Molecular profiling of whey permeate reveals new insights into molecular affinities related to industrial unit operations during lactose production.

Lactose powder production from whey permeate generates various side-streams. Molecular profiling of these side-streams and lactose powder can help to detect minor compounds affecting lactose crystallization, lactose powder properties and document the composition of the underutilized side-streams. In this study, whey permeate, lactose powder and intermediate streams from trial lactose productions were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR) spectroscopy.

Screening of non-protein nitrogen compounds in lactose refining streams from industrial whey permeate processing.

The NPN compounds from dairy processing side-streams are a promising source for new products. In this study, the NPN profile of lactose production samples was screened using GC-MS and H NMR spectroscopy. These analytical platforms allowed the identification of 35 NPN compounds including, amino acids and derivatives, amino alcohols, organic acids, and other classes.