Extraction optimization of watermelon seed protein using response surface methodology

Extraction conditions for maximum protein recovery from watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Cv Sugar baby) seed meal were investigated using response surface methodology. A central composite design with four independent variables: temperature (40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 °C); NaOH concentration (0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12 and 0.15 g/L); extraction time (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min) and solvent/meal ratio (30:1, 40:1, 50:1, 60:1 and 70:1, v/w) was used to study the response variable (protein yield). The experimental values of protein yield ranged between 72.03 and 81.52 g/100 g seed meal. A second-degree equation for independent and response variables was computed and used to create the contour plots graphs. The predicted values obtained for protein yield revealed that coefficient of determination and standard error was 0.80 and 0.906, respectively. Optimum protein extraction was obtained with 0.12 g/L alkali concentration, 15 min extraction time and 70:1 (v/w) solvent/meal ratio at 50 °C. Confirmatory studies revealed that the protein yield under optimum conditions was 80.71 g/100 g seed meal.     

Extraction of lignans, proteins and carbohydrates from flaxseed meal with pressurized low polarity water

This study examined the application of pressurized low polarity water (PLPW) extraction of lignans, proteins and carbohydrates from defatted flaxseed meal. Key processing conditions included temperature (130, 160, 190 °C), solvent pH (4, 6.5 and 9), solvent to solid ratio (90, 150 and 210 mL/g) and introduction of co-packing material (0 and 3 g glass beads). The addition of 3 g glass beads increased the yields for all target compounds. The maximum yield of lignans (21 mg/g meal) was obtained at 170 °C with solvent to solid ratio of 100 mL/g meal at pH 9. Optimal conditions for protein extraction were pH 9, solvent to solid ratio of 210 mL/g meal and 160 °C. Total carbohydrates recovery was maximized at 215 mg/g meal (50% recovery) at pH 4 and 150 °C with solvent to solid ratio of 210 mL/g meal. The increase of temperature accelerated extraction, thus reducing solvent volume and time to reach equilibrium. For the extraction of proteins and carbohydrates, however, a temperature of 130-160 °C is recommended, as proteins and carbohydrates are vulnerable to thermal degradation.     

Effect of extraction conditions on lycopene extractions from tomato processing waste skin using response surface methodology

Skin, rich in lycopene, is an important component of waste originating from tomato paste manufacturing plants. A central composite design with five independent variables, namely solvent/meal ratio (20:1, 30:1, 40:1, 50:1, and 60:1 v/w); number of extractions (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5); temperature (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 °C); particle size (0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35 and 0.43 mm); extraction time (4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 min) was used to study their effects on lycopene extraction. The experimental values of lycopene ranged between 0.639 and 1.98 mg/100 g. The second order model obtained for extracted lycopene revealed a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.99 and a standard error of 0.03. Maximum lycopene (1.98 mg/100 g) was extracted when the solvent/meal ratio, number of extractions, temperature, particle size and extraction time were 30:1 v/w, 4, 50 °C, 0.15 mm and 8 min, respectively.     

Chia seeds: Microstructure, mucilage extraction and hydration

Microstructural features of the chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The study reports the effect of temperature (4-80 °C), pH (4-8) and seed:water ratio (1:20 and 1:40) on extraction of the mucilage of chia seeds and the effect of temperature (20-80 °C), pH (3-9) and ionic strength (0-1%) on hydration of the extracted mucilage. The mucilage was localized in cellular structures in the first three layers of the seed coat and upon full hydration filaments (mucilage fibers) became apparent and conformed to a transparent “capsule” attached to the seed. During extraction, temperature and seed:water ratio were found to have a significant effect on yield. Hydration of the extracted mucilage was significantly increased at high pH values, and was higher when salt concentration decreased, being maximal when the temperature reached values close to 80 °C.     

