In this application note, a sample of WPI was characterized using the Viscotek TDAmax. The four main components in this mixture were separated and individually characterized.
Whey protein isolate (WPI) is of high nutritional value, and has become an important source of functional ingredients in various health-promoting foods. It is widely used in infant formula to provide a natural source of amino acids for optimal growth and development, and is also often used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in the food industry. WPI is also popular among athletes because of its ability to be digested very rapidly and help return the post-workout body back from a catabolic state to an anabolic state. It has been reported that WPI may possess anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties.
WPI consists of four major components: β-lactoglobulin , α-lactalbumin, serum albumin, and immunoglobulins. β-lactoglobulin is the major component of cow and sheep’s WPI, and is also present in many other mammalian species. However, it is not present in human breast milk. Approximately 85% of milk-allergic children outgrow their allergy by the age of three but 15% remain allergic. Bovine β-lactoglobulin (BLG) is the major allergen in cow’s milk, so dairy product manufacturers need to prove the presence or absence of β-lactoglobulin to ensure their labelling satisfies the requirements of milk-allergy suffers. The β-lactoglobulin is a relatively small protein of 162 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 18.4 kDa, and in physiological conditions it exists predominantly as a dimer. α-lactalbumin is a protein present in the milk of almost all mammalian species, and is involved in the production of lactose. The molecular weight is 14,178 kDa. Serum albumin is produced by the liver, its primary function is as a carrier protein for steroids, fatty acids and thyroid hormones in the blood, and it plays a major role in stabilizing extracellular fluid volume by contributing to oncotic pressure. Serum albumin is a globular, water-soluble protein with an approximate molecular weight of 65 kDa. Immunoglobulin (Ig), also known as an antibody, is used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects such as bacteria and viruses. In placental mammals there are five antibody isotypes known as IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. A typical Immunoglobulin has a molecular weight of 150 kDa. In this application note, a sample of WPI was characterized using the Viscotek TDAmax. The four main components in this mixture were separated and individually characterized. >> Download the full Application Note as a PDF
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