Physicochemical Properties and Functional Performance of Dairy Products

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Dairy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 September 2026 | Viewed by 3604

Editors

College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
Interests: dairy processing; functional foods; probiotics; bioactive substance delivery systems; microencapsulation; antioxidants; gastrointestinal microbiota; food application; health benefits

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Guest Editor
AgroFood Technology Department, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela, Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, Spain
Interests: dairy foods; functional dairy products: probiotics, prebiotics and fibers; effect of animal feeding on milk quality and properties; foods of animal origin; quality and product development and improvement; fatty acid analysis of foods; gas chromatography; sensory analysis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The physicochemical properties of dairy products fundamentally govern their macro-functional performance, determining key attributes such as texture, stability, and nutritional efficacy. Understanding the "composition–structure–property–function" relationship is essential for advancing dairy science and meeting evolving consumer demands. This Special Issue aims to systematically compile the latest research advances and cutting-edge findings in this field, with a focus on the molecular structures of key dairy components, their interactions, and their dynamic evolution during thermal processing and storage. Specific research emphases include, but are not limited to, the following: the conformational transitions, aggregation kinetics, and interfacial behavior of dairy proteins and their impact on gel texture and stability; the crystallization behavior, emulsification mechanisms, and demulsification processes of milk fat globules and their correlation with product spreadability and mouthfeel richness; as well as the rheological properties, textural characteristics, and release-retention patterns of flavor compounds in dairy systems. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches, this collection elucidates critical structure–function relationships, supporting the development of next-generation, high-value dairy products with tailored functionalities and enhanced quality.

Dr. Jiage Ma
Prof. Dr. Esther Sendra
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • dairy products
  • physicochemical properties
  • functional properties
  • milk fat
  • rheology
  • textural properties
  • processing stability
  • milk proteins

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1190 KB  
Article
Exploring the Potential of Bovine Whey Fermentation by Non-Selenized and Selenized Enterococcus faecium ABMC-05 for Future Functional Beverage Formulations
by Meyli Claudia Escobar-Ramírez, Emmanuel Pérez-Escalante, Luis J. Montiel-Olguín, Elizabeth Contreras-López, Luis Humberto López-Hernández and Luis Guillermo González-Olivares
Foods 2026, 15(12), 2198; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15122198 - 18 Jun 2026
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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate whey fermentation with Enterococcus faecium ABMC-05 to obtain a product with three functional ingredients: probiotic strains, selenium enrichment, and hydrolysates with antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. Whey, with and without sodium selenite (184 mg/mL), was fermented by Enterococcus faecium [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate whey fermentation with Enterococcus faecium ABMC-05 to obtain a product with three functional ingredients: probiotic strains, selenium enrichment, and hydrolysates with antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. Whey, with and without sodium selenite (184 mg/mL), was fermented by Enterococcus faecium ABMC-05 and analyzed for 120 h. Free amino groups (TNBS), protein hydrolysis (Tris-Glycine-SDS-PAGE), lower molecular protein fractions (Tris-Tricine-SDS-PAGE and SEC-HPLC), antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP), and antihypertensive activity (ACE inhibition) were determined. The results showed that selenium accumulation in Enterococcus faecium ABMC-05 gradually increased during fermentation, reaching 2.21 µg Se/Log CFU. This was associated with a delay in the initial stage of bacterial growth and a greater release of free amino groups. Partial hydrolysis of serum β-lactoglobulin was observed by SDS-PAGE and confirmed by HPLC only in the fermentation without selenium. The levels of inhibition of the DPPH radical decreased during fermentation in both systems, while FRAP remained unchanged during the fermentation time in the selenium system. In contrast, ACE inhibitory activity increased to 53% at 120 h of fermentation in the selenium system. Therefore, the combination of the three functional ingredients may enhance bioactivity and serve as an alternative in functional dairy foods. Full article
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22 pages, 8828 KB  
Article
The Potential Role of Camel Milk in Alleviating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Mice: A Network Pharmacology and In Vivo Validation Study
by Hongman Li, Henigul Osman, Hongyan Zhang, He Chen, Nan Zheng, Yankun Zhao and Shiqi Zhang
Foods 2026, 15(11), 1861; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15111861 - 24 May 2026
Viewed by 1994
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a complex and debilitating disorder with limited treatment options. Camel milk (CM), known for its rich nutrients and anti-fatigue properties, may offer multi-target benefits for managing this condition. This study utilized an integrated approach combining metabolomics, network [...] Read more.
Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a complex and debilitating disorder with limited treatment options. Camel milk (CM), known for its rich nutrients and anti-fatigue properties, may offer multi-target benefits for managing this condition. This study utilized an integrated approach combining metabolomics, network pharmacology, and animal experiments. CM metabolites were profiled and screened via ADME. Potential targets were predicted and intersected with CFS/ME-associated genes. Male BALB/c mice were subjected to chronic restraint and forced swimming to evaluate the effects of CM (1000 mg/kg) on behavioral, inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and metabolic parameters. CM administration significantly improved exhaustive swimming time and reduced immobility. It attenuated systemic inflammation (restored IL-10), normalized brain CREB and DRD2/OPRM1 mRNA, and enhanced skeletal muscle AKT/GLUT4 expression and glycogen levels. Camel milk alleviates CFS/ME symptoms through the multi-component, multi-target regulation of neuroendocrine, inflammatory, and energy metabolism pathways. These preclinical findings suggest that CM may have potential as a supportive nutritional intervention for alleviating chronic fatigue, pending validation in human studies. Full article
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28 pages, 1580 KB  
Article
Production and Characterization of Kefir Beverages by Fermentation of Whole Milk with Milk or Water Kefir Grains
by Eduardo Balvis Outeiriño, Marta Abajo Justel, Cristina Pérez Novo, Alberto Acuña Couñago and Nelson Pérez Guerra
Foods 2026, 15(10), 1616; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15101616 - 7 May 2026
Viewed by 755
Abstract
This study evaluated the fermentation kinetics and properties of kefir beverages produced from whole milk using milk kefir grains (MKGs) or water kefir grains (WKGs) over 48 h. MKGs showed higher initial microbial loads and promoted rapid acidification, with pH decreasing from 6.70 [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the fermentation kinetics and properties of kefir beverages produced from whole milk using milk kefir grains (MKGs) or water kefir grains (WKGs) over 48 h. MKGs showed higher initial microbial loads and promoted rapid acidification, with pH decreasing from 6.70 to 4.99 and significant production of lactic acid (10.58 g/L) and ethanol (5.17 g/L), compared with WKGs (final pH 6.20, <0.5 g/L lactic acid, and <0.3 g/L ethanol). However, the final concentration of acetic acid in WKG fermentation (1.93 g/L) was comparable to that in MKG fermentation (2.02 g/L). Microbial populations increased in both systems, exceeding 106 CFU/mL—one of the requirements for conferring probiotic relevance to a beverage—with MKGs reaching higher counts. Lactose and protein consumption were greater in MKGs, suggesting more intense metabolic activity. Fermentation enhanced nutritional value by increasing vitamins B2, B3, B5, and pyridoxine, while vitamin D3 decreased. Mineral composition remained largely unchanged. Volatile analysis identified 31 compounds: MKGs favored fatty acids and lactones associated with creamy notes, whereas WKGs promoted ester formation and fruity aromas. Overall, both grain types produced microbiologically safe beverages with distinct biochemical and sensory profiles, demonstrating the feasibility of using WKGs for milk fermentation. Full article
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