Thermomechanical effects of co-solute on the structure formation of bovine serum albumin

• Glucose syrup addition increases the denaturation temperature of BSA protein.
• Glucose syrup addition increases the network strength of BSA protein.
• Condensed BSA protein/glucose syrup mixtures undergo a glass transition upon cooling.

The effect of glucose syrup on the structural properties of bovine serum albumin has been addressed in preparations from low to high solids. Fifteen percent protein was mixed with the co-solute at concentrations up to 65% and subjected to thermal treatment to examine the changes in phase and state transitions. Thermomechanics were the working protocol being carried out with micro differential scanning calorimetry and small deformation dynamic oscillation. Results argue that protein molecules have been extensively stabilised by the addition of a co-solute, recorded via a delayed thermal denaturation. Further, increasing the glucose syrup enhanced polymer–polymer interactions leading to stronger networks following thermal denaturation of the globular protein. Condensed BSA/glucose syrup mixtures, i.e. at 80% solids, were cooled at subzero temperatures to exhibit a considerable state of vitrification. Molecular relaxation phenomena were successfully followed using theoretical concepts from synthetic polymer research to yield the mechanical glass transition temperature.