title: Viscoelastic phase separation of protein solutions.
abstract: In addition to the known behavior of normal phase separation and gelation, we report novel phase-separation behavior of protein solutions as their intermediate case. A network structure of the protein-rich phase may be formed even if it is the minority phase, contrary to the conventional wisdom. This behavior is characteristic of viscoelastic phase separation found in polymer solutions. This kinetic pathway may play crucial roles in the complex phase ordering of protein solutions, in particular, protein network formation in biological systems and foods.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Hajime
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Yuya
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nishikawa
mesh_terms: D004548:Elasticity; D007700:Kinetics; D009113:Muramidase / Q000737:chemistry*; D012996:Solutions; D055672:Static Electricity; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D012996:Solutions; D009113:Muramidase