319 resultados para denaturation
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The effect of glycosylation on AFP foldability was investigated by parallel quantitative and qualitative analyses of the refolding of glycosylated and nonglycosylated AFP variants. Both variants were successfully refolded by dialysis from the denatured-reduced state, attaining comparable ``refolded peak'' profiles and refolding yields as determined by reversed-phase HPLC analysis. Both refolded variants also showed comparable spectroscopic fingerprints to each other and to their native counterparts, as determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Inclusion body-derived AFP was also readily refolded via dilution under the same redox conditions as dialysis refolding, showing comparable circular dichroism fingerprints as native nonglycosylated AFP. Quantitative analyses of inclusion body-derived AFP showed sensitivity of AFP aggregation to proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous inclusion body contaminants, where refolding yields increased with increasing AFP purity. All of the refolded AFP variants showed positive responses in ELISA that corresponded with the attainment of a bioactive conformation. Contrary to previous reports that the denaturation of cord serum AFP is an irreversible process, these results clearly show the reversibility of AFP denaturation when refolded under a redox-controlled environment, which promotes correct oxidative disulfide shuffling. The successful refolding of inclusion body-derived AFP suggests that fatty acid binding may not be required for the attainment of a rigid AFP tertiary structure, contrary to earlier studies. The overall results from this work demonstrate that foldability of the AFP molecule from its denatured-reduced state is independent of its starting source, the presence or absence of glycosylation and fatty acids, and the refolding method used (dialysis or dilution).
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Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a commercially important polypeptide with important diagnostic. physiological and immunomodulatory functions. Previous studies into the refolding of this macromolecule are contradictory. and variously suggest that AFP denaturation may be irreversible or that refolding may be achieved by reducing denaturant concentration through dilution but not dialysis. Importantly, these same previous studies do not provide quantitative metrics by which the Success of refolding, and the potential for bioprocess development. can be assessed. Moreover, these same studies do not optimize and control refolding redox potential - an important factor considering that AFP contains 32 cysteines which form 16 disulfide bonds. In this current study, a quantitative comparison of recombinant human AFP (rhAFP) refolding by dilution and dialysis is conducted under optimized redox conditions. rhAFP refolding yields were > 35% (dialysis refolding) and > 75% (dilution refolding) as assessed by RP-HPLC and ELISA, with structural Similarity to the native state confirmed by UV spectroscopy. Dialysis refolding yield was believed to be lower because the gradual reduction in denaturant concentration allowed extended conformational searching. enabling more time for undesirable interaction with other protein molecules and/or the dialysis membrane, leading to a Sub-optimal process outcome. Significant yield sensitivity to redox environment was also observed, emphasizing the importance of physicochemical optimization. This study demonstrates that very high refolding yields can be obtained, for a physiologically relevant protein, with optimized dilution refolding. The study also highlights the quantitative metrics and macromolecular physical spectroscopic 'fingerprints' required to facilitate transition from laboratory to process scale.
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Although poly(alpha-hydroxy esters), especially the PLGA family of lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymers, have many properties which make them promising materials for tissue engineering, the inherent chemistry of surfaces made from these particular polymers is problematic. In vivo, they promote a strong foreign-body response as a result of nonspecific adsorption and denaturation of serum proteins, which generally results in the formation of a nonfunctional fibrous capsule. Surface modification post-production of the scaffolds is an often-utilized approach to solving this problem, conceptually allowing the formation of a scaffold with mechanical properties defined by the bulk material and molecular-level interactions defined by the modified surface properties. A promising concept is the so-called blank slate: essentially a surface that is rendered resistant to nonspecific protein adsorption but can be readily activated to covalently bind bio-functional molecules such as extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors or polysaccharides. This study focuses on the use of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to follow the layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic deposition of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid and chitosan onto PLGA surfaces rendered positively charged by aminolysis, to form a robust, protein-resistant coating. We further show that this surface may be further functionalized via the covalent attachment of collagen IV, which may then be used as a template for the self-assembly of basement membrane components from dilute Matrigel. The response of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts to these surfaces was also followed and shown to closely parallel the results observed in the QCM.
