Investigation of mechanisms in the formation of structures and of processing.structure-relationships in multiphase, highly concentrated protein systems

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Kulozik
• Subject Area: Mechanical Process Engineering ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: from 2016 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 315464976

In multiphase, complex biogenic systems aggregation phenomena were observed between various differently structured proteins. Many food systems rich in protein are affected by these phenomena. Thes observations made depended on processing induction and on milieu factors. Also, processing and composition variables can be used to steer the aggregation. The fundamentals behind these reactions, however, are not scientifically understood so far. Insufficient knowledge is available regarding a molecular mechanistic understanding of the reactions leading to protein self-assemblies and processing-structure-relationships. The required understanding of these relation-ships is planned to be developed in this proposal. The hypothesis is that the aggregation reactions precede once induced by seeding structures, similar to autocatalytic processes. Certain structural templates and processing conditions can be used to steer the reaction. It shall be investigated how various proteins different in molecular architecture take influence on the resulting structures, either as template or as monomers resulting in different reaction pathways and aggregate forms. Indepths knowledge of the reactions shall contribute to be able to design more effective and more targeted protein based food systems. The knowledge obtained through this proposal can also contribute to understand protein aggregation phenomena in other fields better, such as undesired aggregation in biotechnological or even physiological environments. Here, aggregation of proteins and bio-active components such as antibodies can lead to the loss of biological functionality.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1934: Dispersitäts-, Struktur- und Phasenänderungen von Proteinen und biologischen Agglomeraten in biotechnologischen Prozessen
• Co-Investigators: Dr.-Ing. Jannika Dombrowski; Ilona Hager; Michael Reitmaier