Molecular structure and interaction of bopolymers as viewed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: model studies on β -lactoglobulin

摘要

Fourier transform absorption infrared spectroscopy is a powerful and versatile tool used to determine the molecular structure of bio- molecules. This technique is now widely used in biochemistry to study the conformation of bipolymers in aqueous solutions and complex systems. However, its enormous potential in the study of food bipolymers has yet to be reached. The aim of this paper is principally to provide information on bipolymers using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. ?-Lactoglobulin (β-Lg), the major whey protein in the milk of ruminants, is chosen as a model. Emphasis will be put on the different structure levels of proteins in an aqueous solution, the protein- protein interactions, and the protein interactions with small host-molecules such as phospholipids.