Optimised methodology for the extraction of protein from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Quinoa is a highly appreciated Andean pseudo‐cereal and has sparked attention worldwide due to its excellent nutritional value. The protein extraction parameters for defatted quinoa seed meal (DQSM) were optimised in this study. Initially, a Plackett–Burman design was applied to screen the factors displaying a potential effect on the quinoa protein extraction yield (Y %, g soluble protein/100 g total protein) being the main evaluated factors: pH, NaCl concentration, time, temperature, solvent type, particle size and solvent/meal ratio. Four main factors: temperature, solvent/meal ratio, pH and time selected from the screening step were optimised with a central composed design (CCD). The obtained response surface model (RSM) produced a satisfactory fitting of the results (R² = 0.9308). Optimal quinoa protein extraction conditions of 36.2 °C, solvent/meal ratio of 19.6/1 (v/w) and 90 min resulted in a protein yield of 62.1% (9.06 g of protein/100 g DQSM) which closely agree with the predicted value of 62.5%.The model was experimentally validated by extracting the quinoa protein using the optimal conditions revealed by RSM. The optimised conditions could be successfully employed in the design process of protein extraction from quinoa seed meal to obtain optimal yields.     

Optimisation of aqueous extraction of gum from durian (Durio zibethinus) seed: A potential, low cost source of hydrocolloid

The main goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extraction conditions on the extraction yield and physicochemical properties of the durian seed gum. The studied aqueous extraction variables were water/seed (W/S) ratio (20:1-60:1, w/w), temperature (25.0-85.0 °C), and pH (4.0-10.0). The results indicated that the aqueous extraction variables exhibited the least significant (p < 0.05) effect on oil-holding capacity (OHC). Conversely, they had the most significant (p < 0.05) effect on the span and extraction yield. The current study revealed that the interaction effect of aqueous extraction variables showed the least significant (p < 0.05) effect on the solubility and OHC of durian seed gum. The optimum extraction condition led to the production of durian seed gum with a relatively high extraction yield (56.4%), solubility (27.9%), volume-weighted mean (98.7 μm), span (3.8), water-holding capacity (WHC) (270.6 g water/100 g gum), and OHC (146.5 g oil/100 g gum).     

Laws of flaxseed mucilage extraction

This study examined the application of few-stages aqueous extraction of mucilage from whole flaxseed. Key processing conditions included temperature (40-100 °C), duration (0-60 min), seed to water ratio (1 to 5-30) and mixer rotational speed (0-240 revolutions per minute). It was found, that mucilage extraction from flaxseed is appropriate to carry out without swelling. The maximum yield of flaxseed mucilage was obtained at 80 ± 2 °C with seed to water ratio of 1 to 25. The equation, which described equilibrium solid yield during the extraction depending on the phases’ ratio and the temperature, was found. The equation of solid yield depending on duration and mixer rotational speed under the temperature of 80 ± 2 °C and the seed to water ratio of 1 to 25 was determined. It was showed, that the use of stirring is not expedient for the intensifying the process. The rational duration of extraction under the selected parameters was 30 ± 1 min. To increase the solid content in the extract the few-stages extraction was applied. The three-stage countercurrent extraction of flaxseed mucilage from whole seeds under the temperature of 80 ± 2 °C, the seed to water ratio of 1 to 25, the duration of each stage of 30 ± 1 min was established to receive flaxseed mucilage extract with content of solids from 0.70 to 0.72%, i.e. to extract from 98.3 to 99.1% of mucilage from flaxseed.     

Nitrogen extractability and functional properties of defatted Erythrina variegata flour

Defatted Erythrina variegata flour was prepared from dehusked seed meal by hexane extraction of residual oil. The resulting flour had 403 g kg⁻¹ of protein as compared to 282 g kg⁻¹ in the whole seed-defatted meal. Nitrogen extractability of the defatted flour in water was not much influenced by the length of extraction period above 40 min, but an increased extraction was observed at a higher liquid to solid ratio up to a studied limit of 1:60; the optimal ratio was found to be 1:30. The minimum of 26.9% nitrogen was extracted in the pH range 3.0–4.0 and maximum of 94.8% at pH 12. Addition of sodium chloride (0.1 or 0.5 M) broadened the pH range of minimum nitrogen extractability and shifted it toward a lower pH region. At both concentrations of sodium chloride, a marked increase in nitrogen extractability, in the pH range 3.0–7.0, was observed. Precipitation of protein from an extract of pH 10.0 was maximum (85.3%) at pH 4.75. A higher buffer capacity of the flour was observed in the acidic medium (0.195 mmol HCl g⁻¹ flour) than in alkaline medium (0.093 mmol NaOH g⁻¹). Water absorption and oil absorption values for the whole E. variegata seed flour and the dehusked, defatted flour were 1.81, 1.43 and 1.02, 1.52 kg kg⁻¹, respectively.     

