Fermentation of specially formulated milk with single strains of bifidobacteria

A number of strains of bifidobacteria have been used to ferment milk to a yoghurt-like product. The milk used for fermentation was fortified with whey protein and threonine. It was prepared by mixing skimmed milk and cheddar cheese whey which had been concentrated using ultrafiltration membranes which allowed lactose to permeate. A 2 percent inoculum was used, and fermentation was carried out at 37° C overnight. The resulting products resembled voghurt, having good consistency. 'walnutty' aroma (acetaldehyde). and pleasant acidity.     

Buffering curves of ideal whey fractions obtained from a cascade membrane separation process

Skimmed milk was fractionated via a cascade system: Graphic plotting of microfiltration (MF); ultrafiltration (UF); nanofiltration (NF); and reverse osmosis (RO). The buffering curves of each fraction were studied over the pH range 4–7. Depending on their composition, the individual permeate streams showed different buffering capacity values and pH ranges where the buffering occurred. The concentration of active buffering substances in the permeates decreased (in mmol/L) from ~26.6 (MF) to ~17.4 (UF) to 1.39 (NF) to 0.07 (RO). Contributions to the total buffering capacity for MF permeate, which represents the serum phase of milk, were ~37% from whey proteins and ~63% from milk salts (especially citrates, phosphates and carbonates) including lactose and water.     

Feasibility of Spray Drying Concentrated Acid Whey After Nanofiltration

Concentration of acid whey and crystallisation of lactose followed by spray drying in the production of acid whey powder are severely restricted by the presence of lactic acid (LA) and calcium (Ca). These compounds cause stickiness during spray drying. The present study examined the effects of removing LA and Ca by membrane processing to varying extents in order to improve the feasibility of the spray drying of an acid whey stream. Spray drying of unaltered acid whey achieved a powder recovery of ~?18% in the collection vessel and ~?31% in the cyclone. Removal of LA and Ca by 30 and 40%, respectively, by nanofiltration significantly increased the powder recovery to ~?58% in the collection vessel. Powder particles decreased in size giving a D[4,3] of ~?18 μm, with SEM images confirming the presence of well separated spherical powder particles. A solubility of >?75% was also achieved. However, removing Ca >?60% compromised the spray drying process. FTIR analysis suggested that water molecules in the hydration layer of lactose and the structural changes of both lactose and protein molecules at the molecular level appeared to play an important role in governing the extent of the drying feasibility. In addition, the formation of calcium lactate may restrict the diffusion of lactose molecules, once the appropriate stoichiometry was reached. Thus, manipulating LA and Ca concentrations in a particular acid whey stream can improve the spray drying process and production of a non-sticky acid whey powder.     

Application of nanofiltration models for the prediction of lactose retention using three modes of operation

The desal 5 DL membrane (Dow Chemical, USA) was used to recover lactose from whey ultrafiltration permeate. Lactose and ions rejection and permeate flux were measured using ultrafiltered sweet whey as feed solution. Three different operation modes (total recycle mode, concentration mode and continuous diafiltration mode) were considered. Lactose retention was predicted by means of the Donnan Steric Partioning model (DSPM) and the Kedem–Spiegler model (KSM). The best fit for the total recycle and concentration modes was obtained with the KSM. Moreover, the KSM predictions were worse for the CDM. These models contribute to a better understanding of the transport mechanisms involved in nanofiltration processes and to optimize the process at industrial scale. The two models can be considered as a useful tool to improve the recovery, demineralization and concentration of lactose.     

Milk sugars and minerals as ingredients

Lactose is the natural carbohydrate source and prebiotic compound found in the milk of mammals, but large variations in lactase activity in the small intestines of adult populations can cause problems with its use. The value of lactose can be increased by hydrolysis, but even more valuable products can be made by changing the structure of lactose and preventing its absorption in the gut. Some of these nonabsorbable lactose derivatives are already used in medical and functional food applications.
Calcium phosphate precipitation to the heat-transfer surfaces is one of the oldest problems of the dairy industry, but if precipitation is carried out in controlled conditions, the precipitate can be further processed to form milk calcium powder. Milk calcium can be used as a natural source of calcium in calcium-fortified dairy products.
The mineral and salty taste of whey has reduced its use as a food ingredient. The use of modern membrane technology offers a means of producing whey salt as a by-product of whey demineralization. These otherwise wasted minerals can then be used as a natural mineral salt. Especially interesting is the possibility of recycling the whey salt into cheese, improving its nutritional status.     

