Investigation of bovine serum albumin denaturation using ultrasonic spectroscopy

Ultrasound spectroscopy (velocity and attenuation 2-160 MHz) measurements can follow all stages in the denaturation of bovine serum albumin, from dimerisation through to severe denaturation. Velocity and attenuation relate to different features of the molecule. Velocity is sensitive to changes in conformation, secondary structure, and any significant changes in elastic or shear properties, attenuation is affected by relaxation processes and possibly aggregation.