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IgG can be denatured in vitro by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Native IgG activates the complement cascade through C1q. Using a modified ELISA, C1q binding activity of rheumatoid IgG has been compared to IgG denatured by neutrophil-derived ROS. The C1q binding activity of rheumatoid synovial fluid IgG is greater than the corresponding serum IgG (P < 0.01). Denaturation of IgG by activated polymorphs or the Fenton reaction decreased its C1q binding activity (P < 0.01). In vitro exposure of IgG to OH. and ROO. increased its interaction with C1q (P < 0.01). Hypochlorous acid had no effect. ROS-induced alteration to IgG-C1q binding activity may promote the inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis.
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In the sera and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, part of the IgG fraction is found in an aggregated and fluorescent form. Oxygen-free radicals have been implicated in this denaturation, although the precise radical species responsible is unknown. In this work, oxygen-free radicals generated radiolytically were allowed to attack polyclonal IgG in solution. OH radicals induced aggregation of the monomer and a new fluorescence appeared in the visible region (Ex 360 nm, Em 454 nm). The superoxide radical anion was found to be inert in both these respects, whilst peroxy radicals induced autofluorescence without concomitant aggregation. The results suggest that OH.and/or peroxy radical attack may be an in vivo mechanism for IgG denaturation.
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Immunoglobulin G from rheumatoid patients is denatured around the hinge region. This has been proposed as an explanation for the presence of circulating autoantibodies to IgG in these patients. It has previously been suggested that oxygen radicals (OR) derived from activated polymorphs may play a role in denaturation in vivo. Using sera from rheumatoid patients and age-matched controls in a modified ELISA technique, we have investigated the potential for polyclonal rheumatoid factors (RF) to bind to OR denatured IgG. Three model systems were used to generate OR in vitro: (a) purified PMN s activated by the cell surface stimulant PMA, (b) radiolysis of IgG in solution to generate specifically the superoxide radical and, in a separate system, the hydroxyl radical, (OH.), (c) purified myeloperoxide in the presence of H2O2 and halide ions. Results: 1. The binding of both IgA and IgM RF s to PMN denatured IgG increased dose dependently for seropositive sera only. 2. The OH. radical but not the superoxide radical significantly increased the binding of IgA and M RF, again only for seropositive sera. 3. The myeloperoxidase enzyme system did not increase RF binding. 4. IgG incubated with elastase was not found to be a better antigen than native IgG. These results indicate that IgG is denatured by OR released from activated PMN, thereby producing an antigen for polyclonal RF s.
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This study was aimed at determining whether the protein crosslinking enzymes, transglutaminases, had the potential to be used as tanning agents, using native bovine hide and purified soluble rat tail collagen as real and model substrates, respectively. We demonstrate that transglutaminases (TGs) were capable of covalently crosslinking collagen molecules together such that on average every collagen molecule contained at least one epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine crosslink. However, transglutaminase-mediated crosslinking did not affect the denaturation temperature of either native bovine hide or soluble rat tail collagens when used in isolation or together with other proteins and bifunctional diamines as crosslinking facilitators. In an initial study into the effect of TG-mediated crosslinking on the tensile strength of chrome-tanned bovine hide, such crosslinking led to a 30 per cent decrease in tensile strength. Despite a change in the gel melting point mediated by epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine crosslinking, the use of transglutaminases as alternative tanning agents seems unlikely given the present data.