Preparation of lactose‐free milk by using salt‐fractionated almond (Amygdalus communis) β‐galactosidase

β‐galactosidase was isolated from almond (Amygdalus communis) extract by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Almond proteins precipitated by using ammonium sulfate and then dialysed exhibited 5.3‐fold purification of β‐galactosidase, and the yield of enzyme preparation was 96.5%. The partially purified β‐galactosidase exhibited pH and temperature optima at pH 5.5 and 50 °C, respectively. The enzyme was significantly stable against heat, pH, calcium and magnesium ions and D ‐galactose. The almond β‐galactosidase preparation exhibited over 89% activity even after 2 months storage at 4 °C. Hydrolysis of lactose in milk and whey was performed in a stirred batch process by using this enzyme preparation. These observations indicated that the hydrolysis of lactose increased continuously with time. The enzyme could hydrolyse 94% of lactose in buffer solution and whey whereas 90% of lactose hydrolysis was achieved in milk. The main aim of the present study was to prepare lactose‐free milk, which must be free from contamination, and the process should be inexpensive. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fluorescence associated with Maillard reaction in milk and milk-resembling systems

The progress of the Maillard reaction in milk and milk-resembling systems during heating was followed by monitoring free fluorescent intermediary compounds. Fluorescence intensity was examined over a wide temperature/time range (90–140 °C/0.5–30 min). Different kinetic behaviours were found in the presence or absence of amino groups in the system. Traces of fluorescence were detected when the lactose system without proteins was heated; the isomerization and degradation reactions of lactose could also generate fluorescent compounds. Fluorescence accumulation in the lactose system (without proteins) proceeded according to first-order reaction kinetics, whereas systems with lactose and casein, lactose and whey protein and milk fitted zero-order reaction kinetics. Apparent activation energies calculated were 61.3, 78.6, 59.6 and 83.9 kJ mol⁻¹ for lactose system, lactose/casein system, lactose/whey protein system and milk, respectively. Moreover, levels of intermediary fluorescent compounds in Spanish commercial milk (pasteurized, UHT-treated and in-bottle sterilized milk) have been studied.     

Comparison of Rat Hepatic Cholesterol Biosynthesis During Skim Milk Versus Whey Permeate Ingestion

Whey permeate is an ultrafiltrate of whey that is devoid of protein but contains lactose, salts, and other soluble low molecular weight compounds. These experiments compared cholesterol concentrations of blood plasma, hepatic lipids, and hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis of rats ingesting skim milk powder versus whey permeate powder. Groups of young male rats weighing 90 to 92 g were fed a casein-based diet into which skim milk powder or whey permeate powder was incorporated isocalorically. No effects of skim milk or whey permeate on plasma cholesterol concentrations were observed at any time during 5-wk of feeding. However, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity was increased by either skim milk or whey permeate feeding. Hepatic cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid concentrations at wk 5 were unchanged. Plasma and hepatic cholesterol responses of rats to whey permeate ingestion are similar to those that occur with skim milk consumption, and plasma and hepatic cholesterol concentrations do not reflect necessarily an increase in hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis.     

The prediction of moisture sorption isotherms for dairy powders

Moisture sorption isotherms were measured for whey protein isolate, high micellar casein and a milk protein concentrate powder. No temperature dependence was observed over the temperature range of 4–37 °C. At 50 °C the powders absorbed less moisture than observed at the lower temperatures. These isotherms were used to predict the isotherms for freeze-dried amorphous lactose/casein/whey protein powders. An isotherm for micellar casein was predicted using a simple additive isotherm model and was used along with isotherms for whey protein and amorphous lactose to predict moisture sorption isotherms for commercial dairy powders. Predicted isotherms compared well with measured isotherms indicating that this simple additive isotherm model is suitable for predicting moisture sorption isotherms of dairy powders. Delayed lactose crystallisation was observed in lactose/whey protein powders when compared to lactose/casein powders over the same water activity range.     

