Short Communication: Influence of Transglutaminase on the Heat Stability of Milk

Skim milk powders were prepared from control and transglutaminase-treated skimmed milk. The heat stability of reconstituted transglutaminase-treated skimmed milk (9.0% total solids) was markedly increased in the pH region of minimum stability (pH 6.8 to 7.1) compared with control milk, while the heat stability of reconstituted concentrated transglutaminase-treated skimmed milk (22.5% total solids) increased progressively as a function of pH relative to control milk. The effect of transglutaminase treatment on the heat stability of skimmed milk may have commercial applications, but extensive research is necessary to gain a better understanding of the mechanism by which transglutaminase improves heat stability.