Impact of preferential interactions on thermal stability and gelation of bovine serum albumin in aqueous sucrose solutions

The influence of sucrose (0--40 wt %) on the thermal denaturation and gelation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solution has been studied. The effect of sucrose on heat denaturation of 1 wt % BSA solutions (pH 6.9) was measured using ultrasensitive differential scanning calorimetry. The unfolding process was irreversible and could be characterized by a denaturation temperature (T(m)), activation energy (E(A)), and pre-exponential factor (A). As the sucrose concentration increased from 0 to 40 wt %, T(m) increased from 72.9 to 79.2 degrees C, E(A) decreased from 314 to 289 kJ mol(-1), and ln(A/s(-1)) decreased from 104 to 94. The rise in T(m) was attributed to the increased thermal stability of the globular state of BSA relative to its native state because of differences in their preferential interactions with sucrose. The change in preferential interaction coefficient (Delta Gamma(3,2)) associated with the native-to-denatured transition was estimated. The dynamic shear rheology of 2 wt % BSA solutions (pH 6.9, 100 mM NaCl) was monitored as they were heated from 30 to 90 degrees C, held at 90 degrees C for either 15 or 120 min, and then cooled to 30 degrees C. Sucrose increased the gelation temperature due to thermal stabilization of the native state of the protein. The complex shear modulus (G) of cooled gels decreased with sucrose concentration when they were held at 90 degrees C for 15 min because the fraction of irreversibly denatured protein decreased. On the other hand, G of cooled gels increased with sucrose concentration when they were held at 90 degrees C for 120 min because a greater fraction of irreversibly denatured protein was formed and the strength of the protein-protein interactions increased.     

Influence of sucrose on the thermal denaturation, gelation, and emulsion stabilization of whey proteins

The influence of sucrose (0-40 wt %) on the thermal denaturation and functionality of whey protein isolate (WPI) solutions has been studied. The effect of sucrose on the heat denaturation of 0.2 wt % WPI solutions (pH 7.0) was measured using differential scanning calorimetry. Sucrose increased the temperature at which protein denaturation occurred, for example, by 6-8 degrees C for 40 wt % sucrose. The dynamic shear rheology of 10 wt % WPI solutions (pH 7.0, 100 mM NaCl) was monitored as they were heated from 30 to 90 degrees C and then cooled to 30 degrees C. Sucrose increased the gelation temperature and the final rigidity of the cooled gels. The degree of flocculation in 10 wt % oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by 1 wt % WPI (pH 7.0, 100 mM NaCl) was measured using a light scattering technique after they were heated at fixed temperatures from 30 to 90 degrees C for 15 min and then cooled to 30 degrees C. Sucrose increased the temperature at which maximum flocculation was observed and increased the extent of droplet flocculation. These results are interpreted in terms of the influence of sucrose on the thermal unfolding and aggregation of protein molecules.     

Role of the soluble and micelle-bound heat-induced protein aggregates on network formation in acid skim milk gels

Gel formation was monitored by low amplitude rheometry during acidification at 40 degrees C with 1.5% glucono-delta-lactone in combined milk systems containing soluble and/or micelle-bound heat-induced (95 degrees C/10 min) aggregates of denatured whey proteins and kappa-casein and in heated dairy mixes with varying micellar casein/whey protein ratio (CN/WP). Both soluble and micelle-bound aggregates increased gelation pH and gel strength. Micelle-bound aggregates seemed to modify the micelle surface so that micelles were destabilized at a pH of 5.1 (instead of 4.7), while soluble aggregates precipitated at their calculated pI of approximately 5.3, and initiated an early gelation by interacting with the micelles. Decreasing the CN/WP ratio produced larger aggregates with higher whey protein: kappa-casein ratio, which gave more elastic gels. The specific effects of the micellar and soluble aggregates on gel strength are discussed with respect to their relative proportions in the heated milk.     

