Gelation of globular proteins

Abstract

Globular proteins form gels as a result of aggregation to form strands followed by interaction of the strands to form the gel mesh. An approximate (pore size, concentration) relationship can be predicted from selected models of the aggregation process, which is consistent with that determined from electron micrographs of gels. A limited random aggregation may plausibly lead to gelation, and the mode of aggregation is the main quantitative factor determining concentration requirements.