Production of soy protein isolates with low phytic acid content by membrane technologies: Impact of the extraction and ultrafiltration/diafiltration conditions

The content of the antinutrient, phytic acid, of soy protein was analyzed during their extraction and purification by a series of ultrafiltration and diafiltration steps. The phosphorus content of the extracts was used as an indication of their phytic acid content and their ash content as an indication of their mineral content. The extraction of soy proteins was conducted by using a 2³ factorial experimental design, pH (7.5 or 9), solvent (0.06 M KCl or water), and temperature (25 °C or 50 °C). The most promising extraction conditions were 0.06 M KCl/pH 9.0/25 °C for the lowest phosphorus to protein ratio (12.2 ± 0.1 mg P/g protein) and H₂O/pH 9.0/50 °C for the combination of low phosphorus to protein ratio and the lowest ash content (13.9 ± 1.2 mg P/g protein, 9.6 ± 0.8% w/w ash content). After extraction, soy proteins were purified by sequential ultrafiltration (UF) with a volume concentration ratio (VCR) of 5 and diafiltration (DF) with volume diafiltration ratio (VD) of 4. Extracts were purified with no pH adjustment or with pH adjustment to 6.5 between the UF and the DF steps. The extraction conditions 0.06 M KCl/pH 9.0/25 °C and the purification conditions UF pH 9.0/DF pH 6.5 showed the lowest phosphorus to protein ratio (4.4 ± 0.3 mg P/g protein) and reduced membrane fouling when compared to extraction conditions with water.     

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of pomegranate seed oil – Kinetic modeling

In this work, ultrasound-assisted extraction was employed to extract oil from pomegranate seeds. Seed particle size, extraction temperature, solvent/solid ratio, amplitude level, and pulse duration/pulse interval ratio were the factors investigated with respect to extraction yield using a central composite design. The optimum operating conditions were found to be: seed particle size, 0.2 mm; extraction temperature, 20 ^oC; solvent/solid ratio, 20/1; amplitude level, 60%; pulse duration/pulse interval ratio, 5/15. Under these optimized conditions, the predicted value for extraction yield was 59.8%. A second-order kinetic model was successfully developed for describing the mechanism of ultrasound extraction under different processing parameters.     

Optimization of phenolics and dietary fibre extraction from date seeds

This work was conducted to optimise extraction conditions of phenolics and dietary fibre from date seeds. The effects of solvent to sample ratio, temperature, extraction time, number of extractions and solvent type on phenolic extraction efficiency were studied. At two-stage extraction, each stage 1 h duration at 45 °C with a solvent to sample ratio of 60:1, is considered optimum. Acetone (50%), and butanone were the most efficient solvents for extraction and purification, increasing the yield and phenolic contents of seed concentrate to 18.10 and 36.26 g/100 g, respectively. The total dietary fibre of seeds (57.87 g/100 g) increased after water and acetone extractions to 83.50 and 82.17 g/100 g, respectively. Nine phenolic acids (free and liberated) were detected in seeds with p-hydroxybenzoic (9.89 mg/100 g), protocatechuic (8.84 mg/100 g), and m-coumaric (8.42 mg/100 g) acids found to be among the highest. After extraction and purification, total phenolic acid content increased significantly from 48.64 to 193.83 mg/100 g. Protocatechuic, caffeic and ferulic acids were the major phenolic acids found in the concentrates. Based on this study, we believe date seed concentrates could potentially be an inexpensive source of natural dietary fibre and antioxidants and possibly used as a functional food ingredient.     

