Hydration Properties
General conformation of individual proteins in solution is largely dependent on the interaction with water. The progressive hydration of proteins starting from the dry state, the sequential steps is postulated:
Many functional properties of protein preparations are related to this progressive hydration. Water absorption (water uptake, affinity or binding), swelling, wettability, water holding capacity (water retention) and also cohesion and adhesion are related to the Ist four steps, whereas dispersibility and viscosity (or thickening power) involves 5th step also. Final state of protein, either soluble or insoluble (partially or totally) is also related to important functional properties, such as solubility or instant solubility (in which all five steps take place rapidly). Gelation implies 'the formation of well-hydrated insoluble mass with specific protein-protein interactions'.