Characterising the effect of particle size and relative humidity on the microstructure and rehydration of milk protein concentrates in real-time using Environmental scanning electron microscopy

Lucille Gallagher, Valeria Cenini, David McSweeney, G McKerr, Noel McCarthy, Barry O'Hagan

Research output: Contribution to conferencePoster

Abstract

The functional and microstructural properties of milk protein concentrate (MPC) powder particles during rehydration are not well described. Currently, there are no published studies that have examined the influence of particle size and storage relative humidity (RH) on MPC microstructure using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The aim of this study was to characterise the real-time rehydration of size determined MPC particles stored at varying RHs using ESEM.
Low-(MPC40), medium-(MPC55 and MPC65) and high-(MPC75 and MPC85) protein content MPC powders were manufactured by Teagasc Food Research Centre and stored at 54% and 88% RH, at a constant temperature of 4 oC. Five percentile ranges were determined from particle size distribution data derived from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of MPC particles. Surface composition was determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
At 54%RH; MPC40 particles displayed a weakening of the external framework leading to their subsequent collapse and in most cases full dissolution. MPC55, MPC65 and MPC75 particles revealed partial dissolution with large breaks on the external skin of powder particles. High-(MPC85) particles displayed a restricted dissolution. At 88%RH, all MPC percentile ranges showed a graded disruption of the external skin of particles with marked changes in their hydration profiles.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 22 Oct 2019
EventDynamic in-situ microscopy relating structure and function - The Royal Society, London, United Kingdom
Duration: 21 Oct 201922 Oct 2019
https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2019/10/in-situ-microscopy/

Conference

ConferenceDynamic in-situ microscopy relating structure and function
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period21/10/1922/10/19
Internet address

Keywords

  • Milk protein concentrate
  • Environmental scanning electron microscopy
  • Rehydration
  • Solubility
  • Relative humidity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characterising the effect of particle size and relative humidity on the microstructure and rehydration of milk protein concentrates in real-time using Environmental scanning electron microscopy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this