Review on the advances in dairy milk chemistry

Abstract

Advances in milk chemistry analytics are in a continuous development for more than one century. Recently, more sophisticated analytical methods became available for a routine performance in the laboratory. On the other hand, some of the methods routinely performed in the laboratory became available for the analyses performed at farm level. Overall, the amount and the resolution of data acquired on daily bases today, enables timely monitoring in the dairy production process. Determining the individual components of milk and dairy products in the laboratory can be accomplished using reference methods, or by using routine methods, which are calibrated using the results of the reference methods. Advanced laboratory analysis of milk and dairy products include sophisticated analytical techniques and equipment such as centrifugation, electrophoresis, chromatography, electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, neutron and X-ray scattering, rheology, mass spectrometry and proteomic approach, all summarized in this review. Additionally, a synopsis of the methods available in laboratory analytical approach of milk components (protein, fat, lactose, minerals and vitamins) and recent on-farm analytical methods using sensor technology is provided.