Interaction between β-Lactoglobuline and Weak Polyelectrolyte Chains: A Study Using Monte Carlo Simulation

J Phys Chem B. 2019 Oct 17;123(41):8617-8627. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b03276. Epub 2019 Oct 9.

Abstract

Complexation between the β-lactoglobulin and a weak acid polyelectrolyte (PE) has been studied using Monte Carlo simulations. Different coarse-grained models were used to represent the system, and two different acidic constants were used on the PE model. The protein-PE interaction is quantified considering the average PE monomers adsorbed on the protein as a function of pH. A maximum in the interaction between macromolecules was found, which is explained as a function of the titration behavior of the β-lactoglobuline and weak PE. We also found that there was a direct relation between the pH range of monomers adsorbed and the change on dissociation profile of the protein and weak PE compared to isolated conditions. The complexation of protein-PE increased both the dissociation degree of the PE chain and the protein net charge. This benefits the monomer adsorption on the protein surface.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation*
  • Humans
  • Lactoglobulins / chemistry
  • Lactoglobulins / metabolism*
  • Models, Chemical
  • Monte Carlo Method*
  • Polyelectrolytes / chemistry
  • Polyelectrolytes / metabolism*
  • Static Electricity
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Lactoglobulins
  • Polyelectrolytes