Optimization of Manufacturing Process of Traditional Algerian Jben Cheese Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Abstract

The Aim of this study was to develop an optimized method for manufacturing process of traditional Algerian Jben cheese, using response surface methodology (RSM). In order to develop the objective method of making this traditional cheese, several factors have been studied and a Plackett-Burman statistical design was applied. The effects of the four screened factors (enrichment with milk powder, 10 - 20 g/l; pH of milk, 5.75 - 6.75, enzymatic extract dose, 0.5 - 1.5 ml and coagulation temperature 40 - 60 °C) on the response were investigated, using a Box-Behnken statistical design. Multiple regression analysis was used so that experimental data fits to a second-order polynomial equation. This multiple analysis showed that the model explains about 90.73% of the variation. Based on statistical results, it can be noticed that enrichment with milk powder and pH of milk (Ë‚0.0001***) were highly significant factor influincing cheese yield. The optimal production parame-ters that maximized cheese product (20 g/l enrichment with milk powder, 5.75 pH of milk, 1.29 ml enzymatic extract dose and 60°C coagulation temperature) and the maximal predicted cheese yield (52.68 % ) were found out through response surface methodology. Under these conditions, a verification experiment was carried out and cheese yield was found to be 49.46 %. The overall percentage of agreement for the experimental results (more than 93 % validity) with the predicted values indicates the validation of the statistical model and the success of the optimization process.