Microstructural and Rheological Properties of Camel and Bovine Milk Fermented with Five Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains.

2026-02-04
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) 15(3)

PubMed: 41683133
DOI: 10.3390/foods15030546

Study Design

Population: five lactic acid bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Lb. helveticus, Lb. casei, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) in camel milk (CM) and bovine milk (BM)
Methods: Fermentation performance was assessed in camel milk (CM) and bovine milk (BM) at 42 °C for 48 h; fluorescence microscopy, acidification kinetics, proteolysis (OPA), scanning electron microscopy, and rheological analyses were performed.

This study assessed the fermentation performance of five lactic acid bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Lb. helveticus, Lb. casei, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) in camel milk (CM) and bovine milk (BM) at 42 °C for 48 h. Fluorescence microscopy revealed lower bacterial viability in fermented CM compared to BM. Acidification kinetics varied significantly between CM and BM, and proteolysis was more pronounced in fermented CM (p < 0.001), with OPA concentrations ~1.3-1.5-fold greater in CM across all strains during fermentation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed more porous, loose protein matrices in fermented CM than in BM, in line with the rheological analyses showing weaker gel networks and lower rheological strength in fermented CM. Lb. casei demonstrated superior adaptability, enhanced viability, balanced acidification, and favorable rheological properties in both milks, highlighting its potential as a possible starter or adjunct culture in fermented dairy products.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus bulgaricus & Lactobacillus plantarum	—	Increased Proteolysis	Beneficial	Small	View source proteolysis was more pronounced in fermented CM (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with OPA concentrations ~1.3-1.5-fold greater in CM across all strains during fermentation.