Emulsification potential of milk fat globule membrane material microfiltrated from buttermilk whey

The emulsification potential of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) material obtained from buttermilk whey was investigated. A microfiltration technique was applied to recover MFGM material from the whey, a side-stream of the cheese-making process from the buttermilk. During the preparation of O/W emulsions, a constant ratio of protein and oil was maintained, and homogenised at 0/2, 3/2, 9/2, and 15/2 MPa pressures using a two-step homogeniser. Emulsions prepared with buttermilk powder (BMP) and microfiltrated buttermilk whey (MFBMW) showed similar microstructure and rheological properties. The particle distribution and mean diameter (D3,2) were similar for both materials. However, no cream separation was observed for emulsion prepared with MFBMW during 8-day storage. Despite the differences in the composition, MFBMW showed good creaming stability, and similar emulsifying properties to BMP. These results demonstrated the future perspective of whey valorisation in a high food value dairy application.