Self-assembly of partially hydrolysed α-lactalbumin

Hydrolysis of the whey protein alpha-lactalbumin with a specific serine protease has been shown to result in regular nanotubes of approximately 20 run in outer diameter and reaching several mu m in length. Tubular assembly depends on the concentration of protein as this determines how far the hydrolysis proceeds. A concentration of 30 g L-1 is a prerequisite for tubular formation, as is a minimum concentration of calcium. At lower protein concentrations calcium-independent formation of linear fibrils (similar to 5 nm in diameter) is favoured. Possible applications of alpha-lactalbumin nanotubes include use as a viscosifier and gelling agent and also pharmaceutical utilization (such as targeted drug release) and use in nanotechnology can be envisioned. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.