MicroTool – Microscopy for enhanced stability of mixed dairy products

The dairy industry is currently facing challenges and opportunities for growth that are linked to product stability. It is critical to understand the fundamental mechanisms that govern the physical stability of dairy products in order to gain access to new markets that require transport and storage of products outside the cold chain. The solution to this challenge is closely associated with an improved understanding of the microstructure of products and the interactions between the dairy matrix and non-dairy ingredients. The aim of the MicroTool project is therefore to deliver a toolbox based on advanced microscopy, for understanding how physical stability and instability shows up on the micro and nanoscale in dairy products and how to control it.

By: Grith Mortensen

This project will develop a series of tools based on high-resolution microscopy for nanoscale characterization of dairy products with non-dairy ingredients.

The research team plans to develop image analysis methods for microscopy data and determine quantitative parameters for the spatial distribution of the product components. The microscopy results will be related to macroscopic measurements of stability and rheology of the products using established analytical techniques available at the R&D research laboratories at Arla Foods and International Flavors and Fragrances. The final goal of the project is to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the key factors that control product stability and the functional role of non-dairy ingredients.

The results will form the basis for a rational design of dairy and dairy-based products with improved stability.