Optimization of extraction process of crude polysaccharides from boat-fruited sterculia seeds by response surface methodology

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the extraction of crude polysaccharides from boat-fruited sterculia seeds. A central composite design was used for experimental design and analysis of the results to obtain the optimal extraction conditions. Extraction temperature, pH, extraction time and water to seed ratio were found to have a significant influence on the yield and purity of the extracted crude polysaccharides, while the three other factors except the water to seed ratio also significantly affected the relative viscosity. Based on the RSM analysis, optimum conditions were: temperature 60–65 °C, time 2.3–3.1 h, pH at 7.0 and water to seed ratio at 75:1. Under the optimized conditions, the experimental values were in close agreement with values predicted by the model. The crude polysaccharides prepared under optimum conditions contained 58.2% total carbohydrates (including uronic acids), 20% proteins, 9% moisture and 4.5% ash. The crude polysaccharides consisted of glucose (22.6%), rhamnose (10.0%), arabinose (7.9%), galactose (5.0%), xylose (0.8%) and galacturonic acid (11.8%).     

Subcritical water extraction of flavonol quercetin from onion skin

Subcritical water could be an excellent alternative to organic solvent as a medium for extracting flavonol quercetin, due to its temperature-dependent selectivity, safety, efficiency of recovery, and lower cost. This study investigated the application of subcritical water extraction (SWE) of quercetin from onion skin and evaluated the effect of key operation conditions by varying the temperature (100-190 °C), extraction time (5-30 min), and mixture ratio of onion skin and diatomaceous earth (DE) (0.5:3.5-2:2) under high pressure (90-131 bar). The maximum yield of quercetin (16.29 ± 0.75 mg/g onion skin) was obtained at extraction temperature of 165 °C, extraction time of 15 min, mixture ratio of 1.5:2.5 for onion skin and DE. The SWE was compared with three conventional extraction methods in terms of the efficiency. The quercetin yield by SWE was over eight-, six-, and fourfold greater than those obtained using the ethanol, methanol, and water-at-boiling-point extraction methods, respectively.     

Supercritical CO2 cell breaking extraction of Lycium barbarum seed oil and determination of its chemical composition by HPLC/APCI/MS and antioxidant activity

The extraction parameters for oil extraction from Lycium barbarum seed including extraction pressure, temperature and time were optimized using an orthogonal test design. The optimum conditions for supercritical CO₂ extraction were as follows: extraction pressure, 30 MPa; extraction temperature, 45 °C; dynamic extraction time, 60 min; CO₂ flow, 25 kg/h. The oil yield under the conditions proposed was 19.28 g/100 g. The effect of cell wall breakage pretreatment was investigated by supercritical CO₂ rapid depressurization, and results indicated this pretreatment could result in a rapid and efficient extraction. A sensitive fluorescent reagent 2-(11H-benzo[a]carbazol-11-yl) ethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (BCETS) was utilized as pre-column labeling regent to determine fatty acids (FA) from Lycium barbarum seed oils obtained by different extraction methods. The main FA were: C18:2, C18:1, C16, C20:6, C18:3, and C20. The oil from L. barbarum seed exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl（DPPH）radical scavenging assay and β-carotene bleaching test, and its antioxidant activity compared well with the references ascorbic acid and α- tocopherol.     

Optimization of lentil protein extraction and the influence of process pH on protein structure and functionality

Response surface methodology was used to optimize alkaline extraction of protein from lentil flour to maximize both protein content and yield. Solid/solvent ratio and pH were the significant factors that determined protein extraction efficiency. At the optimized condition of pH 9.0 and solid/solvent ratio of 1:10 (g:mL), a yield of 14.5 g of protein extract/100 g of flour was obtained with a protein content of 82 g/100 g at (22 °C) after 1 h of extraction. The impact of extraction pH on the molecular structures and functionalities of lentil protein was investigated. Increasing the extraction pH to 10 caused partial protein hydrolysis and unfolding as suggested by size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, leading to improved protein solubility and gelling property. Environmental pH influenced protein solubility and surface charge, and subsequently the gelling and foaming properties. The foaming capacity was especially strong, comparable to whey and egg proteins.     

The influence of different acids and pepsin on the extractability of collagen from the skin of Baltic cod (Gadus morhua)

Solutions of (0.5 M) citric, lactic and acetic acids and 0.15 M HCl were used for the extraction of collagen from the whole skins of Baltic cod (Gadus morhua). The extractions were performed at a temperature of 4 °C for 24, 48 and 72 h using a solid/solution ratio of 1:6 (w/v). Of the acids used, HCl was the least effective solvent for collagen. The maximal yield of collagen extracted with citric acid was 60%. Collagen extraction with acetic or lactic acid give a maximal yield of about 90% with HCl yielding of only 18%. After enzymatic treatment of cod skin the yield of protein extracted with HCl and citric acids increased to 40% and 20%, respectively. Collagen was completely solubilized under the same conditions in acetic and lactic acids. Electrophoretic analysis of collagens extracted in HCl and citric acids with enzymatic treatment proved that the isolated protein was denaturated. The solutions of acetic and lactic acids are solvents for native collagen.     