Bioutilisation of whey for lactic acid production

The disposal of whey, the liquid remaining after the separation of milk fat and casein from whole milk, is a major problem for the dairy industry, which demands simple and economical solutions. The bioconversion of lactose present in whey to valuable products has been actively explored. Since whey and whey permeates contain significant quantities of lactose, an interesting way to upgrade this effluent could be as a substrate for fermentation. Production of lactic acid through lactic acid bacteria could be a processing route for whey lactose and various attempts have been made in this direction. Immobilised cell technology has also been applied to whey fermentation processes, to improve the economics of the process. A fermentative means of lactic acid production has advantages over chemical synthesis, as desirable optically pure lactic acid could be produced, and the demand for optically pure lactic acid has increased considerably because of its use in the production of poly(lactic acid), a biodegradable polymer, and other industrial applications. This review focuses on the various biotechnological techniques that have used whey for the production of lactic acid.     

Short communication: Conversion of lactose and whey into lactic acid by engineered yeast

Lactose is often considered an unwanted and wasted byproduct, particularly lactose trapped in acid whey from yogurt production. But using specialized microbial fermentation, the surplus wasted acid whey could be converted into value-added chemicals. The baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is commonly used for industrial fermentation, cannot natively ferment lactose. The present study describes how an engineered S. cerevisiae yeast was constructed to produce lactic acid from purified lactose, whey, or dairy milk. Lactic acid is an excellent proof-of-concept chemical to produce from lactose, because lactic acid has many food, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses, and over 250,000 t are produced for industrial use annually. To ferment the milk sugar lactose, a cellodextrin transporter (CDT-1, which also transports lactose) and a β-glucosidase (GH1-1, which also acts as a β-galactosidase) from Neurospora crassa were expressed in a S. cerevisiae strain. A heterologous lactate dehydrogenase (encoded by ldhA) from the fungus Rhizopus oryzae was integrated into the CDT-1/GH1-1–expressing strain of S. cerevisiae. As a result, the engineered strain was able to produce lactic acid from purified lactose, whey, and store-bought milk. A lactic acid yield of 0.358 g/g of lactose was achieved from whey fermentation, providing an initial proof of concept for the production of value-added chemicals from excess industrial whey using engineered yeast.     

基于陶瓷膜技术的羊乳酪蛋白和其他组分的高效分级分离

为量化0.05 μm陶瓷膜脱除羊乳中乳清蛋白、乳糖、灰分、钙和磷的能力,在50 ℃条件下,脱脂乳进行3 倍浓缩,之后2 次间歇补水至原体积进行清洗过滤,最终得到1 份截留液、3 份透过液,并计算各组分总脱除率。结果表明：乳清蛋白脱除率为96.17%,乳糖脱除率为86.42%,灰分脱除率为73.39%,钙脱除率为34.90%,磷脱除率为55%。稀释过滤完毕后膜的纯水膜通量衰减系数为55.57%,使用质量分数为2%氢氧化钠和1%的硝酸溶液进行清洗,膜通量的恢复系数为99.21%。0.05 μm陶瓷膜可以实现羊乳酪蛋白和其他组分的有效分离,该技术适合在没有干酪乳清的条件下,以生鲜乳为原料加工酪蛋白胶束粉、乳清蛋白粉、乳糖等乳基配料产品。     

Valuation of milk composition and genotype in cheddar cheese production using an optimization model of cheese and whey production

A mass balance optimization model was developed to determine the value of the κ-casein genotype and milk composition in Cheddar cheese and whey production. Inputs were milk, nonfat dry milk, cream, condensed skim milk, and starter and salt. The products produced were Cheddar cheese, fat-reduced whey, cream, whey cream, casein fines, demineralized whey, 34% dried whey protein, 80% dried whey protein, lactose powder, and cow feed. The costs and prices used were based on market data from March 2004 and affected the results. Inputs were separated into components consisting of whey protein, ash, casein, fat, water, and lactose and were then distributed to products through specific constraints and retention equations. A unique 2-step optimization procedure was developed to ensure that the final composition of fat-reduced whey was correct. The model was evaluated for milk compositions ranging from 1.62 to 3.59% casein, 0.41 to 1.14% whey protein, 1.89 to 5.97% fat, and 4.06 to 5.64% lactose. The κ casein genotype was represented by different retentions of milk components in Cheddar cheese and ranged from 0.715 to 0.7411 kg of casein in cheese/kg of casein in milk and from 0.7795 to 0.9210 kg of fat in cheese/kg of fat in milk. Milk composition had a greater effect on Cheddar cheese production and profit than did genotype. Cheese production was significantly different and ranged from 9,846 kg with a high-casein milk composition to 6,834 kg with a high-fat milk composition per 100,000 kg of milk. Profit (per 100,000 kg of milk) was significantly different, ranging from $70,586 for a high-fat milk composition to $16,490 for a low-fat milk composition. However, cheese production was not significantly different, and profit was significant only for the lowest profit ($40,602) with the κ-casein genotype. Results from this model analysis showed that the optimization model is useful for determining costs and prices for cheese plant inputs and products, and that it can be used to evaluate the economic value of milk components to optimize cheese plant profits.     

