Continuous process of dynamic high-pressure homogenization for the denaturation of proteins

A continuous process for denaturation of milk proteins for increasing firmness and/or viscosity of a gel, said process consisting of:

• a) subjecting a milk protein solution to a high pressure homogenizer at a pressure of about 500 to about 5000 bar, at a recirculation ranging from 0 to about 50 and at a temperature ranging from about 20° C. to about 80° C. for a time period of passage through said homogenizer of the order of milliseconds for each recirculation, wherein said milk protein solution consists of a protein fraction dispersed in water, which further comprises buffer or salt solution wherein said salt is at a concentration ranging from about 2% to about 35% ww and at a pH adjusted between about 2.0 to about 12.0;
• and
• b) concentrating the milk protein solution, wherein said milk protein solution obtained in step a) indicates higher viscosity and/or firmness of gels wit respect to viscosity and/or firmness of gels induced by their corresponding non-denatred protein form.