LAUSR

The present work characterized the effects of pre-treatments on the protein profile and microstructure of granule fractions from egg yolk. The granule microstructure was studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The protein profiles of the pre-treated granule and the corresponding plasma fraction were studied using 2D gel electrophoresis techniques. Further, we explored the potential for using high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) to promote disintegration of the granule structure. The CLSM micrographs provided evidence of the substantial disintegration of granules due to HHP (600MPa/5min). Results from high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated high concentrations of folate in the plasma fractions (230µg/g dry matter) separated from the HHP-treated granule. Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed the localization of phosvitin in the plasma fraction, which correlated with higher folate concentrations. The results demonstrate that phosvitin and folate were stable under the HHP conditions applied in this study. These findings provide evidence of a putative interaction between phosvitin and folate, and offer an improved model for the structure of granule.