Composition and calcium status of acid whey from pasteurized, UHT-treated and in-bottle sterilized milk

Whey extracts were obtained from pasteurized, UHT-treated and in-bottle sterilized milks. After acidic precipitation of casein the concentration of protein, NPN, lactose, lipid, calcium, magnesium and potassium was determined. Among the parameters examined, protein content was significantly reduced in the whey extracts from UHT-treated and in-bottle sterilized milks compared with that from pasteurized milk, while lactose content was increased. Calcium extracted in whey was at least 80% of total calcium of the milk. The total calcium to protein ratio of whey was increased as a function of the thermal treatment of milk, while ionic calcium was about 50% of total calcium in all whey extracts. In vitro protein digestibility was found to be significantly lower in whey from UHT-treated and in-bottle sterilized milks than in that from pasteurized milk. Parallel estimation of the percentage of ionic calcium and of the solubility of proteins in the pH range 2-10 indicated that calcium was not involved in the pH-dependent solubility of proteins extracted in the whey, the extent of solubility being essentially a function of the thermal treatment of milk. The results suggest that calcium was not responsible for the formation of soluble protein macroaggregates with impaired digestibility that are present in whey from milk subjected to heat treatment of increasing intensity.     

Ernährungsphysiologische Bedeutung von Molke und Molkenbestandteilen

Nutritional significance of whey and whey components Deriving from positive effects of whey drinking cures in antiquity, the Middle Ages and modern time, a review is given on nutritional significance of whey. The proteins are essential components of whey and belong to the proteins with highest biological value because of their amino acid composition. Besides, they show fundamental functional properties, which enable a varied application in foods, dietetic foods and beverages in form of different whey products (powder, protein concentrates and isolates). Whey proteins have found considerable usage in infant's nutrition as whey predominant formulas as well as whey protein hydrolysates in case of cow's milk protein intolerances. A recent field of research are biological active peptide sequences which become effective during digestion and are of importance for secretion of entero hormones as well as for immune enthancing effects. They may contribute to assess the biological value of whey proteins under enlarged points of view and to develop new application forms and areas. It is pointed to further fields of application (e. g. adipositas, gout, kidney insufficiency). Concerning the quantitatively most dominant lactose in whey, it is dealt with its importance for the healthy development of infants (adaptation to the increased lactose content of mother's milk) as well as with lactose intolerance and galactosaemia. In case of mineral salts of whey it is emphasized the high nutrient density of calcium (prophylaxis for osteoporosis), the beneficial Ca: P and Na: K proportions (antihypertensive in case of the last one), the promotion of absorption of mineral salts by lactose, and the high content of iodine. The whey is rich in B-vitamins, which contribute essentially for their satisfaction or requirement in case of a corresponding consumption. To be emphasized is the vitamin B₁₂ in milk and whey, which is the sole source of this indispensable nutrient for blood-formation and cell division in lacto-ovo-vegetarian nutrition. In conclusion, a summerizing dietetics valuation of whey is performed.     