Effects of caseins on thermal stability of bovine beta-lactoglobulin

Casein fractions have been shown to act as molecular chaperones and inhibit aggregation of whey proteins in dilute solutions (< or =1% w/v). We evaluated if this approach would stabilize protein solutions at higher concentration and thermal processing temperatures desired for beverage applications. Mixtures of beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) (6% w/v) with either beta-casein (BCN) (0.01-2% w/v) or alpha s-casein (ACN) (2% w/v) were adjusted to pH 6.0 and heated (70-90 degrees C) for 20 min, cooled, and then analyzed to determine the degree of aggregation. Aggregation was determined by solution turbidity as optical density (OD) at 400 or 600 nm. The addition of 0.05% (w/v) BCN or greater caused a drop in turbidity for solutions heated at 70-90 degrees C. In contrast, inhibition was observed in BLG-ACN mixtures at 70 degrees C but not at > or =75 degrees C. Moreover, prolonged heating (90 min) of BLG with 2% (w/v) BCN (pH 6.0) at 90 degrees C produced a clear solution while BLG-ACN solutions formed translucent gels after heating for 15 min. The weight-averaged molar mass and root-mean-square (rms) radius of soluble aggregates were determined by size exclusion chromatography in conjunction with multiangle laser light scattering (SEC-MALS). SEC-MALS confirmed the turbidity results by showing that the BLG-BCN mixture (8% w/v protein) produced aggregates with lower molar mass and smaller rms radius (majority 20-40 nm). These results showed that BCN is a feasible component to stabilize higher concentrations of whey proteins in beverages.     

Rheological properties of acid gels prepared from heated pH-adjusted skim milk

Reconstituted skim milk was adjusted to pH values between 6.5 and 7.1 and heated (90 degrees C) for up to 30 min. The skim milk samples were then readjusted to pH 6.7. Acid gels prepared from heated milk had markedly higher G ' values, a reduced gelation time, and an increased gelation pH than those prepared from unheated milk. An increased pH at heating decreased the gelation time, increased the gelation pH, and increased the final G ' of acid set gels prepared from the heated milk samples. There were only small differences in the level of whey protein denaturation in the samples at different pH values, and these differences could not account for the differences in the G ' of the acid gels. The levels of denatured whey protein associated with the casein micelles decreased and the levels of soluble denatured whey proteins increased as the pH at heating was increased. The results indicated that the soluble denatured whey proteins had a greater effect on the final G ' of the acid gels than the denatured whey proteins associated with the casein micelles.     

Changes in yolk states of duck egg during long-term brining

To elucidate the relationship between shyandan yolk formation and NaCl penetration degree, fresh duck eggs were brined in 26% NaCl and a prolonged brining test was conducted for up to 24 weeks. Shyandan yolk was obtained from brine-cured duck shell eggs in 26% NaCl for 4-6 weeks and subsequently heated at 85 degrees C for 90 min. Though NaCl contents for albumen and yolk increased to 14.8 and 8.9%, respectively, during the prolonged test for up to 24 weeks, the R values (NaCl/water x 100) were similar (increased from 0.6 to 21) throughout the brining process. The oil-off ratio of the yolk increased rapidly from 14 to 50% (0-6 weeks) and gradually decreased during the extended brining. Granulation and gelation of yolk appeared in the different stages of the brining process. This study demonstrates that the formation of shyandan yolk was determined by the degree of NaCl penetration.     

Gelling properties of heat-denatured beta-lactoglobulin aggregates in a high-salt buffer

Thermal denaturation, rheological, and microstructural properties of gels prepared from native beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) and preheated or heat-denatured beta-LG (HDLG) aggregates were compared. The HDLG was prepared by heating solutions of 4% beta-LG in deionized water, pH 7.0, at 80 degrees C for 30 min and then diluted to the desired concentration in 0.6 M NaCl and 0.05 M phosphate buffer at pH 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0. When reheated to 71 degrees C, HDLG formed a gel at a concentration of 2% protein. At pH 7.0, 3% HDLG gelled at 52.5 degrees C and had a storage modulus (G') of 2200 Pa after cooling. beta-LG (3%) in 0.6 M NaCl and 0.05 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, did not gel when heated to 71 degrees C. The gel point of 3% HDLG decreased by 10.5 degrees C and the G' did not change when the pH was decreased to 6.0. The HDLG gel microstructure was composed of strands and clumps of small globular aggregates in contrast to beta-LG gels, which contained a particulate network of compacted globules. The HDLG formed a gel at a lower concentration and lower temperature than beta-LG in the high-salt buffer, suggesting an application in meat systems or other food products prepared with salt and processed at temperatures of < or =71 degrees C.     

