Cited by 35Protein Hydrolysis and Bioactive PeptidesProteins in Food SystemsFood and Agricultural Sciences

Proteolysis in Irish farmhouse Camembert cheese during ripening

Open access
Mane, Anuya, McSweeney, Paul L. H.·2020·Journal of Food Biochemistry

Abstract

Proteolysis in an Irish farmhouse Camembert cheese was studied during 10 weeks of ripening. Urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of pH 4.6-insoluble fractions of cheese showed the degradation of caseins, initially due to the action of chymosin and plasmin and later due to Penicillium camemberti proteinases. Proteolytic specificities of Penicillium camemberti proteinases on the caseins in milk hydrolysates were determined and 64, 6, 28, and 2 cleavage sites were identified in αs1-, αs2-, β-, and κ-casein, respectively. Proteolysis in cheese was studied and peptides produced were determined and compared to the cleavage specificities of Penicillium camemberti proteinases. Regions most susceptible to proteolysis were 1–40, 79–114, and 168–199 in αs1-casein; 42–79 and 97–116 in αs2-casein; 40–57, 101–125, 143–189, and 165–209 in β-casein; and 31–81 and 124–137 in κ-casein. The present study describes in detail the proteolytic action of proteinases from Penicillium camemberti in Camembert cheese during ripening. Practical applications Camembert cheese is a major international cheese variety, made in many countries around the world. The ripening of the cheese involves many biochemical changes and this study provides new information on peptides produced during ripening. Penicillium camemberti is an important mold used in the production of this type of cheese and detailed information is provided on the action of its enzymes on the caseins. Data reported in this study furthers the understanding of the ripening of Camembert cheese.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/jfbc.13101

Cites

62 of 62 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 46 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Penicillium camemberti proteinases had 64, 6, 28, and 2 cleavage sites in αs1-, αs2-, β-, and κ-casein, respectively, in milk hydrolysates.

    “Proteolytic specificities of Penicillium camemberti proteinases on the caseins in milk hydrolysates were determined and 64, 6, 28, and 2 cleavage sites were identified in α -, α -, β-, and κcasein, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Total amino acid contents of 1997 and 3048 μg/g of cheese were found at 6 and 10 weeks, respectively.

    “Total amino acid contents of 1997 and 3,048 µg/g of cheese were found at 6 and 10 weeks, respectively, indicating extensive proteolysis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Levels of pH 4.6-SN/TN increased from 12.90% to 25.64% during ripening.

    “Levels of pH 4.6-SN/TN increased from 12.90% to 25.64% (Table 1), indicating extensive proteolysis during ripening.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Extensive breakdown of αs1- and β-casein was observed in electrophoretograms from 6 weeks onward.

    “Extensive breakdown of α -and β-casein was observed in electrophoretograms from 6 weeks onward, in agreement with earlier studies (Sousa & McSweeney, 2001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sousa & McSweeney, 2001

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Findingown data

    Peptides eluting later (hydrophobic) from 27 to 45 min were at higher concentration early in ripening (2 days, MLD and WRP) as compared to late ripening.

    “Peptides eluting later (hydrophobic) from 27 to 45 min were at higher concentration early in ripening (2 days, MLD and WRP) as compared to late ripening.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 15
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 15
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Crude protein and %N values of cheese showed a significant increase (12.66%-18.15% and 1.99%-2.84%, respectively).

    “Crude protein and %N values of cheese showed a significant increase (12.66%-18.15% and 1.99%-2.84%,respectively).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    The pH 4.6-SN/TN values in the current study were slightly higher than the ~18% values of the outer part of the same Irish Camembert cheese studied at 4 weeks by Sousa and McSweeney (2001).

    “Reported values from the current study were slightly higher than the values (~18%) of the outer part of the same Irish Camembert cheese studied at 4 weeks by Sousa and McSweeney (2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sousa & McSweeney, 2001

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Moisture levels in the Irish farmhouse Camembert were ~55%-59% and did not increase significantly over 10 weeks of ripening.

    “Moisture levels (~55%-59%) showed no significant increase as ripening proceeded”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Regions most susceptible to proteolysis in the cheese were 1-40, 79-114, and 168-199 in αs1-casein; 42-79 and 97-116 in αs2-casein; 40-57, 101-125, 143-189, and 165-209 in β-casein; and 31-81 and 124-137 in κ-casein.

