Abstract: Milk β-lactoglobulin, the major protein in whey protein, possesses a unique molecular structure that provides binding sites for many ligands, endowing it with versatile functional properties including gelation, emulsification, and foaming. Hence, it has a broad application prospect. This paper first introduces the molecular structure, ligand binding sites, gelation, emulsification, and foaming properties of β-lactoglobulin. Then, it discusses the effect of several main processing methods including heat treatment, high-pressure processing, pulsed electric field treatment, and ultraviolet radiation induction on the properties of β-lactoglobulin. Finally, it elucidates the application of β-lactoglobulin in food processing, nanomaterials and basic research, aiming to provide a theoretical and scientific reference for promoting the industrial application of β-lactoglobulin in the food industry and other related industries.

Key words: milk β-lactoglobulin; molecular structure; functional properties; processing methods

摘要： 牛乳β-乳球蛋白作为乳清蛋白中的主要蛋白质，其特殊的分子结构可为许多配体提供结合位点，也使其具有凝胶性、乳化性和起泡性等多种功能特性，应用前景广阔。本文综述β-乳球蛋白的分子结构、与配体间的结合位点，以及凝胶性、乳化性和起泡性三大功能特性；重点介绍现有主要加工方式，包括热处理、高压加工、脉冲电场处理和紫外辐射诱导；阐述β-乳球蛋白在食品加工、纳米材料及基础研究中的应用，以期为推进牛乳β-乳球蛋白的工业化应用提供科学参考和理论依据。

关键词: 牛乳β-乳球蛋白；分子结构；功能特性；加工方式