Whey proteins: Musings on denaturation, aggregate formation and gelation

Abstract

Whey proteins are globular milk proteins with numerous functional properties and a broad potential for usage in food and supplement-pharmaceutical products. Under various denaturing conditions, whey proteins unfold, form aggregates, microparticles, while at sufficiently high concentrations, gel networks are created. The continuously growing research interest makes it necessary to discuss the recent advances and achievements in this area, including the basic principles of the structural assembly’s kinetics along with the different approaches undertaken to fabricate whey protein gels as well as the means to modulate the gel physical properties. This article also focuses on the use of ethanol to modify the structure and functionality of whey proteins, as an alternative way to change the protein conformation and thereby gelation phenomena and functionality.

Keywords:

• Whey proteins
• Gelation
• Microgels
• Alcohol-induced gelation

Funding

The authors acknowledge financial support of this work by the project “Research Infrastructure on Food Bioprocessing Development and Innovation Exploitation – Food Innovation RI” (MIS 5027222), which is implemented under the Action “Reinforcement of the Research and Innovation Infrastructure”, funded by the Operational Program “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation” (NSRF 2014-2020) and co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Regional Development Fund).

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.