Ultrasonic study of milk clotting

The aim of this study was to understand the structure-properties relationships of the different physical gels built by milk clotting. The investigation of their clotting mechanisms and an approach of the mechanical properties of gels were realized. Ultrasonic wave propagation, a nondestructive investigation tool, was used as an original and privileged means of investigation for milk c1otting study. The work presented in this article shows the possibility to obtain an ultrasonic signal related to the different steps of milk clotting and to some of their key parameters. In addition, two distinct ultrasonic response curves have been obtained for rennet and acid coagulation. From the obtained results, it appears to be possible to use ultrasonic techniques for monitoring milk coagulation, however, more research is needed for their validation as a routine tool.