Please join us for today’s seminar presented by Sanjana Sawant entitled “Complexation of Soy Protein Fibrils and Ionic Polysaccharides”
Time: 12:05-12:55
Location: Room 205, Babcock Hall
ABSTRACT
Protein amyloid fibrils exhibit excellent functional properties due to their unique structural features. However, their application in food matrices is significantly limited by their instability at pH values above 2. This study explores the complexation of soy protein fibrils with gellan gum (anionic) and chitosan (cationic) as a strategy to prevent pH-induced degradation of fibrillar structure and function. It was observed that pH adjustment from 2 to 4 and 7, can cause irreversible fibril damage due to aggregation, particularly when passing through the isoelectric point. Among all polysaccharide-pH combinations, chitosan complexation proved most effective in preserving fibril integrity at pH 4. Atomic force microscopy showed the presence of fibrils alongside some aggregates and FTIR analysis further confirmed that chitosan best preserved the fibrils’ β-sheet structure. Rapid Visco analysis revealed that the gelling properties of the fibrils were retained, and the suspensions showed excellent phase stability at pH 4 in the presence of chitosan. Overall, this work provides valuable insights into strategies for mitigating pH-induced fibril degradation, expanding the potential applications of protein fibrils in food matrices.
The session will also guide researchers through critical stages of experimental design, data collection, and interpretation. Practical insights will be shared on preparing for experiments, structuring research findings, and making informed decisions post-analysis.
Finally, attendees will gain a step-by-step understanding of writing and publishing a research paper, including the role of the first author in shaping a compelling research story. This roadmap will equip researchers with essential skills to effectively communicate their findings and contribute meaningfully to their field.
