Properties of aseptically packed ultra-heat-treated milk: Electron microscopic examination of changes occurring during storage

Abstract

SummaryChanges in the appearance of casein micelles and fat globules in ultra-heat-treated (UHT) milk were comparatively slight within a 14-month storage period although closer inspection often revealed the beginnings of some of the changes observed after even longer storage. Within this period the milks remained liquid and no evidence for any proteolytic breakdown was seen on electrophoretio examination. After 34 months the milks had all gelled and there was evidence of a small amount of proteolytic breakdown. Electron microscopic changes were striking and depended on storage temperature. At 4 °C the casein micelles in the gel phase had become very ‘spiky’ and long tendrils often bridged micelles, forming extensive networks. At room temperature and at 30 °C this tendril formation was less marked and the average micelle size was considerably greater than in freshly processed milk. There was also clear evidence for the coalescence of micelles. After storage at 37 °C the micelles were much larger than in the other samples, often exceeding 0·4 mμ in diam.