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This study is concerned with the analysis of tear proteins, paying particular attention to the state of the tears (e.g. non-stimulated, reflex, closed), created during sampling, and to assess their interactions with hydrogel contact lenses. The work has involved the use of a variety of biochemical and immunological analytical techniques for the measurement of proteins, (a), in tears, (b), on the contact lens, and (c), in the eluate of extracted lenses. Although a diverse range of tear components may contribute to contact lens spoilation, proteins were of particular interest in this study because of their theoretical potential for producing immunological reactions. Although normal host proteins in their natural state are generally not treated as dangerous or non-self, those which undergo denaturation or suffer a conformational change may provoke an excessive and unnecessary immune response. A novel on-lens cell based assay has been developed and exploited in order to study the role of the ubiquitous cell adhesion glycoprotein, vitronectin, in tears and contact lens wear under various parameters. Vitronectin, whose levels are known to increase in the closed eye environment and shown here to increase during contact lens wear, is an important immunoregulatory protein and may be a prominent marker of inflammatory activity. Immunodiffusion assays were developed and optimised for use in tear analysis, and in a series of subsequent studies used for example in the measurement of albumin, lactoferrin, IgA and IgG. The immunodiffusion assays were then applied in the estimation of the closed eye environment; an environment which has been described as sustaining a state of sub-clinical inflammation. The role and presence of a lesser understood and investigated protein, kininogen, was also estimated, in particular, in relation to contact lens wear. Difficulties arise when attempting to extract proteins from the contact lens in order to examine the individual nature of the proteins involved. These problems were partly alleviated with the use of the on-lens cell assay and a UV spectrophotometry assay, which can analyse the lens surface and bulk respectively, the latter yielding only total protein values. Various lens extraction methods were investigated to remove protein from the lens and the most efficient was employed in the analysis of lens extracts. Counter immunoelectrophoresis, an immunodiffusion assay, was then applied to the analysis of albumin, lactoferrin, IgA and IgG in the resultant eluates.
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Biochemical changes brought about by the influence of the contact lens on the tear film are conveniently split into two categories. Firstly, the lens can remove or reduce the levels of specific components in the tear film, and secondly, the lens can augment the tear film, by stimulating the influx of new components or increasing the level of existing components. The most obvious tear film components for study in this context are lipids, proteins, mucins and electrolytes. The interactions are affected by the properties of the lens, the characteristics of the individual wearer and the wear schedule. An additional complicating factor is the fact that the lens is many times thicker than the tear film and any immobilised tear components will be more extensively exposed to oxygen and UV radiation than is the case in the absence of a lens. It is arguably the lipoidal components that are most markedly affected by lens wear, since their immobilisation on the lens surface markedly increases their susceptibility to autoxidative degradation. The limited information that is available highlights the importance of subject specificity and suggests that lipid oxidation phenomena are potentially important in contributing to the 'end of day' discomfort of symptomatic contact lens patients. It is clear that tear lipids, although regarded as relatively inert for many years, are now seen as a reactive and potentially important family of compounds in the search for understanding of contact lens-induced discomfort. The influence of the lens on tear proteins shows the greatest range of complexity. Deposition and denaturation can stimulate immune response, lower molecular weight proteins can be extensively absorbed into the lens matrix and the lens can stimulate cascade or upregulation processes leading either to the generation of additional proteins and peptides or an increase in concentration of existing components. Added to this is the stimulating influence of the lens on vascular leakage leading to the influx of plasma proteins such as albumin. The evidence from studies of mucin expression in tears is not consistent and conclusive. This is in part because sample sources, lens materials and methods of analysis vary considerably, and in some cases the study population numbers are low. Expression levels show mucin and material specificity but clear patterns of behaviour are elusive. The electrolyte composition of tears is significantly different from that of other body fluids. Sodium and potassium dominate but potassium ion concentrations in tears are much higher than in serum levels. Calcium and magnesium concentrations in tears are lower than in serum but closer to interstitial fluids. The contact lens provides the potential for increased osmolarity through enhanced evaporation and differential electrolyte concentrations between the anterior and posterior tear films. Since the changes in ocular biochemistry consequent upon contact lens wear are known to be subject-dependent - as indeed is wearer response to the lens - pre-characterisation of individual participant tear chemistry in clinical studies would enhance understanding of these complex effects. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
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Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive soil saprophytic bacterium that is capable of causing fatal infection in humans. The main virulence regulator PrfA, a member of the Crp/FNR family of transcriptional regulators, activates the expression of essential proteins required for host cell invasion and cell-to-cell spread. The mechanism of PrfA activation and the identity of its small molecule coactivator have remained a mystery for more than 20 years, but it is hypothesized that PrfA shares mechanistic similarity to the E. coli cAMP binding protein, Crp. Crp activates gene expression by binding cAMP, increasing the DNA binding affinity of the protein and causing a significant DNA bend that facilitates RNA polymerase binding and downstream gene activation. Our data suggests PrfA activates virulence protein expression through a mechanism distinct from the canonical Crp activation mechanism that involves a combination of cysteine residue reduction and glutathione (GSH) binding.
