Biofunctionality assessment of α-lactalbumin nanotubes

The functional properties α-LA nanotubes and the gels formed during their synthesis were studied to evaluate potential applications. bioactivity of was improved by nanotubes, with significantly (p < 0.05) higher ACE-inhibitory (IACE) antioxidant activity (μmol TE/mg protein). IC50 (protein concentration inhibit 50% ACE activity) 281 ± 21 μg mL−1 1.28 0.01 μmol TE mg−1 protein. Besides, IACE-value when fragments incorporated into nanotube’ structure considered, not only low MW peptides nanotube (not structure). This study also analysed how different ion ratios in changed functionality. Thus, long regular (2 mol Mn2+/mol α-LA) showed fluid−gel characteristics, some time-dependent shear-thinning flow (thixotropy). At fixed recovery time, a less thixotropic behaviour found these fluid (high percentage −71.6 7.4%− structural regeneration). Additionally, they stayed gel form at high temperatures even increased stiffness up 65 °C. increase ratio (3 modified nanotubes' microstructure resulting short branched nanotubes. These level pseudo-plasticity, consistency thixotropy. are characteristics more complex dense network greater time dependence lower regeneration (18.6 2.0%).