Interaction between protein allergens and model gastric emulsions

The observed resistance to pepsinolysis of known food allergens has been suggested as a predictor of their allergenic risk. Consequently, resistance to pepsinolysis has become incorporated into decision tree assessment for potential allergenic risk posed by novel foods. However, existing methods take little account of the interaction between food structure and physiological conditions existing during digestion in vivo. Here we show that a range of protein allergens can adsorb to model stomach emulsions, providing a further means of resisting digestion. We also show that raising the pH and the addition of bile salts to a model stomach emulsion, thereby mimicking the duodenal environment, has the effect of desorbing the adsorbed protein.