Effects of ultrasound pre-treatment on the structure of β-conglycinin and glycinin and the antioxidant activity of their hydrolysates

- Secondary structure of β-conglycinin was altered by sonication.
- Secondary structure of glycinin was altered by sonication.
- Polarity of ultrasound treated β-conglycinin and glycinin micro-environment increased.
- Antioxidant activity, the degree of hydrolysis and free SH groups were increased.
- Sonication exposed certain groups of β-conglycinin and glycinin.

The effect of power, time and temperature of ultrasound on the structure of β-conglycinin (7S) and glycinin (11S), and on the antioxidant activity of their hydrolysates were investigated. All ultrasound treated 7S and 11S fractions showed an increase in the α-helix and β-turn proportions, and a decrease in β-sheet and random coil proportions. The polarity of 7S and 11S microenvironment increased after ultrasound treatment. Ultrasound treatment significantly increased the reduction capacity and iron chelating capacity of 7S and 11S hydrolysates. The degree of hydrolysis and free SH groups of 7S and 11S hydrolysates increased after ultrasound pre-treatment. The relative content of high molecular weight peptides reduced, and the relative content of low molecular weight peptides increased in ultrasound treated 7S and 11S hydrolysates. The ultrasonication exposed certain groups of 7S and 11S fractions, improved contact with enzymes, and increased the content of highly active soybean antioxidant peptides.