Fluorescence-Based Milk Coagulation Cutting Time Prediction

The patent changes the measurement parameter from light backscatter to fluorescence emission. Fluorescence measurements detect the formation of the K-casein matrix through intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan residues, providing accurate cutting time predictions across different protein sources without requiring recalibration. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while improving adaptability to varying coagulating properties.

The patent extracts the fluorescence signal characteristic that inherently marks the start of coagulation (when fluorescence begins to decrease due to tryptophan burial in the forming gel matrix). This eliminates the need to separately measure and record enzyme addition time, as the fluorescence curve itself provides the reference point. The method takes out the dependency on external timing measurements while maintaining prediction accuracy.

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring fluorescence emissions during coagulation and using real-time data to determine the optimal cutting time. The system calculates the rate of change of fluorescence and identifies the endpoint based on actual coagulum formation progress rather than fixed schedules. This feedback mechanism maintains ease of operation through automated detection while ensuring consistent coagulum strength by adapting to actual process conditions.