Heat-induced gelation of chicken Pectoralis major myosin and beta-lactoglobulin

The denaturation, aggregation, and rheological properties of chicken breast muscle myosin, beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG), and mixed myosin/beta-LG solutions were studied in 0.6 M NaCl, 0.05 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, during heating. The endotherm of a mixture of myosin and beta-LG was identical to that expected if the endotherm of each protein was overlaid on the same axis. The maximum aggregation rate (AR(max)) increased, and the temperature at the AR(max) (T(max)) and initial aggregation temperature (T(o)) decreased as the concentration of both proteins was increased. The aggregation profile of <0.5% myosin was altered by the presence of 0.25% beta-LG. Addition of 0.5-3.0% beta-LG decreased storage moduli of 1% myosin between 55 and 75 degrees C, but increased storage moduli (G') when heated to 90 degrees C and after cooling. beta-LG had no effect on the gel point of > or =1.0% myosin, but enhanced gel strength when heated to 90 degrees C and after cooling. After cooling, the G' of 1% myosin/2%beta-LG gels was about 1.7 times greater than that of gels prepared from 2% myosin/1% beta-LG.     

Effects of Preparation Temperature on Gelation Properties and Molecular Structure of High‐Amylose Maize Starch

In this study, 3% aqueous high‐amylose maize starch (Hylon VII) dispersions were heated to temperatures of 140–165°C. The onset and rate of gel formation was observed using a small‐strain oscillation rheometer as a function of temperature from 90 to 25°C. The gel formation clearly began earlier in high‐amylose starch paste preheated at lower temperatures, but the rate of gelation was slower and the resulting gel was weaker in comparison with starch pastes preheated at higher temperatures. In addition, the structure of the final gels was studied using large deformation compression measurements. The most rigid gel structure on the basis of small and large deformation tests was obtained for high‐amylose starch gel preheated to 150–152°C, depending on the type of measurement. The rate of gelation was also fastest in that temperature range. High‐amylose gels heated to higher temperatures lost their rigidity. The molecular weight distribution of starch molecules was measured by size‐exclusion chromatography. Heating caused extensive degradation of amylopectin, which had a great effect on amylose gel formation and the final gel properties of high‐amylose maize starch. Micrographs of Hylon VII gels showed that phase separation of starch components visible in light microscopy occurred on heating to higher temperatures.     

Limited enzymatic treatment of skim milk using chymosin affects the micelle/serum distribution of the heat-induced whey protein/kappa-casein aggregates

The effects of heat treatment and limited kappa-casein hydrolysis on the micelle/serum distribution of the heat-induced whey protein/kappa-casein aggregates were investigated as a possible explanation for the gelation properties of combined rennet and acid gels. Reconstituted skim milk was submitted to combinations of 0-67% hydrolysis of the kappa-casein at 5 degrees C and heat treatment at 90 degrees C for 10 min. The protein composition of the ultracentrifugal fractions was obtained by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The aggregates contained in each phase were isolated by size-exclusion chromatography and analyzed by RP-HPLC and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Upon heating only, 20-30% of the total kappa-casein dissociated, while 20-30% of the total whey protein attached to the micelles. When heated milk was renneted, little changes were observed in the distribution and composition of the aggregates. Conversely, the heat treatment of partially renneted milk induced the formation of essentially micelle-bound aggregates. The results were discussed in terms of the preferred interaction between hydrophobic para-kappa-casein and denatured whey proteins.     

Ability of alphas-Casein to suppress the heat aggregation of ovotransferrin

The effects of alphas-casein on heat aggregation of ovotransferrin (OT) were studied by heating at 80 degrees C for 20 min in 10 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.0. The heat interactions between alphas-casein and OT were followed by turbidity development and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We found that alphas-casein can effectively suppress the heat-induced aggregation of heat-labile OT. The suppressive ability of alphas-casein was reduced by the presence of NaCl on heating. Dephosphorylated alphas-casein had less ability to suppress the aggregation of OT than native alphas-casein. Our results indicate that alphas-casein interacts with the heat-denatured OT through its exposed hydrophobic surface and phosphoserine residue. Such interactions seem to be important in helping to suppress the aggregation of heated OT. The suppressive effects of alphas-casein on heat aggregation of OT would be partially ascribed to the formation of transparent gel from egg white by the addition of alphas-casein.     

