Abstract:Whey protein is an important raw material in dairy processing. To improve the functional properties and digestive behavior of whey protein, a combination of Alcalase (Ala) and Trypsin (Try) was selected in this study for hydrolytic modification under different composite enzyme mass ratios (Alc:Try at 1:1, 1:2, 2:1) and hydrolysis times (60 min, 90 min, 120 min). The results showed that the secondary and tertiary structures of whey protein were altered after hydrolysis with the composite enzyme. Under the condition of a composite enzyme mass ratio (Alc:Try) of 2:1 and a hydrolysis time of 120 min, the degree of hydrolysis of whey protein reached 28.83%. Under this condition, the solubility of whey protein was increased to 99.85% and foaming capacity was improved to 58.33%. With the same enzyme ratio, the emulsifying activity index showed an upward trend as hydrolysis time increased, while the emulsifying stability index reached its highest value of 99.55% at 60 min of hydrolysis. The thermal denaturation temperature of whey protein was elevated from 78.37°C to 83.72°C, and water-holding capacity reached its optimum level (91.50%). Furthermore, hydrolysis under different composite enzyme conditions effectively promoted the complete degradation of major allergens in whey protein, namely bovine serum albumin and immunoglobulin, during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, indicating potential for reducing the allergenicity of whey protein. Thus, composite enzyme hydrolysis is demonstrated to be an efficient modification strategy, providing a theoretical basis for developing high?functionality whey protein products.