Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 June 2009
At pH 7·0, the emulsifying capacity (Ec) of ion-exchange fractionated whey protein powders in corn oil/water systems increased with increase in protein concentration up to 0·l% (w/v), where it was maximal. At higher concentrations Ec decreased because of packing effects of the oil droplets. At low protein concentrations Ec could be determined from linear equations involving the relative concentration of the individual proteins in the powder. The surface coverage of β-lactoglobulin on the oil was ∼ 1 mg m–2. Oil droplet size and Ec were maximal at pH 4·0–6·0, corresponding to the isoionic points of the proteins.