Controlled proteolysis and the properties of milk gels

Milk gels induced by partial proteolysis of the kappa-casein followed by acidification were studied, and their gelation behavior was compared to that of milk gels induced by simultaneous acidification and renneting, using dynamic rheology. There were generally two stages (at pH values below and above 5.0) in the gelation of the milk whose kappa-casein had been partially proteolyzed and acidified. The onset of gelation was at higher pH as the degree of kappa-casein proteolysis increased. The development of G' immediately after the onset of gelation was faster in the milk gels induced by simultaneous acidification and renneting, because of the continuing kappa-casein proteolysis. Preheat treatment caused the onset of gelation to occur at higher pH than for unheated milk. However, the maximum tan delta during gelation always occurred at the same pH (for a given concentration of acidulant), and its value and position were independent of the extent of renneting and whether the milks had been heat treated. The results are discussed in terms of the interactions between casein micelles occurring during gelation.