Structure and gelation properties of casein micelles doped with curcumin under acidic conditions
Joint Conference on 8th World Congress on Agriculture and Horticulture and 16th Euro Global Summit on Food and Beverages
March 02-04, 2017 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Aya N Khanji

University of Lorraine, France

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Casein micelles are colloidal protein particles responsible for a large proportion of milk technological properties. The manufacture of dairy products (yogurt, fresh cheese and cheese) is based on the aggregation and gelation capacity of casein micelles done under acid and rennet conditions. In this work, the casein micelles are also considered as porous structures that can stabilize and vectorize hydrophobic molecules of interest in an aqueous environment. It has recently been shown that the casein micelles can interact with polyphenols such as curcumin, an antioxidant and anti-cancerous biomolecule. Theoretical Orientation: In this study, the ability of micellar casein (MC) to interact with curcumin was investigated. The influence of presence of the guest molecule on the casein micelles structure and acid gelation ability was reported. Methodology & Findings: Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy of curcumin variation and fluorescence quenching of caseins upon binding with curcumin molecules were evidenced. Increasing the temperature from 20ºC to 35ºC enhanced MC�??curcumin interactions as reflected by the increase in the binding constant. From changes in entropy, enthalpy and Gibbs free energy, hydrophobic interactions were proposed as major binding forces. Static fluorescence MC quenching was demonstrated for the MC�??curcumin complex during acidification. Small angle X-ray scattering profiles demonstrated that the MC internal structure was unchanged upon curcumin binding. The ζ-potential value of curcumin-doped MC indicated that curcumin did not modify the global charge of MC particles. Acid gelation studied by oscillation rheology and static multiple light scattering at 20ºC and 35ºC led to a similar behavior for native and curcumin-doped MC suspensions. Conclusion & Significance: For the first time, it was demonstrated that the colloidal and functional properties of MC were unchanged when doped with curcumin during acidification. This conclusion leads to a better understanding on how to produce a biomolecule doped-yogurt.

Biography :

Aya N Khanji has her expertise in Research and Biochemical Engineering, especially in Dairy Products. She has built this model after a year of experience in rheology, fluorescence spectroscopy, ζ potential measurements and small angle X-ray scattering. Her double major in Quality Control and Food Sciences allowed her to develop new products and process technologies with the respect of all norms such as HACCP approaches and know-hows. Determination and attention to detail combined with strong analytical and problem solving skills were earned during all her academic and professional career.

Email: aya.khanji@univ-lorraine.fr