Listeria lacking glutathione synthase (ΔgshF) is avirulent in mice; however virulence is rescued when the bacterium expresses the constitutively active PrfA mutant G145S. Interestingly, Listeria expressing a PrfA mutant in which its four cysteines are mutated to alanine (Quad PrfA), demonstrate a 30-fold decrease in virulence. The Quad and ΔgshF double mutant strains are avirulent. DNA-binding affinity, measured through fluorescence polarization assays, indicate reduction of the cysteine side chains is sufficient to allow PrfA to binds its physiological promoters Phly and PactA with low nanomolar affinity. Oxidized PrfA binds the promoters poorly.
Unexpectedly, Quad also binds promoter DNA with nanomolar affinity, suggesting that the cysteines play a role in transcription efficiency in addition to DNA binding. Both PrfA and Quad bind GSH at physiologically relevant and comparable affinities, however GSH did not affect DNA binding in either case. Thermal denaturation assays suggest that Quad and wild-type PrfA differ structurally upon binding GSH, which supports the in vivo difference in infection between the regulator and its mutant.
Structures of PrfA in complex with cognate DNA, determined through X-ray crystallography, further support the disparity between PrfA and Crp activation mechanisms as two structures of reduced PrfA bound to Phly (PrfA-Phly30 and PrfA-Phly24) suggest the DNA adopts a less bent DNA conformation when compared to Crp-cAMP- DNA. The structure of Quad-Phly30 confirms the DNA-binding data as the protein-DNA complex adopts the same overall conformation as PrfA-Phly.
From these results, we hypothesize a two-step activation mechanism wherein PrfA, oxidized upon cell entry and unable to bind DNA, is reduced upon its intracellular release and binds DNA, causing a slight bend in the promoter and small increase in transcription of PrfA-regulated genes. The structures of PrfA-Phly30 and PrfA-Phly24 likely visualize this intermediate complex. Increasing concentrations of GSH shift the protein to a (PrfA-GSH)-DNA complex which is fully active transcriptionally and is hypothesized to resemble closely the transcriptionally active structure of the cAMP-(Crp)-DNA complex. Thermal denaturation results suggest Quad PrfA is deficient in this second step, which explains the decrease in virulence and implicates the cysteine residues as critical for transcription efficiency. Further structural and biochemical studies are on-going to clarify this mechanism of activation.
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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)
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Groundnut cake (GNC) meal is an important source of dietary protein for domestic animals with a cost advantage over the conventional animal protein sources used in aquaculture feed production. It would be useful to evaluate the effects of GNC processing methods on the density and nutritional values of processed GNC meals. The use of processed GNC meals in the diets of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings was evaluated. Seven iso-proteic and iso-caloric diets were formulated, replacing fish meal with roasted and boiled GNC meals, each at three inclusion levels of 30%, 35%, and 40%. Diet I is 100% fishmeal, Diet II is 30% roasted GNC meal, Diet III is 35% roasted GNC meal, Diet IV is 40% roasted GNC meal, Diet V is 30% boiled GNC meal, Diet VI is 35% boiled GNC meal and Diet VII is 40% boiled GNC meal. Results showed that the crude protein content of GNC meals was 40.5% and 40.8% in boiled and roasted GNC meals respectively; the lower protein content for processed GNC meals might be due to heat denaturation of the seed protein, with boiled GNC meal being more adversely affected. The mean weight gain of fingerlings fed roasted GNC meals ranged between 5.29 – 5.64 while for boiled GNC meals, it was between 4.60 – 5.22. Generally, fish performed better when fed diets containing roasted GNC meals, than boiled GNC meals, and compared favorably with fish fed fish meal based diet. Body mass increase, total feed increase, protein efficiency ratio and specific growth rate by C. gariepinus fingerlings in all diets, showed no significant differences, suggesting that processed GNC meals could partially replace diets for C. gariepinus fingerlings without adverse consequences. This study showed that processed GNC meals could partially replace fish meal up to 30% without significantly influencing fingerling growth and health. It is recommended that the use of fish meal as the main basal ingredient for fingerlings could be discontinued, since GNC meal was a cheaper alternative, and could replace fish meal up to 35%, without any significant adverse effects on the fingerling performance. KEYWORDS: Clarias gariepinus, Fingerlings, Groundnut cake meal, Nutrient utilization, Performance.