    “Regions most susceptible to proteolysis were 1-40, 79-114, and 168-199 in α -casein; 42-79 and 97-116 in α -casein; 40-57, 101-125, 143-189, and 165-209 in β-casein; and 31-81 and 124-137 in κ-casein.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    The crude protein and %N values were similar to those reported earlier.

    “These values were similar to those reported earlier (Sousa & McSweeney, 2001)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sousa & McSweeney, 2001

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    NaCl content was almost the same throughout ripening (1.66%-1.77%) with no significant increase.

    “The % NaCl was almost same throughout ripening (1.66%-1.77%),with no significant increase”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Peptide fragments β-CN (f47-52/55/56), β-CN (f191-204), and β-CN (f194-206) were found from wrapping stage to end of ripening.

    “These peptide fragments were found from wrapping stage to end of the ripening.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A large number of peptides derived from αs1-casein were observed as this protein was strongly degraded throughout cheese ripening.

    “A large number of peptides derived from α -casein were observed as this protein was strongly degraded throughout cheese ripening.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Breakdown of β-caseins into γ-caseins by plasmin was observed on electrophoretograms of Camembert, and plasmin action was favored by the high pH of the cheese.

    “Breakdown of β-caseins into γ-caseins by the action of plasmin was observed on electrophoretograms of Camembert; plasmin action was favored by the high pH of the cheese (Figure 1; Gripon, 1993;Trieu-Cuot & Gripon, 1982).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Gripon, 1993 source
    • cites Trieu-Cuot & Gripon, 1982 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Results of previous studies on Camembert are in agreement with the concentrations of free amino acids found in the present work.

    “Results of previous studies on Camembert (Boutrou et al., 1999(Boutrou et al., , 2006;;Boutrou & Guéguen, 2005;Guizani et al., 2002;Lee & Bae, 2018;Mei, Guo, Wu, Li, & Yu, 2015;Sousa & McSweeney, 2001) are in agreement with the concentrations of free amino acids found in the present work.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Boutrou et al., 1999

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Boutrou & Guéguen, 2005 source
    • cites Guizani et al., 2002 source
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    pH 4.6-SN/TN is commonly used as an index of proteolysis, and in Camembert this fraction is mainly produced by chymosin, plasmin, lactocepins and mold proteinases acting on the caseins.

    “pH 4.6-SN/TN (%) is commonly used as an index of proteolysis and this fraction is mainly produced in Camembert by the action of chymosin, plasmin, lactocepins (LacCeps) and proteinases from the mold on the caseins”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Gripon, Desmazeaud, Lebars, & Bergere, 1975

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Guizani et al., 2002 source
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    Proteolysis during ripening of Camembert cheese is catalyzed by chymosin, plasmin, starter proteinases, peptidases, and mold (aspartyl, metallo-) proteinases.

    “Proteolysis during ripening of Camembert cheese is catalyzed by chymosin, plasmin, starter proteinases, peptidases, and mold (aspartyl, metallo-) proteinases.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Overall, the gross composition was typical of Camembert cheese.

    “Overall, the gross composition was observed to be typical of Camembert cheese (Guizani et al., 2002;Sousa & McSweeney, 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Guizani et al., 2002 source
    • cites Sousa & McSweeney, 2001

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The significant increase in proteolysis begins at the surface of the cheese at MLD (day 6 of ripening) and is mainly associated with action of chymosin and plasmin up to 4 weeks and later also due to P. camemberti proteinases from 6 weeks onward.

    “The significant increase in proteolysis begins at the surface of the cheese at MLD (day 6 of ripening) (Boutrou et al., 1999;Boutrou & Guéguen, 2005;Boutrou, Kerriou, & Gassi, 2006;Guizani et al., 2002), and is mainly associated with action of chymosin and plasmin up to 4 weeks and later also due to P. camemberti proteinases from 6 weeks onward.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Boutrou et al., 1999

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Boutrou & Guéguen, 2005 source
    • cites Guizani et al., 2002 source
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The increase in pH during ripening results from metabolism of lactic acid and release of NH3 due to deamination of free amino acids, both caused by action of the mold.

    “The increase in pH during ripening results from metabolism of lactic acid, release of NH due to deamination of free amino acids, both caused by action of the mold (Grippon, 1993).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Grippon, 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The increase in pH was slow initially but pH of the interior rapidly equilibrated with the outer part after 30 days.

