BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF WHEY PROTEINS

β-lactoglobulin

β-lactoglobulin is the major protein present in whey protein. It is about 50% of the whey protein. It has a numerous binding sites, which binds minerals, fat soluble vitamins and lipids, and act as a transport protein for desirable lipophilic compounds (tocopherol and vitamin A).

Modifications are made in the β-lactoglobulin and made many products which have the strong antiviral activity against HIV strains 1 and 2.

ɑ-Lactalbumin

Also it is major protein in milk which constitute about 20-25% of the total whey protein in milk. This protein comprises of an excellent amino acid profile, which is rich in lysine, leucine, threonine, tryptophan and cystine.

The main known biological function of ɑ-lactalbunim is to modulate the synthesis of lactose in the mammary gland, also protein is strongly advocated in the formulation of “humanized” infant formulas and to create other products for people with limited or restricted protein intakes.

Work on ɑ-lactalbumin shows that it may be effective as an anti-cancer agent in several different types of cancer.

Immunoglobulins

These are the complex group of proteins that make a significant contribution to the protein content and also take part in exerting an important immunological function.

 They are well known to provide disease protection to newborns through passive immunity and there is well-known evidence the immunoglobulins taking high contribution in the disease control in adults. It is known that whey protein concentrates from mixed milk supplies generally contain sufficient antibody to E. coli K-99 to meet the requirements of the USDA to serve as a colostrum supplement.

Bovine serum albumin

The amino acid profile of bovine serum is very good and it is a good source of essential amino acid.

BSA has the capability to bind the free fatty acids, other lipids and flavor compounds. BSA's primary function has been associated with its lipid binding properties. It may play a role in mediating lipid oxidation. Denatured BSA might reduce the probability of a person acquiring certain diseases, such as insulin dependent diabetes or auto-immune disease.

Lactoferrin

It is an iron binding protein. It has a potential and has a good capability of acting as an antimicrobial agent related to its iron chelating ability, it deprive the microorganism of from iron. Most recently, it has been shown to have a number of other physiological and biological functions. The biological activities of lactoferrin include iron transport, antimicrobial activity, antifungal activity, antiviral activity, anticancer activity, toxin binding properties, immunomodulating effects, wound and wound healing, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Lactoperoxidase

Lactoperoxidase system is a good antimicrobial agent and has been identified in milk, saliva and tears. This system also have been proven to be both bacterial and bacteriostatic to a wide variety of microorganisms, while having no effect on the proteins and enzymes of the organisms producing it. Clinical studies have supported the possibility that plaque accumulation, gingivitis and early onset carries may be reduced by appropriate lactoperoxidase preparations.

Glycomacropeptide

Glycomacropeptide is the part of the whey when we precipitate the casein by the action of enzyme rennin, it is about 20% contributes in this whey. Usually GMP, the glycosylated portion of caseinomacropeptide (CMP), is present in sweet whey formed following the K-casein cleavage and casein precipitation by rennin; it is absent from acid whey.

The biological and physiological properties that have been attributed to GMP or peptides derived from it include: reduction in gastric secretion, dental plaque and dental caries inhibition, growth promoting activity for Bifidobacteria, product for control of phenylketunoria, inhibition of platelet aggregation and others. GMP cans suppress appetite via stimulation of the pancreatic hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) release. It alters pigment production in melanocytes, acts as prebiotic and has immunomodulatory actions. Physiologic activity of GMP depends on its glycosylation.