Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Synthesis of an Intein-mediated Artificial Protein Hydrogel
Published on: January 27, 2014
Resolving the Mechanisms of Soy Glycinin Self-Coacervation and Hollow-Condensate Formation
Nannan Chen1,2, Ziliang Zhao2, Yong Wang1
1Guangdong Saskatchewan Oilseed Joint Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Engineering, Jinan University, 510632 Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Self-coacervation of animal-derived proteins has been extensively investigated while that of plant proteins remains largely unexplored. Here, we study the process of soy glycinin self-coacervation and transformation into hollow condensates. The protein hexameric structure composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polypeptides is crucial for coacervation. The process is driven by charge screening of the intrinsically disordered region of acidic polypeptides, allowing for weak hydrophobic interactions between exposed hydrophobic polypeptides. We find that the coacervate surface exhibits order, which stabilizes the coacervate shape during hollow-condensate formation. The latter process occurs via nucleation and growth of protein-poor phase in the coacervate interior, during which another ordered layer at the inner surface is formed. Aging enhances the stability of both coacervates and hollow condensates. Understanding plant protein coacervation holds promises for fabricating novel functional materials.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Protein Folding
Dehydration Synthesis
Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Synthesis of carbohydrates
Sugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from...
Protein and Protein Structure
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme...
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Aldehydes and Ketones with Amines: Enamine Formation Mechanism
Cohesion
On a...

