No abstract

Gel formation was monitored by low amplitude rheometry during acidification at 40 degrees C with 1.5% glucono-delta-lactone in combined milk systems containing soluble and/or micelle-bound heat-induced (95 degrees C/10 min) aggregates of denatured whey proteins and kappa-casein and in heated dairy mixes with varying micellar casein/whey protein ratio (CN/WP). Both soluble and micelle-bound aggregates increased gelation pH and gel strength. Micelle-bound aggregates seemed to modify the micelle surface so that micelles were destabilized at a pH of 5.1 (instead of 4.7), while soluble aggregates precipitated at their calculated pI of approximately 5.3, and initiated an early gelation by interacting with the micelles. Decreasing the CN/WP ratio produced larger aggregates with higher whey protein: kappa-casein ratio, which gave more elastic gels. The specific effects of the micellar and soluble aggregates on gel strength are discussed with respect to their relative proportions in the heated milk.

A whey protein isolate (WPI) was coagulated by thermomechanical processing in a twin screw extruder. Nonaggregated semi-solid spreads were obtained only in the pH range 3.5-3.9, at ca 20% protein (77% water), a barrel temperature of 90-100°C and a screw speed of lOO-200 rpm. WPI extrusion-coagulated at pH 3.9 displayed a high nitrogen solubility (NSI) (43-47%). Electrophoresis indicated that the 8-lactoglobulin constituent was entirely soluble in 1% SDS, while scanning calorimetry revealed about 82% protein unfolding. WPI extrusion-coagulated at pH 4.5-6.8 displayed lower NSI (25%), were less soluble in 1% SDS, were 88% unfolded and had grainy texture. Light microscopy, centrifugation in glycerol solutions, and laser diffractometry indicated the acid spread (pH 3.9) was composed of small coagulated particles, mean diameter 11.5 p,m (volume basis).