Technical difficulties and future challenges in isolating membrane material from milk fat globules in industrial settings – A critical review

Research on the milk fat globule and surrounding membrane began a century ago. Synthesis and secretion mechanisms of milk fat globules in mammary epithelial cells are well documented, but there is still controversy about the composition of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). In recent years, interest in isolating MFGM material has increased because of the presumed functional potential of the proteins and lipids. However, no standardised isolation procedure exists to our knowledge. Consequently, published reports on the MFGM composition differ significantly. Various isolation methods under different conditions were applied, and contradictory effects on the MFGM structure were obtained. In addition to compositional changes, losses of MFGM material also occur under particular conditions. This makes it difficult to compare reports on the composition of the isolated MFGM material. We therefore saw a necessity to critically review past and current literature with emphasis on the reported isolation methods and respective results.