Influence of sucrose on droplet flocculation in hexadecane oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by beta-lactoglobulin

The influence of sucrose on the flocculation stability of hydrocarbon oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by a globular protein was examined using laser diffraction. Salt (150 mM NaCl) and sucrose (0-40 wt %) were added to n-hexadecane oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg, pH 7.0) either before or after isothermal heat treatment (30-95 degrees C for 20 min). When salt was added to emulsions before heat treatment, appreciable droplet flocculation was observed below the thermal denaturation temperature of the adsorbed beta-Lg (T(m) approximately 70 degrees C), and more extensive flocculation was observed above T(m). On the other hand, when salt was added to emulsions after heat treatment, appreciable droplet flocculation still occurred below T(m), but little flocculation was observed above T(m). Addition of sucrose to the emulsions increased T(m) and either promoted or suppressed droplet flocculation depending on whether it was added before or after heat treatment. These results are interpreted in terms of the influence of sucrose on protein conformational stability, protein-protein interactions, and the physiochemical properties of aqueous solutions. This study has important implications for the formulation and production of protein stabilized oil-in-water emulsions.     

Interactions of whey proteins during heat treatment of oil-in-water emulsions formed with whey protein isolate and hydroxylated lecithin

The interactions of proteins during the heat treatment of whey-protein-isolate (WPI)-based oil-in-water emulsions with and without added hydroxylated lecithin were studied by examining the changes in droplet size distribution and the quantity and type of adsorbed and unadsorbed proteins. Heat treatment at 90 degrees C of WPI emulsions resulted in an increase in total adsorbed protein; unadsorbed beta-lactoglobulin (beta-lg) was the main protein interacting with the adsorbed proteins during the first 10 min of heating, but after this time, unadsorbed alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-la) also associated with the adsorbed protein. In emulsions containing hydroxylated lecithin, the increase in total adsorbed protein during heat treatment was much lower and the unadsorbed beta-lg did not appear to interact with the adsorbed proteins during heating. However, the behavior of alpha-la during heat treatment of these emulsions was similar to that observed in the emulsions containing no hydroxylated lecithin. In the presence of NaCl, the particle size of the emulsion droplets and the quantities of adsorbed protein increased markedly during heating. Emulsions containing hydroxylated lecithin were less sensitive to the addition of NaCl. These results suggest that the binding of hydroxylated lecithin to unfolded monomers or intermediate products of beta-lg reduces the extent of heat-induced aggregation of beta-lg and consequently decreases the interactions between unadsorbed beta-lg and adsorbed protein. This was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of heated whey protein and hydroxylated lecithin solutions.     

Formation of new protein structures in heated mixtures of BSA and alpha-lactalbumin

The heat-induced protein-protein interactions of alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-La) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), dispersed in a pH 6.8, 10% whey protein concentrates (WPC) permeate, were followed using alkaline and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) 1D and 2D polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC). Heated (75 degrees C) 5% BSA solution contained large disulfide-bonded BSA aggregates, although some monomer BSA (SDS-monomeric BSA) could be dissociated from the aggregates by SDS. In contrast, similarly heated alpha-La solutions contained small quantities of several monomeric forms of alpha-La and dimeric alpha-La but no large aggregates. When 10% solutions of 1:1 (w/w) mixtures of alpha-La and BSA were heated, large disulfide-bonded aggregates and SDS-monomeric BSA and alpha-La were present. However, heated 2% mixtures contained more modified alpha-La monomers, alpha-La-dimers, and alpha-La-trimers, fewer large disulfide-bonded aggregates, and less SDS-monomeric alpha-La or BSA. These results suggest that BSA forms disulfide-bonded aggregates that contain available thiol groups that can catalyze the formation of differently structured alpha-La monomers, dimers, higher polymers, and adducts of alpha-La with BSA.     