Composition and calcium status of acid whey from pasteurized,UHT‐treated and in‐bottle sterilized milks

Whey extracts were obtained from pasteurized, UHT‐treated and in‐bottle sterilized milks. After acidic precipitation of casein the concentration of protein, NPN, lactose, lipid, calcium, magnesium and potassium was determined. Among the parameters examined, protein content was significantly reduced in the whey extracts from UHT‐treated and in‐bottle sterilized milks compared with that from pasteurized milk, while lactose content was increased. Calcium extracted in whey was at least 80% of total calcium of the milk. The total calcium to protein ratio of whey was increased as a function of the thermal treatment of milk, while ionic calcium was about 50% of total calcium in all whey extracts. In vitro protein digestibility was found to be significantly lower in whey from UHT‐treated and in‐bottle sterilized milks than in that from pasteurized milk. Parallel estimation of the percentage of ionic calcium and of the solubility of proteins in the pH range 2–10 indicated that calcium was not involved in the pH‐dependent solubility of proteins extracted in the whey, the extent of solubility being essentially a function of the thermal treatment of milk. The results suggest that calcium was not responsible for the formation of soluble protein macroaggregates with impaired digestibility that are present in whey from milk subjected to heat treatment of increasing intensity.     

膜技术在乳品废水处理中的应用

乳品废水经预处理后,采用微滤与超滤膜技术回收废水中的蛋白,再用纳滤膜脱盐、浓缩乳糖,滤液过反渗透膜即可达到回用或排放要求.探讨预处理工序的必要性,考查超滤与纳滤不同型号膜的运行情况.实验证明,采用膜技术处理乳品废水工艺简单、节能,污水零排放,且回收了废水中的蛋白和糖,实验数据可供工业化参考与借鉴.     

Synthesis of Galactooligosaccharides in Milk and Whey: A Review

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are synthesized by the enzyme β‐galactosidase during the hydrolysis of lactose. In this so‐called transgalactosylation reaction the galactosyl moiety is transferred to another sugar molecule instead of water resulting in oligosaccharides of different chain lengths and glycosidic linkages. Because their structures are similar to oligosaccharides present in human breast milk, they act as prebiotics, which has been shown for infants and adults to be alike. While so far most of the research to maximize GOS yield has been carried out using buffered lactose solution as a starting material, more and more work is now conducted with dairy by‐products such as whey and whey permeate, or even milk, for direct GOS synthesis in order to develop new GOS‐enriched dairy products. This review aims to summarize the results obtained with various dairy liquids, and it rates their suitabilities to act as raw material for GOS production. Most of the studies using whey or milk have been carried out with enzymes from Aspergillus oryzae, Kluyveromyces lactis, Bacillus circulans, Streptococcus thermophilus, and several Lactobacillus species. As the initial lactose concentration (ILC) is known to be a crucial factor for high GOS yield, most of the research has been done with concentrated or supplemented milk and whey. However, a clear dependency on ILC could only be observed for the A. oryzae lactase, indicating a strong influence of milk components like minerals and proteins on the transfer activities of most enzymes.     

Ration digestibility and mineral balance in lactating cows fed rations containing dried whey.

Including dried whey in rations of nonruminants usually increases digestibilities and mineral retention, presumably because of the lactose in the whey. A trial with total collection had five lactating cows per treatment to determine the effects of 5% dried whey product in the concentrate on digestibility of the ration and on absorption and retention of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Rations included corn silage ad libitum, 3 kg alfalfa hay, and either control or dried whey product in concentrate ration at 1 kg/3 kg milk produced. Rations were balanced for content of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Digestibilities of dry matter, nitrogen, and energy were not increased with dried whey product in the ration. Apparent absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus was not affected significantly by inclusion of whey in the ration. Productive (milk plus retained) calcium and magnesium were not increased when dried whey product was in the ration although productive phosphorus was slightly higher with the dried whey product. Adding small amounts of dried whey to a ruminant's ration will not increase mineral absorption and retention probably because tthe lactose in dried whey is fermented in the rumen and unavailabe for aiding absorption from the small intestine.     

Retention of β-galactosidase activity in crude cellular extracts from Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus 11842 upon drying

Crude cellular extracts (CCEs) containing active β-galactosidase from Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus 11842 were spray-dried at three different outlet air temperatures (45, 55 or 65°C) or freeze-dried, with or without whey proteins, casein, whey or skim milk as drying adjuncts. The use of whey or skim milk resulted in significantly ( P   <  0.05) higher β-galactosidase activity retention in comparison to all other CCEs. This effect was not related to the initial total solids (TS) content (4–10%) of the feedstock solutions, but was presumably caused by the presence of lactose in the whey or skim milk CCE preparations.