    “The increase was slow initially but pH of the interior rapidly equilibrated with the outer part after 30 days (Sousa & McSweeney, 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sousa & McSweeney, 2001

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Results for Camembert were similar to the amino acid profiles of blue cheeses.

    “Results for Camembert were similar to the amino acid profiles of blue cheeses (Mane et al., 2019;Zarmpoutis, McSweeney, & Fox, 1997).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Mane et al., 2019 source
    • cites Zarmpoutis, McSweeney, & Fox, 1997

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    High concentrations of lysine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, and proline have previously been found in Camembert.

    “High concentrations of lysine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, and proline have previously been found in Camembert (Kubiková & Grouch, 1998).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kubiková & Grouch, 1998

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    High concentration of glutamic acid in Camembert and other mold ripened cheeses can be explained by its presence in high quantities in caseins or by production from α-ketoglutarate by action of aminotransferases.

    “High concentration of glutamic acid in Camembert and other mold ripened cheeses can be explained by its presence in high quantities in caseins or by production from α-ketoglutarate by action of aminotranferases (Vicente, Ibàñez, Barcina, & Barron, 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Vicente, Ibàñez, Barcina, & Barron, 2001 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Only peptides derived from the caseins were considered.

    “Only peptides derived from the caseins were considered.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    αs1-CN (f28-34) is a reported bioactive peptide with casokinin-7 ACE inhibitory activity.

    “Lactocepinderived peptide fragment α -CN (28-34), produced by cleavage at Pro -Phe , is a reported bioactive peptide, with casokinin 7-ACE inhibitory activity (Sun & Jenssen, 2012), and was found at all the time points of ripening.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sun & Jenssen, 2012 source
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Certain regions in a casein were highly susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis and contained common cleavage sites for PC-proteinases, chymosin, and lactocepins.

    “Certain regions in a casein were highly susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis and contained common cleavage sites for PC-proteinases, chymosin, and lactocepins (Ardo et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ardo et al., 2017 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    β-CN (f192-206) is a bioactive peptide fragment with casecidin-15 antimicrobial activity.

    “A bioactive peptide fragment derived from the action lactocepins at its N-terminus, β-CN (f192-206) (Table 2), produced by cleavage at Leu -Leu ; this peptide possesses casecidin-15 antimicrobial activity (Rizzello et al., 2005).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Rizzello et al., 2005 source
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Action of PC proteinases produced peptide fragment αs1-CN (f80-89) by cleavage at Lys-His; this peptide is known to have antioxidant activity.

    “Action of PC proteinases produced peptide fragment α -CN (f80-89) produced by cleavage at Lys -His ; this peptide is known to have antioxidant activity (Table 2) (Baum, Fedorova, Ebner, Hoffmann, & Pischetsrieder, 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Baum, Fedorova, Ebner, Hoffmann, & Pischetsrieder, 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Experimental analysis was repeated in triplicate for each sample.

    “Experimental analysis were repeated in triplicate for each sample and data were analyzed using R© 16 (R version 3.4.0; the R foundation for Statistical Computing, University of Auckland, New Zealand).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Mass spectra were searched with a false discovery rate of 1% on the peptide level.

    “Mass spectra were searched using the default setting of MaxQuant namely a false discovery rate of 1% on the peptide level.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The significant difference in composition and pH4.6-SN/TN after 4 weeks indicates action of mold enzymes and extensive proteolysis.

    “Composition and pH4.6-SN/TN showed a significant difference after 4 weeks of ripening indicating action of mold enzymes and extensive proteolysis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Cheeses were obtained from three separate batches.

    “Whole Irish farmhouse Camembert cheeses, manufactured according to the traditional cheese-making procedure of the manufacturer were obtained frozen from the manufacturer (300 g) from three separate batches were at 2 days, molding (MLD) at 4 days, wrapping (WRP) at ~2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks of ripening.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Differences in means between samples were tested by one-way ANOVA at a significance level of .05 throughout the study.

    “Differences in means between the samples were tested by (one-way ANOVA) analysis of variance at significance level, a, of .05(P value ≤.05), throughout the study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
29 of 29
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Detailed specificities of Penicillium camemberti proteinases on the caseins are unknown.