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1. RNA was isolated from crude nuclear preparations and from ribosomes derived from rat brain and liver. Nuclear RNA was obtained by lysis of the nuclei with sodium dodecyl sulphate, followed by denaturation and removal of DNA and protein with hot phenol. 2. Base composition analyses indicated that the cerebral nuclear RNA preparation contained a higher proportion of non-ribosomal RNA than the analogous hepatic preparation. 3. Sucrose-density-gradient analyses revealed a heterogeneous profile for each nuclear RNA preparation, with two major peaks possessing the sedimentation properties of ribosomal RNA (18s and 28s). 4. Template activities of both preparations were widely distributed through the sucrose density gradients. 5. The cerebral nuclear RNA preparation was more active than the hepatic nuclear RNA preparation in promoting amino acid incorporation in cell-free systems from Escherichia coli and rat brain. 6. Cerebral nuclear RNA stimulated amino acid incorporation in a cerebral ribosomal system even in the presence of an excess of purified E. coli transfer RNA. 7. It is concluded that a significant proportion of cerebral nuclear RNA has the characteristics of messenger RNA.
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Os filmes são produzidos a partir de macromoléculas, que podem ser utilizados como embalagem, como os polissacarídeos, lipídeos e proteínas. As proteínas se destacam dos demais, pois possuem uma estrutura com 20 monômeros diferentes, que confere um amplo potencial de ligações intermoleculares. A incorporação de agentes ativos em filmes é uma alternativa como embalagem, para inibir ou retardar a multiplicação de microrganismos patógenos e deteriorantes em alimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de filmes à base de isolado protéico de anchoita (Engraulis anchoita) – IPA adicionados de ácidos orgânicos. Para tanto, foi elaborado o IPA, pela solubilização alcalina da proteína e precipitação no ponto isoelétrico a partir de carne mecanicamente separada. O IPA foi avaliado quanto a sua composição proximal, aminoacídica e por DSC. A solução formadora dos filmes foi elaborada a partir de IPA, água, glicerol e hidróxido de sódio. As formulações dos filmes foram elaboradas segundo um planejamento fatorial 23 . Foram avaliadas as propriedades físico-químicas de resistência a tração (RT) e elongação (E); espessura, solubilidade e permeabilidade ao vapor de água (PVA); a diferença de cor (∆E*) e opacidade (Y) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) de filmes à base de IPA. Os filmes com diferentes concentrações de ácido sórbico (AS) ou ácido benzóico (AB) foram desenvolvidos a partir da condição cujo as propriedades físico-químicas foram as melhores, sendo comparados aos filmes controles. Estes, foram avaliados quanto a sua atividade antimicrobiana frente aos microrganismos Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus e Salmonella Enteritidis pelo método de difusão em disco, além das propriedades físico-químicas, MEV e FT-IV. Os filmes com maior atividade antimicrobiana e os filmes controle foram aplicados sobre carne bovina, inoculados com os microrganismos inibidos no método de difusão em disco e armazenados a 5°C. Estes, foram avaliados a cada 2 dias durante 12 dias de armazenamento, pela método de contagem em gotas. O IPA apresentou 88,8% de proteína e 53,3% de aminoácidos polares e temperatura de desnaturação de 62,2°C. A espessura, PVA, ∆E* e Y dos filmes não foram afetados pelas variáveis estudadas no experimento. A menor solubilidade e maior RT dos filmes ocorreram em baixa concentração de IPA, glicerol e tratamento