2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Vitamin C Binding to β-Lactoglobulin

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Owen McDougal and Mia Toronto

Abstract

Nutrient-dense supplements have become increasingly popular among consumers, as they are looking for products that deliver high-quality protein, like whey protein, and micronutrients, like vitamin C. The supplement industry has grown to US$ 67.09 billion with 8% predicted growth until 2034(Polaris Market Research). In this research project, the binding of vitamin C, a sought-after micronutrient, to β-lactoglobulin (50% of whey proteins) was examined. We analyzed the particle size distribution and zeta-potential of vitamin C mixed with β-lactoglobulin (B-LG) at pH 7. The binding of vitamin C to B-LG led to an increase in size and zeta-potential. In order to gain a better understanding of how this occurs, molecular docking simulations of vitamin C and B-LG binding were performed with AutoDock. Two major binding cavities on B-LG were identified, with Isoleucine, Leucine, Alanine, and Proline as the major interactive residues with vitamin C. Overall, this shows where vitamin C binds to B-LG to increase the size and zeta-potential. These results may have an impact on how supplement manufacturers choose to formulate their products and how consumers experience the sensory aspect of the product.

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