Interactions of Cloud Proteins, Pectins and Pectinesterases in Flocculation of Citrus Cloud
Authors: Shomer Ilan , Wicker Louise , Merin Uzi , Kerr William L. 
Published: December 2021

The overall objective was to understand the cloud flocculation of citrus juice by characterization of the interactions between proteins and pectins, and to determine the role of PE isozymes in catalyzing this phenomenon. Specific objectives were to: 1. identify/characterize cloud-proteins in relation to their coagulable properties and affinity to pectins; 2. to determine structural changes of PME and other proteins induced by cation/pectin interactions; 3. localize cloud proteins, PME and bound protein/pectates in unheated and pasteurized juices; 4. to create "sensitized" pectins and determine their effect on clarification. The original objectives were not changed but the methods and approach were modified due to specific research requirements. Two i postulates were: 1. there is a specific interaction of cloud proteins with de-esterified regions of ! pectin and this contributes to cloud loss; 2. isozymes of pectin-methyl-esterase (PME) vary in efficiency to create sensitized pectins. The appearance of citrus fruit juice is an important quality factor and is determined by the color and turbidity that .are conferred by the suspended particles, i.e., by the cloud and its homogeneity. Under some circumstances the cloud tend to flocculate and the juice clarifies. The accepted approach to explain the clarification is based on pectin demethoxylation by PME that promotes formation of Ca-pectate. Therefore, the juice includes immediate heat-inactivation upon ~ squeezing. Protein coagulation also promotes cloud instability of citrus fruit extracts. However, the clarification mechanism is not fully understood. Information accumulated from several laboratories indicates that clarification is a more complex process than can be explained by a single mechanism. The increasing trend to consume natural-fresh juice emphasizing the importance of the knowledge to assure homogeneity of fresh juice. The research included complementary directions: Conditions that induce cloud-instability of natural- juice [IL]. Evaluate purification schemes of protein [USA]. Identifications of proteins, pectin and neutral sugars ([IL]; Structure of the cloud components using light and electron microscopy and immuno-labeling of PME, high-methoxyl-pectin (HMP) and low-methoxyl-pectin (LMP); Molecular weight of calcium sensitized pectins [US]; Evaluation of the products of PME activity [US]. Fractions and size distribution and cloud components [IL-US]. The optimal pH activity of PME is 7 and the flocculation pH of the cloud is 3-4. Thus, the c roles of PME, proteins and pectins in the cloud instability, were studied in pH ranges of 2- 7. The experiments led to establish firstly repeatable simulate conditions for cloud instability [IL]. Thermostable PME (TS-PE) known to induce cloud instability, but also thermolabile forms of PME (TL-PE) caused clarification, most likely due to the formation and dissolution of inactive :. PE-pectin complexes and displacement of a protective colloid from the cloud surface [US]. Furthermore, elimination of non-PME protein increases TS-PE activity, indicating that non-PME proteins moderate PME activity [US]. Other experiments Concomitantly with the study of the PME activity but promotes the association of cloud-proteins to pectin. Adjusting of the juice pH to f 7 retains the cloud stability and re-adjusting of the pH to 40% DE reacts to immuno-labeling in the cloud fragments, whereas