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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Separation of Single-stranded DNA, Double-stranded DNA and RNA from an Environmental Viral Community Using Hydroxyapatite Chromatography
Published on: September 29, 2011
On the use on hydroxyapatite suspensions for the separation of milk fat globule membrane components from buttermilk
J Iung1, Y Pouliot1, G Remondetto2
1Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Dairy Science and Technology Research Centre (STELA), Department of Food Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada.
Abstract:
The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which surrounds and stabilizes the fat globules, is released in buttermilk during cream churning. MFGM has many health benefits due to its composition rich in phospholipids and membrane proteins. Many techniques have been tried to separate the MFGM from the remaining milk solids non-fat, but they are challenging to carry out at an industrial scale. This research proposes a new approach to separating MFGM from buttermilk. This paper assessed the efficacy of hydroxyapatite (HA) cristal in interacting with MFGM isolates obtained from either raw or pasteurized cream. Different HA to MFGM ratios were used (10:1 and 20:1) to determine the impact of HA concentration on the adsorption. The results showed a very high affinity of the MFGM for HA and suggested the potential for its separation from buttermilk to improve its valorization.
Insights
Researchers explored using hydroxyapatite (HA) to separate milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) from buttermilk. This method shows high affinity, offering potential for MFGM recovery and valorization.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is released into buttermilk during churning.
- MFGM is rich in phospholipids and membrane proteins, offering significant health benefits.
- Current MFGM separation techniques are difficult to implement on an industrial scale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, industrially scalable method for MFGM separation from buttermilk.
- To evaluate the efficacy of hydroxyapatite (HA) in adsorbing MFGM.
Main Methods:
- MFGM isolates were obtained from raw and pasteurized cream.
- Hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals were used to interact with MFGM isolates.
- Different HA to MFGM ratios (10:1 and 20:1) were tested to assess HA concentration impact.
Main Results:
- A very high affinity between MFGM and HA was observed.
- The adsorption of MFGM onto HA was confirmed.
- The study demonstrated the potential of HA for MFGM separation.
Conclusions:
- Hydroxyapatite (HA) shows significant potential for separating MFGM from buttermilk.
- This method could enable improved valorization of buttermilk components.
- The findings suggest a promising avenue for industrial MFGM recovery.
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