During her PhD studies, Kathrine Esager Ørskov researched the structure-function relationship between components in imitation cheese. To reveal the microstructure, a new approach to staining components was applied. This allowed simultaneous staining of starch, casein, and fat and the method was used throughout the project. Kathrine Esager Ørskov studied how imitation cheese microstructures changed with changing composition and how this was linked to functional properties such as hardness, elasticity, and melting.

The new research findings provide knowledge about previously unknown microstructural behavior of casein and modified potato starch in imitation cheese, which can clarify how to tailor the functionality best possible in imitation cheese with these ingredients.

The PhD study was completed at Department of Food Science, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Wednesday 21 August 2024 at 10:00
Place: Building 5910, room 116, Department of food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N
Title of PhD thesis: Microstructure-functionality relationship in imitation cheese with rennet casein and modified potato starch
Contact information: Kathrine Esager Ørskov, e-mail: keo@kmc.dk, tel.: +45 25673669

Members of the assessment committee:

Dr. Lecturer Elaine Duggan, South East Technological University, Ireland

Lead Scientist Florian Nettesheim, International Flavors & Fragrances, Denmark

Professor Lotte Bach Larsen, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Denmark (chair)

Main supervisor:
Professor Marianne Hammershøj, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Denmark

Co-supervisor:

Associate Professor Lars Wiking, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Denmark

Application Director Thomas Hannibal, KMC Kartoffelmelcentralen, Denmark

R&D Director Line Bach Christensen, KMC Kartoffelmelcentralen, Denmark

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English
The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS,

Jens Baggesens Vej 53, building 5221, 8200 Aarhus N