Dielectric analysis of hen egg white with denaturation and in cool storage

Dielectric relaxation spectra (DRS) of fresh hen raw egg white solutions an d thermally denatured gels were measured at frequencies between 1 MHz and 3 GHz by using the coaxial line reflection method with a network analyser an d an open-ended coaxial probe. The values of the dielectric constant epsilo n of the denatured gels were higher than those of the raw solutions at freq uencies lower than 100 MHz and then became close to each other with the inc rease in the frequency. No significant change in effective conductivity cr was found on denaturation, implying that this process does not affect the b inding of water. The gels were stored at 5 degrees C for 13 days to be subj ected to a dehydration process that led to a corresponding decrease in diel ectric constant and conductivity. When the dielectric data had been measure d, the molecular motions and water status in the egg whites were analysed.