Structure and functionality of whey protein, pea protein, and mixed whey and pea proteins treated by pH shift or high-intensity ultrasound

J Dairy Sci. 2024 Feb;107(2):726-741. doi: 10.3168/jds.2023-23742. Epub 2023 Sep 29.

Abstract

Three modifications (pH shift, ultrasound, combined pH shift and ultrasound) induced alterations in pure whey protein isolate (WPI), pea protein isolate (PPI), and mixed whey and pea protein (WPI-PPI) were investigated. The processing effect was related to the protein type and technique used. Solubility of WPI remained unchanged by various treatments. Particle size was enlarged by pH shift while reduced by ultrasound and combined approach. All methods exposed more surface hydrophobic groups on WPI, while pH shift and joint processing was detrimental to its emulsifying activity. The PPI and mixture exhibited similar responses toward the modifications. Solubility of PPI and the blend enhanced in the sequence of pH shift and ultrasound > ultrasound > pH shift. Individual approach expanded while co-handling diminished the particle diameter. Treatments also caused more disclosure of hydrophobic regions in PPI and WPI-PPI and emulsifying activity was ameliorated in the order of pH shift and ultrasound > ultrasound > pH shift.

Keywords: pH shift; pea protein; ultrasound; whey protein.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Emulsions / chemistry
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Pea Proteins*
  • Solubility
  • Whey Proteins / chemistry
  • Whey*

Substances

  • Whey Proteins
  • Pea Proteins
  • Emulsions