    “However, detailed specificities of proteinases from Penicilium camemberti (PC proteinases) on the caseins are unknown.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Very little has been reported in the literature about generation of peptides during the ripening of this particular variety of cheese.

    “Very little has been so far been reported in the literature about generation of peptides during the ripening of this particular variety of cheese, which is commercially very important.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The proteolytic specificities of P. camemberti proteinases determined in culture filtrates are representative of their action in Camembert cheese.

    “Peptides identified were compared with cleavage specificities of PC proteinases determined earlier and with known specificities of chymosin, plasmin, and lactocepins”
3 of 3

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • The rise in pH is a consequence of the activity of P. candidum PCA1/TT031 that metabolizes lactic acid and lactate and causes the breakdown of curd components.

    “Which is a consequence of the activity of P. candidum PCA1/TT031 that metabolizes lactic acid and lactate (Kaminaries et al. 2019; Mane and McSweeney 2020) and causes the breakdown of curd components.”

    From Optimizing the acceleration of Cheddar cheese ripening using response surface methodology by microbial protease without altering its quality features (2021) · cites this paper as Mane and McSweeney 2020

    Section 3.1, “Compositional analysis,” reports that pH rose during ripening and attributes the rise partly to the mold’s metabolism of lactic acid. Section 3.3 reports that Penicillium camemberti proteinases break down caseins. The paper does not identify the mold as P. candidum PCA1/TT031 or establish these effects for that specific strain. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Antioxidant peptide has conflicting residue endpoints

    Minor

    The results identify the antioxidant peptide as residues 80-89 and point to Table 2, which lists its fragment as 80-90.

  • Salt's reported lack of a significant increase conflicts with Table 1

    Minor

    Salt rises from 1.66% at wrapping to 1.77% at four weeks; Table 1 assigns those values different significance groups, a and b.

  • Fat is described as having no significant differences despite table groupings

    Minor

    Table 1 places wrapping-stage fat in group a and four-week fat in group c, contrary to the statement that fat did not differ significantly.

  • Molding is dated both four and six days into ripening

    Minor

    The sample description identifies molding (MLD) as day 4, whereas the results identify MLD as day 6.

  • Moisture is described as unchanged despite a significant 10-week increase

    Minor

    The text says moisture did not increase significantly, but Table 1 assigns the 10-week value group b and the earlier values group a, indicating a significant difference.

5 of 5

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. Ahiko K., 1981, Studies on acid carboxypeptidase from Penicilium caseicolum: II. Hydrolysis of bitter peptides by acid carboxypeptidases and large scale preparation of the enzyme, Report of Research Laboratory, Snow Brand Milk Products Co., 77, 135
  2. Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, 1955, Determination of the percentage of fat in cheese. Irish Standard 69:1955
  3. International Dairy Federation, 1982, Cheese and processed cheese; determination of the total solids content. Standard 4A:1982
  4. International Dairy Federation, 1986, Determination of the Nitrogen Content (Kjeldahl Method) and calculation of crude protein content. Standard 20A:1986
  5. Khidr M. K. A., 1995, Proteolysis in Camembert
  6. Zarmpoutis I. V., 1997, Proteolysis in blue‐veined cheeses: An intervarietal study, Irish Journal Agriculture Food Research, 36, 219

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Mane, A., & McSweeney, P. L. H.
Affiliations
University College Cork (IE)
Corresponding author
McSweeney, Paul L. H.
Venue
Journal of Food Biochemistry
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2019-11-28
Volume
44
Issue
1
Pages
e13101-e13101
ISSN
  • 0145-8884 (ISSN-L)
  • 1745-4514
OpenAlex
W2989961886
Cited by
35
References
61
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 3
FWCI
1.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Food Biochemistry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Arrow@dit (Dublin Institute of Technology) (submittedVersion)
  • Cork Open Research Archive (University College Cork, Ireland) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Protein Hydrolysis and Bioactive Peptides
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Proteins in Food Systems
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Food and Agricultural Sciences
Keywords
Camembert cheese, farmhouse cheese, cheese ripening, proteolysis, Penicillium camemberti, casein degradation, chymosin, plasmin, cleavage site, cheese peptides, αs1-casein, αs2-casein, β-casein, kappa-casein, proteolytic specificity
MeSH terms
Caseins, Cheese, Penicillium, Chymosin, Proteolysis

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-11.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-11.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review