Denaturation and aggregation of lysozyme in water-ethanol solution

Acta Biochim Pol. 2012;59(2):317-21. Epub 2012 Jun 19.

Abstract

We have applied rheological methods for the analysis of ethanol-lysozyme interaction during the process of denaturation and aggregation of the protein. At low concentration of ethanol a destruction of the hydration shell of lysozyme is observed. With the increase in the ethanol concentration a structural transformation takes place. It leads to the formation of a protein aggregate with an elongated structure. The rheological characteristics of lysozyme-water-ethanol solution changes from Newtonian to pseudoplastic.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chick Embryo
  • Ethanol / chemistry*
  • Light
  • Muramidase / chemistry*
  • Protein Denaturation*
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Rheology
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Shear Strength
  • Solvents / chemistry*
  • Viscosity
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Solvents
  • Water
  • Ethanol
  • Muramidase