Effect of Heat-Induced Association of Whey Proteins and Casein Micelles on Yogurt Texture

We investigated the role of the nature of the casein micelle surface, as affected by adsorption of heat-denatured whey proteins, on yogurt texture. Depending on the heating process and heat intensity, a proportion of β- lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin bound to the casein. As shown by electron microscopy, filaments of denatured β-lactoglobulin developed on the micellar surface and offered a barrier to micelle fusion when milk was fermented, resulting in inferior yogurt texture. At higher heat intensities, α-lactalbumin also commenced to precipitate onto the micelle, which apparently filled up the gaps formed by the β-lactoglobulin filaments and caused a smoother micellar surface. During fermentation, coalescence of the micelles improved texture. The heat-induced association of α-lactalbumin with the casein particles appeared to be important for fusion and hydration of the micelles during subsequent fermentation, which determined the Theological properties of yogurt.