Rehydration properties of regular and agglomerated milk protein concentrate powders produced using nitrogen gas injection prior to spray drying

This study evaluated the effect of high-pressure nitrogen (N₂) gas injection prior to spray drying on the subsequent rehydration properties of regular and agglomerated milk protein concentrate (MPC) powders. Conductivity measurements demonstrated a slower release of ions for powders produced using N₂ injection (NI) as they took longer to wet and sink due to their lower density. However, analysis of particle size distribution on reconstitution at both 23 and 50 °C showed an improvement in powder dispersion with NI. Powder solubility, when measured at 23 °C, was higher for the NI powders, while agglomeration negatively impacted solubility. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed a faster diffusion of dye into MPC powder particles produced using NI. The improvement in powder dissolution with NI was attributed to higher porosity and the presence of air voids which facilitated increased water transfer and accelerated the breakdown of primary powder particles.