Extraction optimization of a hydrocolloid extract from cress seed (Lepidium sativum) using response surface methodology

Extraction conditions for maximum values of yield, viscosity and minimum protein content of hydrocolloid extract from Lepidium sativum seed were investigated using response surface methodology. A Central Composite Face Design (CCFD) with four independent variables: temperature (25–85 °C); pH (3–10); extraction time (10–25 min) and water to seed ratio (10:1–80:1) was used to study the response variables (yield, viscosity and protein content). Data analysis showed that all the variables significantly (p < 0.05) affected the extraction yield and viscosity, whereas the effect of water to seed ratio on protein content was not significant (p > 0.05). Applying a desirability function method the optimum parameters were: extraction temperature 35 °C, pH 10, water to seed ratio of 30:1 and an extraction time of 15 min. At this optimum point, apparent viscosity, yield and protein content were 0.2 Pa s, 6.46% and 0.57%, respectively. The experimental values were very close to the predicted values and were not statistically different (p > 0.05).     

Influence of heat processing on functional properties of Australian wattle seed (Acacia victoriae Bentham) extracts

Whole wattle (Acacia victoriae Bentham) seed was extracted with water before or after a soaking/heat treatment regime designed to destroy its protease inhibitors. The yield, composition and physical properties of these extracts were measured and they were then subjected to an analysis of their functional properties, which included emulsion and foam formation and stabilization, solubility at different pH values and gelling ability. Processing of soaked wattle seed at 100 °C for 30 s led to a much reduced extract yield and viscosity at both pH 4 and 7, decreased its water-soluble carbohydrate content but increased its protein content, and solubility under alkaline conditions. Processing of wattle seed before extraction also led to increased emulsion droplet size and reduced emulsion stability, the differences being more pronounced in emulsions formed with 20% oil compared with 50% oil-in-water emulsions. Comparatively, the emulsions formed using extract from non-processed wattle seed were very stable at both 20% and 50% oil levels, especially at pH 7 where the enhanced viscosity of the extract predominated. All extracts had very low foaming capacity, and gelation did not occur in any of the samples even at 10% (w/v) extract concentration.     

Isolation of hesperidin from peels of thinned Citrus unshiu fruits by microwave-assisted extraction

Simultaneous extraction by microwave-irradiation and crystallisation were performed in the same pot of solvent of 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol for isolation of hesperidin from thinned immature fruit peels of Citrus unshiu as refining of Citrus waste biomass. The hesperidin content in immature fruits peels was about 3.2-fold higher than that of mature fruit. After microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), the yield of hesperidin reached 58.6 mg/g, which was comparable to the amount obtained after extraction using DMSO:methanol (1:1, v/v) as a solvent for 30 min at room temperature. Heating temperature and time for isolation of hesperidin crystallites were optimised as 140 °C and 8 min by using response surface methodology. Under this optimal condition, 86.8% (47.7 mg/g) of total hesperidin was isolable by MAE and low-temperature storage (5 °C, 24 h).     

Supercritical fluid extraction and microencapsulation of bioactive compounds from red pepper (Capsicum annum L.) by-products

The objective of this work was to obtain and stabilize natural vitamins from red pepper by-products. The method of obtainment was supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, studying different parameters that affect the yield. The highest extraction yield was found at 60 °C, 24 MPa extraction, with no modifier added and 0.2–0.5 mm particle size. The recovered extract was a red-coloured oil. The extract was subsequently microencapsulated by spray-drying using gum arabic as wall material to avoid the degradation of vitamin over the storage time. The thermal stability of microcapsules was analysed by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), while size, shape and morphology of microcapsules were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microcapsules containing pepper extract were particles of spherical shape with dents on the surface, the average size of these particles was 5.46 μm.