Abstract

The effect of low concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the self-association of β-casein in solution has been reinvestigated at neutral pH by using instrinsic fluorescence measurements, analytical ultracentrifugation, gel filtration chromatography, and the fluorescent properties of the probe, anilinonaphthalene sulfonate. Sodium dodecyl sulfate was found to interact with the protein so that the normal equilibrium between monomers and micellelike polymers was displaced toward polymer formation. At higher concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate, the β-casein polymers became smaller while the monomer-polymer equilibrium remained displaced toward polymer formation. It seems likely that there is a limited number of sites on the β-casein molecule that bind sodium dodecyl sulfate strongly. As a consequence of this binding, the balance of electrostatic and hydrophobic forces is altered to increase the degree of self-association at low concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate, despite the increase in net negative charge per protein monomer.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.