Water sorption by proteins: milk and whey proteins

The content and physical state of water in foods influence their physical, chemical, quality, safety, and functional behavior. Information concerning the sorption behavior of dairy proteins, in the water activity (Aw) range 0 to 0.9, is collated in this paper. The sorption behavior of proteins in general, the kinetics of absorption, factors affecting water binding, the phenomenon of desorption hysteresis, and the chemical and physical nature of water/protein interactions are reviewed in general terms. This is followed by a discussion of thermodynamic aspects of sorption phenomena and the adequacy of the various equations for describing sorption isotherms of proteins. After a discussion of the methods available for measuring sorption by milk proteins, the sorption behavior of various milk protein preparations, i.e., nonfat dry milk, whey proteins, caseins, and milk powders is summarized. Finally, the water activity of cheese and its relationship to solute mobility and solvent water are discussed. Some of the unique features of protein behavior, i.e., conformational changes, swelling, and solubilization are cited as possible sources of disparities between various reports.