Casproteiineja

Casproteiineja is a term used in Finnish to refer to casein proteins. Casein is the major protein component found in mammalian milk, making up approximately 80% of the total protein content in cow's milk. It is a phosphoprotein, meaning it contains covalently bound phosphate groups. Caseins are a family of proteins that include alpha-s1, alpha-s2, beta, and kappa casein. These proteins are not soluble in water and tend to aggregate into large structures called micelles.

These casein micelles play a crucial role in milk nutrition and processing. Within the micelle structure, caseins bind to calcium and phosphate ions, making these minerals highly bioavailable. This structure is essential for the transport and delivery of calcium and phosphorus to the nursing young. The enzymatic activity of rennet, a complex of enzymes, specifically targets kappa-casein, leading to the coagulation of milk and the formation of cheese curds.

In the food industry, casproteiineja are utilized for their emulsifying, stabilizing, and nutritional properties. They are a source of essential amino acids and are used in various dairy products, infant formulas, and protein supplements. The functionality of casein proteins is influenced by their interactions with other milk components and processing conditions such as temperature, pH, and enzymatic treatments. Understanding the properties of casproteiineja is important for dairy science and food technology.