Electrostatic interactions mediated defibrillation of β-lactoglobulin fibrils using Keggin Polyoxometalates

The whey protein β-lactoglobulin (βLG) forms fibrils similar to the amyloid fibrils in the neurodegenerative diseases due to its higher predisposition of β-sheets. This study shed light on the understanding different inorganic Keggin polyoxometalates (POMs) interaction with the protein βLG fibrils. POMs such as Phosphomolybdic acid (PMA), silicomolybdic acid (SMA), tungstosilicic acid (TSA), and phosphotungstic acid (PTA) were used due to their inherent higher anionic charges. The interaction studies were monitored with fluorescence spectra and Thioflavin T assay for both the βLG monomers and the fibrils initially to elucidate the binding ability of the POMs. The binding of POMs and βLG is also demonstrated by molecular docking studies. Zeta potential studies showed the electrostatic mediated higher interactions of the POMs with the protein fibrils. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) studies showed that the molybdenum containing POMs have higher affinity to the protein fibrils than the tungsten. This study could help understanding formation of food grade protein fibrils which have profound importance in food industries.