Influence of Withania coagulans Protease as a Vegetable Rennet on Proteolysis of Iranian UF White Cheese

Extraction of protease from Withania coagulans’ fruits and the effect on proteolysis of Iranian UF white cheese in comparison with pure chymosin and fungi rennet (fromase) were investigated during ripening. The results indicated that, except for pH which was significantly (P< 0.05) lower in cheeses made with Withania coagulans, there was no significant difference observed among the cheeses produced with different rennet preparations as in moisture, fat and salt contents during ripening. The values of pH 4.6- SN and the Urea-polyacrylamide gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) pattern revealed severe proteolysis in cheeses produced with Withania coagulans’ enzyme as compared with animal and fungi rennets. The caseins
s1- and
disappeared in cheeses made with Withania coagulans enzyme preparations. Furthermore, a noticeable increase of soluble nitrogen in 12% trichloroacetic acid (SNTCA) was observed during ripening of cheeses made with vegetable rennet, probably due to an unspecific proteolitic activity of Withania coagulans enzymes as compared to other rennets.