Preparation and characterization of a novel porous whey protein concentrate/pullulan gel induced by heating for Cu2+ absorption

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and pullulan (PUL) were used to prepare a hydrogel (WPC/PUL) as a novel Cu2+ adsorbent. The scanning electron microscopy, rheology, zeta-potential, sulfhydryl groups, surface hydrophobicity, infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis measurements were used to characterize WPC/PUL. The results showed the mechanism of gel formation may depend on the combination of electrostatic interaction, disulfide...