to enhance the quality and shelf life of goat milk and its products. The diverse range of goat milk-based products such as yogurt, cheese, fermented milk, goat milk powder, and others are available in the market and are prepared by the intervention of advanced processing technologies. Goats raised in pasture-based feeding systems are shown to have a better milk nutritional composition than its counterpart. Goat milk contains potential bioactive components, which aids in the maintenance of the proper metabolism and functioning of the human body. This review gives insight into the key nutritional ingredients and bioactive constituents present in goat milk and their potential role in the development of various functional foods using different processing technologies. Goat milk could be considered as a significant option for milk consumption in infants, as compared to other milk available.

Application of multi-frequency power ultrasound in selected food processing using large-scale reactors: A review

Ultrasound as an eco-friendly green technology has been widely studied in food processing. Nevertheless, there is a lack of publications regarding the application of ultrasound in food processing using large-scale reactors. In this paper, the mechanisms and the devices of multi-frequency power ultrasound (MFPU) are described. Moreover, the MFPU applied in enzymolysis of protein, and washing of fruits and vegetables are reviewed. The application of MFPU can improve the enzymolysis of protein through modification on enzyme, modification on substrate materials, and facilitation of the enzymatic hydrolysis process. The ultrasound treatment can enhance the removal of microorganisms, and pesticides on the surface of fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the reactors of ultrasound-assisted enzymolysis of protein, and washing of fruits and vegetables on the industrial scale are also detailed. This review paper also considers future trends, limitations, drawbacks, and developments of ultrasound application in enzymolysis and washing.