Fundamental studies on the structural functionality of whey protein isolate in the presence of small polyhydroxyl compounds as co-solute

The present work deals with the changing network morphology of whey protein isolate (15%, w/w) in the presence of glucose syrup (co-solute) with concentrations ranging from 0% to 65% (w/w) in 10 mM CaCl2 solution, thus producing formulations with a total level of solids of up to 80% (w/w). Denaturation behaviour and aggregation of whey protein systems were investigated using small deformation dynamic oscillation on shear, micro and modulated differential scanning calorimetry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. A progression in the mechanical strength of protein aggregates was observed resulting from enhanced protein–protein interactions in the presence of glucose syrup. Addition of the co-solute resulted in better thermal stability of protein molecules by shifting the process of denaturation to higher temperature, as observed by calorimetry. Observations are supported by micrographs showing coherent networks with reduced size of whey protein aggregates in the presence of high levels of glucose syrup, as opposed to thick and random clusters for systems of whey protein by itself. Glass transition phenomenon was observed for condensed protein/co-solute systems, which were treated with theoretical concepts adapted from synthetic polymer research to pinpoint the mechanical glass transition temperature.