α-Lactalbumin hydrolysate spontaneously produces disk-shaped nanoparticles

alpha-Lactalbumin (alpha-La) was subjected to hydrolysis by the Staphylococcus aureus Glu-C V8 protease under a range of Ca2+/alpha-La molar ratios. Disk-like nanostructures with regular shape and size were visualized by atomic force microscopy, indicating an ordered self-assembly of peptides. As far as we know this is the first report about the formation of nanodisks by partial hydrolysis of alpha-La. Protein nanodisks have recently been reported as a promising tool for the delivery of sensitive substances to the surroundings. This provides a potential application of these structures for the transport and delivery of nutraceuticals. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.