Bovine milk fat globule membrane proteins are affected by centrifugal washing processes

Haotian Zheng1, Rafael Jiménez-Flores, David W Everett

  • 1Riddet Institute and Department of Food Science, University of Otago , Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.

Insights

Washing milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins affects their release. More stringent washing damages the MFGM, altering protein binding and release into the aqueous phase.

Area of Science:

  • Dairy Science
  • Food Chemistry
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex biological structure.
  • MFGM proteins play crucial roles in various physiological functions.
  • Understanding MFGM protein stability during processing is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of different washing stringencies on protein release from MFGM.
  • To identify specific proteins affected by washing procedures.
  • To assess the impact of washing on MFGM integrity.

Main Methods:

  • Washing milk fat globules (MFG) using three methods (M1, M2, M3) with varying centrifugation force, time, and washes.
  • Analyzing MFG ζ-potential to assess surface damage.
  • Identifying bound proteins using proteomic techniques.

Main Results:

  • Washing, particularly M3 (15000g, 20 min, three washes), increased MFG ζ-potential, indicating surface damage.
  • Less stringent washing (M1) showed stronger binding of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD 36) and periodic acid schiff 6/7 proteins.
  • More stringent washing (M3) altered protein binding, with CD 36 and fatty acid-binding protein showing stronger association.

Conclusions:

  • Washing processes, especially those involving high centrifugation, can damage the MFGM.
  • Protein release into the aqueous phase occurs due to MFGM damage.
  • Washing stringency significantly impacts the retention of functional MFGM proteins.