The binding capacity of bovine beta-lactoglobulin variant A (beta-Lg A) for six peptides derived from beta-Lg was evaluated using an ultrafiltration method under the following conditions: pH 6.8, 40 degrees C, and a beta-Lg A/peptide molar ratio of 1:5. Only peptides beta-Lg f 102-105, f 142-148, and f69-83 bound in significant amounts to beta-Lg A corresponding to 1.5, 1.1, and 0.7 mol of peptide per mole of beta-Lg A, respectively. The interaction between fl-Lg A and the antihypertensive peptide beta-Lg fl42-148 was investigated further by isothermal titration calorimetry. The binding isotherms at pH 6.8 and 25 degrees C confirmed that beta-Lg f142-148 bound to P-Lg A and that the interaction followed a sequential three-site binding model with constants of association of 2 x 10(3), 1 X 10(3), and 0.4 x 10(3) M-1 for the first, second, and third binding sites, respectively. The enthalpy of binding was exothermic for the first and second binding sites and endothermic for the third binding site. Binding of the peptide to all three sites was spontaneous as shown by the negative free energy values. These results show for the first time that beta-Lg A can bind bioactive peptides. This potential could be exploited to transport bioactive peptides and protect them in the gastrointestinal tract following their oral administration as nutraceuticals.