The effects of ultrasound-assisted glycation on the allergenicity and functional properties of peanut proteins

This study investigated the effects of ultrasound-assisted glycation on the allergenicity and functional properties of peanut proteins. Results showed that ultrasound-assisted glycation increased the degree of glycation reaction of peanut proteins significantly (P < 0.05). ELISA results indicated that the binding of peanut allergens with serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, secondary structure analysis revealed a significant increase in beta-sheet content, alongside decreases in alpha-helix, beta-turn, and random coil contents (P < 0.05). In addition, intrinsic fluorescence intensity, surface hydrophobicity, and ultraviolet (UV) spectra intensity were diminished (P < 0.05), indicating notable changes in both secondary and tertiary structures of peanut proteins. Moreover, emulsification property, antioxidant activity and in vitro digestibility of peanut proteins showed the most obvious improvements following ultrasoundassisted glycation, and the solubility was increased while turbidity was decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that ultrasound-assisted glycation not only effectively reduced the allergenicity of peanut allergens, but also improved the overall functional properties of peanut proteins, and the changes in sensitization and functional properties might be closely related to structural changes. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the development of peanut products.