Maltodextrin-anionic surfactant interactions: isothermal titration calorimetry and surface tension study

Interactions between maltodextrin (DE = 10) and an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) were studied in a buffer solution (pH 7.0, 10 mM NaCl, 20 mM Trizma, 30.0 degrees C) using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), surface tension, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and turbidity techniques. ITC measurements indicated that the binding of SDS to maltodextrin was exothermic and that, on average, one SDS monomer bound per 24 glucose units of maltodextrin at saturation. Surface tension measurements indicated that there was a critical surfactant concentration ( approximately 0.05 mM SDS) below which surfactant and maltodextrin did not interact and that the amount of surfactant bound to the maltodextrin above this concentration increased with increasing maltodextrin concentration. Turbidity measurements indicated that the solutions remained transparent at all maltodextrin (0-1 wt %) and SDS (0-20 mM) concentrations studied, which suggested that phase separation did not occur. DSC measurements indicated that no phase transitions occurred between 10 and 110 degrees C for maltodextrin solutions (0.5 wt %) in the presence or absence of surfactant. A phase diagram was developed to describe the interactions between SDS and maltodextrin.     

Gelation of edible blue-green algae protein isolate (Spirulina platensis Strain Pacifica): thermal transitions, rheological properties, and molecular forces involved

Proteins isolated from blue-green algae Spirulina platensis strain Pacifica were characterized by visible absorption, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), viscometry, and dynamic oscillatory rheological measurements. Unique thermal unfolding, denaturation, aggregation, and gelation of the algal protein isolate are presented. DSC analysis showed that thermal transitions occur at about 67 and 109 degrees C at neutral pH. Calcium chloride stabilized the quaternary structure against denaturation and shifted the transitions at higher temperatures. Viscometric studies of Spirulina protein isolate as a function of temperature showed that the onset of the viscosity increase is closely related to the dissociation-denaturation process. Lower viscosities were observed for the protein solutions dissolved at pH 9 due to an increased protein solubility. Solutions of Spirulina protein isolate form elastic gels during heating to 90 degrees C. Subsequent cooling at ambient temperatures caused a further pronounced increase in the elastic moduli and network elasticity. Spirulina protein isolate has good gelling properties with fairly low minimum critical gelling concentrations of about 1.5 and 2.5 wt % in 0.1 M Tris buffer, pH 7, and with 0.02 M CaCl(2) in the same buffer, respectively. It is suggested that mainly the interactions of exposed hydrophobic regions generate the molecular association, initial aggregation, and gelation of the protein isolate during the thermal treatment. Hydrogen bonds reinforce the network rigidity of the protein on cooling and further stabilize the structure of Spirulina protein gels but alone are not sufficient to form a network structure. Intermolecular sulfhydryl and disulfide bonds were found to play a minor role for the network strength of Spirulina protein gels but affect the elasticity of the structures formed. Both time and temperature at isothermal heat-induced gelation within 40-80 degrees C affect substantially the network formation and the development of elastic modulus of Spirulina protein gels. This is also attributed to the strong temperature dependence of hydrophobic interactions. The aggregation, denaturation, and gelation properties of Spirulina algal protein isolate are likely to be controlled from protein-protein complexes rather than individual protein molecules.     

Properties and stability of oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by coconut skim milk proteins

Protein fractions were isolated from coconut: coconut skim milk protein isolate (CSPI) and coconut skim milk protein concentrate (CSPC). The ability of these proteins to form and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions was compared with that of whey protein isolate (WPI). The solubility of the proteins in CSPI, CSPC, and WPI was determined in aqueous solutions containing 0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl from pH 3 to 8. In the absence of salt, the minimum protein solubility occurred between pH 4 and 5 for CSPI and CSPC and around pH 5 for WPI. In the presence of salt (100 and 200 mM NaCl), all proteins had a higher solubility than in distilled water. Corn oil-in-water emulsions (10 wt %) with relatively small droplet diameters (d32 approximately 0.46, 1.0, and 0.5 mum for CSPI, CSPC, and WPI, respectively) could be produced using 0.2 wt % protein fraction. Emulsions were prepared with different pH values (3-8), salt concentrations (0-500 mM NaCl), and thermal treatments (30-90 degrees C for 30 min), and the mean particle diameter, particle size distribution, zeta-potential, and creaming stability were measured. Considerable droplet flocculation occurred in the emulsions near the isoelectric point of the proteins: CSPI, pH approximately 4.0; CSPC, pH approximately 4.5; WPI, pH approximately 4.8. Emulsions with monomodal particle size distributions, small mean droplet diameters, and good creaming stability could be produced at pH 7 for CSPI and WPI, whereas CSPC produced bimodal distributions. The CSPI and WPI emulsions remained relatively stable to droplet aggregation and creaming at NaCl concentrations of < or =50 and < or =100 mM, respectively. In the absence salt, the CSPI and WPI emulsions were also stable to thermal treatments at < or =80 and < or =90 degrees C for 30 min, respectively. These results suggest that CSPI may be suitable for use as an emulsifier in the food industry.     

