A MODEL FOR THE DENATURATION AND AGGREGATION OF BETA-LACTOGLOBULIN

A quantitatively correct kinetic model for the temperature-induced den aturation and aggregation of beta-lactoglobulin is presented. The mode l recognizes an initiation, a propagation and a termination step by an alogy with polymer radical chemistry. The decrease in native beta-lact oglobulin is predicted to follow order 3/2, in agreement with experime ntal results. The size of the protein polymer particles is predicted t o be proportional to the square root of the initial beta-lactoglobulin concentration. The scattered light intensity is proportional to the p roduct of concentration and size of the protein polymer particles. The initial increase in scattering intensity of the particles therefore s cales with the initial squared beta-lactoglobulin concentration. The i nfluence of other reaction conditions, e.g. ionic strength and pH, can be incorporated via the reaction constants of the reaction kinetic pa thway.