Effect of temperature and time of storage on protein stability and anti-salmonella activity of egg white

J Food Prot. 2010 Sep;73(9):1604-12. doi: 10.4315/0362-028x-73.9.1604.

Abstract

Hen egg white contains numerous molecules of interest for human health, including antimicrobial proteins. Little information is available concerning changes in the antimicrobial activity of egg white during storage; therefore, we analyzed the potential of egg white to inhibit growth of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis following storage at 4, 20, or 37°C for 30 days prior to inoculation. Egg white displayed higher anti-Salmonella activity after a few days of storage at 20 and 37°C. The rate of increase in activity was more rapid and pronounced at the higher temperature. However, egg white stored at 20°C retained higher antimicrobial activity than that of egg white stored at 4 or 37°C, when the entire storage period is taken in consideration. In contrast, storage of egg at 37°C for more than 14 days reduced the bacteriostatic potential of egg white. Statistical analyses revealed a correlation between pH and the antimicrobial activity of egg white. Moreover, diminished antimicrobial activity was associated with degradation of ovalbumin and ovotransferrin, as assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. However, the fluctuation in anti-Salmonella activity of egg white could not be related to any variation of trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like, or gelatinolytic activities that potentially account for degradation of antimicrobial egg white proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Consumer Product Safety
  • Egg Proteins / analysis*
  • Egg White / chemistry*
  • Egg White / microbiology*
  • Food Contamination / analysis
  • Food Handling / methods
  • Food Microbiology
  • Food Preservation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Protein Stability
  • Salmonella enteritidis / growth & development*
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Egg Proteins