Preparation and characterization of water/oil and water/oil/water emulsions containing biopolymer-gelled water droplets

The purpose of this study was to create water-in-oil (W/O) and water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions containing gelled internal water droplets. Twenty weight percent W/O emulsions stabilized by a nonionic surfactant (6.4 wt % polyglycerol polyricinoleate, PGPR) were prepared that contained either 0 or 15 wt % whey protein isolate (WPI) in the aqueous phase, with the WPI-containing emulsions being either unheated or heated (80 degrees C for 20 min) to gel the protein. Optical microscopy and sedimentation tests did not indicate any significant changes in droplet characteristics of the W/O emulsions depending on WPI content (0 or 15%), shearing (0-7 min at constant shear), thermal processing (30-90 degrees C for 30 min), or storage at room temperature (up to 3 weeks). W/O/W emulsions were produced by homogenizing the W/O emulsions with an aqueous Tween 20 solution using either a membrane homogenizer (MH) or a high-pressure valve homogenizer (HPVH). For the MH the mean oil droplet size decreased with increasing number of passes, whereas for the HPVH it decreased with increasing number of passes and increasing homogenization pressure. The HPVH produced smaller droplets than the MH, but the MH produced a narrower particle size distribution. All W/O/W emulsions had a high retention of water droplets (>95%) within the larger oil droplets after homogenization. This study shows that W/O/W emulsions containing oil droplets with gelled water droplets inside can be produced by using MH or HPVH.     

High-pressure-induced rheological changes of low-methoxyl pectin plus micellar casein mixtures

The influence of high-pressure treatment (HPT) (200-800 MPa, 5 or 20 min, at 20 degrees C) on the rheological properties of solutions of amidated low-methoxyl pectin (LMP) and its mixtures with micellar casein (MC) has been investigated in the presence and absence of sucrose. The storage modulus G' of LMP gels containing 0-55 wt % sucrose and 0.1-1 wt % LMP was found to increase significantly following HPT at >or=400 MPa. Various concentrations of LMP in the presence of different amounts of MC (0.5-12 wt %) showed contrasting types of rheological behavior. In the presence of a low concentration of LMP (<0.3 wt %), HPT was found to induce a sol-gel transformation at relatively high LMP/MC molar ratios (<4 wt % MC), to reduce values of G' and the loss modulus G' ' at intermediate LMP/MC ratios (4-10 wt % MC), and to increase the values of G' and G' ' at low LMP/MC ratios (>10 wt % MC). In contrast, in the presence of a higher amount of LMP (>0.5 wt %), it was observed that HPT enhances the values of both the storage and the loss moduli over the whole range of MC concentrations.     

Control of heat-induced aggregation of whey proteins using casein

The ability of alphas1/beta-casein and micellar casein to protect whey proteins from heat-induced aggregation/precipitation reactions and therefore control their functional behavior was examined. Complete suppression (>99%) of heat-induced aggregation of 0.5% (w/w) whey protein isolate (pH 6.0, 85 degrees C, 10 min) was achieved at a ratio of 1:0.1 (w/w) of whey protein isolate (WPI) to alphas1/beta-casein, giving an effective molar ratio of 1:0.15, at 50% whey protein denaturation. However, in the presence of 100 mM NaCl, heating of the WPI/alphas1/beta-casein dispersions to 85 degrees C for 10 min resulted in precipitation between pH 6 and 5.35. WPI heated with micellar casein in simulated milk ultrafiltrate was stable to precipitation at pH>5.4. Protein particle size and turbidity significantly (P相似文献