Effects of glycation reactions on the structure and immunological properties of sesame proteins

Summary Sesame has been included in the top eight food allergens, and therefore reduction of sesame allergen potency is of great practical significance. Glycation reactions are extensively researched for their role in regulating the allergic properties of food allergens due to their distinct benefits. This study involved the glycation of sesame proteins with three different reducing sugars to generate reaction products. The structure of the reaction products was characterized by the use of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. The impact of glycation on the allergenic properties of sesame proteins was explored by in vitro simulated digestion tests combined with immunological techniques. The study results indicated that all three reducing sugars underwent glycation with sesame proteins, with D‐ribose showing the most significant level of glycation. During the glycation reaction of sesame proteins in this study, the proteins underwent precipitation as well as structural changes, leading to reduced immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding capacity. Glycation alters the digestive stability of sesame proteins and further reduces the ability to bind to IgG. Overall, glycation modification shows promise in decreasing the allergenicity of sesame.