pH-dependent emulsifying properties of pea [Pisum sativum (L.)] proteins

Emulsifying properties of two partially purified legumin and vicilin (PL and PV) and protein isolate (PPI) from dry pea seeds at various pH values (3.0, 5.0, 7.0 and 9.0) were investigated. The tested emulsion characteristics included droplet size, flocculation and coalescence indices (FI and CI), creaming index, as well as interfacial protein adsorption. Some physicochemical properties of these proteins, e.g., free sulfhydryl and disulfide bond contents, protein solubility (PS), surface hydrophobicity (H_o) and thermal stability (and denaturation), were also characterized. The results indicated that emulsifying ability and emulsion stability of various pea proteins considerably varied with the preparation process, protein composition and pH. Overall, all the pea proteins exhibited least emulsifying ability at pH 5.0 (around isoelectric point), and concomitantly, the resultant emulsions were most unstable against coalescence and creaming. The emulsifying ability of these proteins at pH 3.0 was generally better than that at neutral or alkali pH values, and among all the three proteins, PL exhibited highest emulsifying ability at this pH. The flocculated state and size of droplets in fresh emulsions did not directly affect stability of these emulsions against flocculation and coalescence (upon 24 h of storage), and even creaming (up to 7 days). Interestingly, the PL and PV exhibited much better creaming stability than PPI, at pH deviating from the pI. The emulsifying properties of these proteins were not only related to their PS and H_o, but also associated with the protein adsorption and nature (e.g., viscoelasticity) of interfacial protein films. These results can greatly extend the knowledge for understanding the emulsifying properties of pea proteins, especially the pH dependence of emulsion characteristics.