Effects of ultrasound on structural and physical properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) dispersions

The effects of low-frequency (20 kHz) ultrasonication at varying power (200, 400 or 600 W) and time (15 or 30 min) on functional and structural properties of reconstituted soy protein isolate (SPI) dispersions were examined. Ultrasonic treatments reduced both the storage modulus and loss modulus of SPI dispersions and formed more viscous SPI dispersions (fluid character). Moreover, ultrasound treatment significantly decreased the consistency coefficients and increased the flow behaviour index of SPI dispersions. Scanning electron microscopy of lyophilized ultrasonicated SPI showed different microstructure with larger aggregates compared to non-treated SPI. No significant change was observed in the protein electrophoretic patterns by SDS-PAGE. However, free sulfhydryl content, surface hydrophobicity and protein solubility of SPI dispersions were all increased with ultrasonic treatment. Differences in solubility profiles in the presence versus absence of denaturing (0.5% sodium dodecyl sulphate and 6 M urea) and reducing (mercaptoethanol) agents suggested a decrease in non-covalent interactions of SPI in dispersion after ultrasonic treatment. Secondary structure analysis by circular dichroism indicated lower α-helix and random coil in SPI treated at lower power, in contrast to higher α-helix and lower β-sheet in SPI treated with higher power (600 W). In conclusion, under the conditions investigated in this study, ultrasonic treatment resulted in partial unfolding and reduction of intermolecular interactions as demonstrated by increases in free sulfhydryl groups and surface hydrophobicity, leading to improved solubility and fluid character of SPI dispersions, while larger aggregates of ultrasonic-treated SPI in the dry state were formed after lyophilization.