Abstract

The association of calcium with major whey protein fractions, α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin, was studied in model solutions between pH 3.5 and 7.0 and ionic strength ranging from 0.04 to 0.16M. Both α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin showed capability to associate with calcium. However, the extent of association was markedly pH dependent. Below pH 4.0 interactions between calcium and α-lactalbumin were insignificant. The amount of calcium attached to this protein increased at pH values approaching neutrality. The overall calcium-associating capability of β-lactoglobulin was about half of that of α-lactalbumin. The first signs of a calcium-β-lactoglobulin interaction were observed above pH 5.0. The increase of ionic strength had a negative effect on calcium association with both whey protein fractions. The calcium binding data from simple buffer solutions were confirmed in a model whey system. Whey protein-calcium interactions in cheese wheys appear to follow three distinctive patterns: no such interactions below pH 4.0; limited interactions between pH 4.0 and 5.5 due only to α-lactalbumin; and significant interactions above pH 5.5 due to both α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin.

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.