The association of lysozyme with casein

A.L. de Roos, P. Walstra, T.J. Geurts

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    38 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The association of hen eggs’ lysozyme with caseins was studied by using three casein substrates: (I) solutions of the various caseins, (II) artificially made casein micelles of various compositions and (III) caseins adsorbed onto soya-oil emulsion droplets. In solution, lysozyme associated most strongly with αs-casein, less with β-casein and not with κ-casein. Accordingly, lysozyme associated less with casein micelles composed of β- and κ-casein (ratio 1 : 2) than with whole casein micelles, which contain αs-casein as well. The extent of association with emulsified caseins was in the order αs>β>κ, although the differences were not large. The effects of temperature and pH on the association appeared to be small. After association with caseins, lysozyme was always found to be active, suggesting that the active site of the molecule was not involved in the association. The association of lysozyme with casein-stabilized oil droplets may provide a satisfactory technique for immobilization of the enzyme on a liquid carrier, since in situ activity is retained.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)319-324
    JournalInternational Dairy Journal
    Volume8
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1998

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