We investigated the fractionation of casein micelles and the whey protein β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) of skim milk by crossflow microfiltration (0.1 μm) for the first time by a novel approach as a function of membrane length and membrane resistance. A special module was constructed with 4 sections and used to assess the effects of membrane length by measuring flux and β-LG permeation (or transmission) as a function of transmembrane pressure and membrane length. Depending on the position, the membranes were partly controlled by a deposit layer. A maximum for β-LG mass flow through the various membrane sections was found, depending on the position along the membrane. To study the effect of convective flow toward the membrane, membranes with 4 different intrinsic permeation resistances were assessed in terms of the permeation and fouling effects along the flow channel. From these findings, we derived a ratio between transmembrane pressure and membrane resistance, which was useful in reducing the effect of deposit formation and, thus, to optimize the protein permeation. In addition, the fouling effect was investigated in terms of reversible and irreversible fouling and, in addition, by differentiation between pressure-induced fouling and adsorption-induced (pressure-independent) fouling, again as a function of membrane length.

The objective of this study was to compare microfiltered native whey protein concentrate and traditional cheese whey protein concentrate powders and their functional properties. Solubility, viscosity, gelation, foaming properties, emulsification and water‐holding capacity were studied. The effect of spray and freeze drying methods on functional properties was evaluated. Gel strength varied from 0.11 to 0.65 N. Foaming stability and overrun varied from 0 to 29.3 min and from 230 to 2200%, respectively. Foaming and gelation properties were clearly better with native whey protein powders. Differences between drying methods were not observed but higher heat load decreased solubility.

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