Analysis of DSC data relating to proteins undergoing irreversible thermal denaturation

New approaches to the analysis of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) d ata relating to proteins undergoing irreversible thermal denaturation have been demonstrated. The experimental approaches include obtaining a set of D SC curves at various scanning rates and protein concentrations, and also re heating experiments. The mathematical methods of analysis include construct ion of a linear anamorphosis and simultaneous fitting of a theoretical expr ession for the dependence of the excess heat capacity on temperature to a s et of experimental DSC curves. Different kinetic models are discussed: the one-step irreversible model, the model including two consecutive irreversib le steps, the Lumry and Eyring model with a fast equilibrating first step, and the whole kinetic Lumry and Eyring model.