térmico, mas a E aumentou com o acréscimo dessas variáveis. As MEV das superfícies dos filmes foram homogêneas, para aqueles com leve tratamento térmico. O aumento da concentração de AS e AB na faixa de 0,50 a 1,50% resultou na diminuição da RT e aumento da E, solubilidade, ∆E* e Y. Houve mudança da organização molecular e interações intermoleculares entre as moléculas de IPA e AB testados pela avaliação do FT-IV. As MEV revelaram microporos em filmes com 1,50% de AS, o que resultou em filmes com menor homogeneidade. A maior atividade antimicrobiana foi verificada nos filmes com 1,50% de AS e AB frente a E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes e S. Enteritidis. Estes filmes foram aplicados sobre carne bovina inoculada com E. coli O157:H7 e L. monocytogenes. Os filmes de AS frente a E. coli O157:H7 e L. monocytogenes apresentaram uma redução de 5 e 4 log UFC.g-1, respectivamente, em relação ao filme controle. O efeito do AB frente a estas bactérias, apresentou uma redução de 6 e 5 log UFC.g-1, ao final do 12° dia de armazenamento, respectivamente. Os filmes elaborados à base de IPA, adicionados de AS ou AB podem ser eficazes contra os patógenos alimentares testados.
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O arroz é o segundo cereal mais produzido no mundo e para que ele seja consumido é necessário o processo de beneficiamento, onde é retirada a casca, e com o polimento, o farelo. O farelo, após a retirada do óleo, é utilizado para alimentação animal, mas como corresponde a 8% do grão, são necessárias novas alternativas para o uso do mesmo, uma vez que contém em torno de 17% de proteína. As proteínas do farelo de arroz são consideradas de alta qualidade, hipoalergênicas e anticancerígenas. Devido ao excesso de fibras presentes no farelo, este não é utilizado diretamente na alimentação humana, podendo ser usado como fonte para a obtenção de extratos, concentrados ou isolados. A obtenção do isolado protéico pode ser por via química, que consiste na extração alcalina ou ácida, seguida de precipitação no ponto isoelétrico ou via enzimática, com o uso de enzimas amilolíticas, hemicelulases e carboidrases para a separação das proteínas. O objetivo deste estudo foi obter um isolado protéico a partir de farelo de arroz visando a inclusão deste em produto de panificação. Foi obtido isolado protéico pelo método químico que foi analisado pelo rendimento protéico, pelas propriedades funcionais, perfil aminoacídico, eletroforese e características térmicas. O isolado foi adicionado em bolos em diferentes concentrações sendo avaliado pelas características tecnológicas e sensoriais. O isolado protéico do farelo de arroz (IPFA) que apresentou maior rendimento protéico foi o obtido pelo método químico, com o farelo de granulometria de 42 mesh e desengordurado. Em relação às propriedades funcionais, foi verificado que o IPFA possui maior solubilidade e capacidade de retenção de água em pH 11, alta capacidade emulsificante e alta capacidade de formação de espuma. No aminograma, constatou-se que os aminoácidos encontrados no IPFA atendem as necessidades de bebês e crianças. No perfil eletroforético, o IPFA apresentou 3 grupos de proteínas. Na análise térmica com DSC, o IPFA apresentou alta temperatura de desnaturação e baixo valor de entalpia. Na elaboração dos bolos, à medida que foi adicionado o IPFA, aumentou o teor protéico, o pH e o volume específico e diminuiu o colapso, a luminosidade e a firmeza dos bolos. Na análise sensorial, os bolos com IPFA não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas do bolo controle (sem IPFA). Estes resultados indicam a potencialidade do IPFA em produtos de panificação.