Define the Viscosity of Protein?
Viscosity reflects resistance to flow. The main single factor influencing the viscosity behavior of protein fluids is the apparent diameter of the dispersed molecule, which is dependent on the following parameters:
a. Intrinsic character of protein molecule (molar mass, size, volume, structure and asymmetry, electric charges and ease of deformation), environmental factors such as pH, ionic strength and temperature, can modify these characteristics through unfolding;
b. Protein solvent interaction which influence swelling, solubility and hydrodynamic sphere surrounding the molecule, and
c. Protein-protein interactions which determine the aggregates. Protein ingredients are generally used at a high concentration at which protein-protein interactions predominate.