Please join us for the weekly BAE seminar
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
1:10 2 pm, 2045 BAINER HALL
Topic: Denaturing and Dissolving Soy Proteins with Different Solvent Systems
Presenter:
Prof. Gang Sun
UC Davis Department of Textiles and Clothing
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Abstract
Vegetable proteins are renewable, biodegradable and environmentally friendly biopolymers and could be replacements of oil-based synthetic polymers in many applications. Since proteins are composed of amino acids with different side chain structures, varied polarities and conformational structures, it is difficult to find proper solvent systems to process the proteins. The common practice is to prepare an appropriate solution environment that can allow solvent molecules break down intermolecular interactions of the protein molecules. Thus, organic solvent systems with different physiochemical properties were explored in order to find some proper ones for glycinin and -conglycinin, which are two major components in soy proteins.. As an approach, three dimensional solubility parameters developed by Hansen as a tool was employed in exploration of potential solvent systems for these proteins. Solubility parameters of urea solution that could dissolve the protein at high concentration were employed as a reference standard. Different solvent mixtures with different chemical functional groups were prepared to cover different levels of polarity, hydrophobicity and hydrogen bonding. Circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, viscosity, turbidity and nano-DSC were utilized to characterize conformational status of proteins in solutions. Results of this study indicated that proteins can be denatured by using organic solvent systems to mimic the solubility properties of denaturent agents such as urea solution. Among all pH values basic solutions can accelerate the denaturation phenomena by increasing electrostatic repulsuion between same charges.
Research
Dr. Suns research centers on the development of new technologies in manufacturing functional nanofibrous materials; development of novel materials from biomasses including protein, cellulose, lignin and colorants; and protective and functional clothing materials including biological protection, chemical protection, fire and heat protection, and wrinkle-free.
Coffee and cookies will be served.
