Effect of protein aggregates on foaming properties of β-lactoglobulin

Our paper aims at determining the respective part of protein aggregates and non-aggregated proteins in the foam formation and stability of β-lactoglobulin. We report results on fractal aggregates formed at neutral pH and strong ionic strength (aggregates size from 30 to 190 nm). Pure aggregates and mixtures of non-aggregated/aggregated proteins at varying ratios were used. The capacity of aggregates to form and stabilize foams has been studied in relation with their ability to absorb at air/water interfaces. Our results show that protein aggregates are not able by themselves to improve the foaming properties but participate to a better foam stabilization in the presence of non-aggregated proteins. Non-aggregated proteins appear to be necessary to produce stable foams. We have shown that the amount and the size of aggregates had an influence on the drainage rate.