ABSTRACT
Essential proteinogenic branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), particularly leucine (Leu) have been investigated for their role in enhancing human myofibrillar protein synthesis and biomedical research on tumor models. However, only a few protein sources in our current food system have high enough BCAA or Leu coefficients (% of total amino acids) to be considered as supplements for food, sport, or biomedical research. Mostly dairy-sourced proteins such as casein and whey or rarely plant source such as maize gluten are typically regarded as the gold standards. This study hypothesized that protein isolates derived from the whole-body homogenate (including the chitinous exoskeleton) of procambarid crayfish might exhibit unusually high BCAA and Leu content. The study provides open-access data on the amino acid compositions of two procambarid crayfish (Procambarus virginalis and P. clarkii), as well as a comparison with casein. The mentioned crayfish species could offer 6.36-7.39 g Leu 100 g-1 dry matter (at 43-48% protein only). Crayfish whole-body protein isolates exhibit a Leu coefficient (18.41±2.51% of total amino acids) and a BCAA coefficient (28.76±2.39% of total amino acids), which is comparable to or higher than of casein (Leu coefficient 8.65±0.08%; BCAA coefficient 20.03±0.73%). However, it is important to interpret these results with caution, due to the challenges associated with leucine and isoleucine separation, as well as potential interactions within the sample matrices. Hence, international validation of these findings is recommended. NOVELTY STATEMENT: Protein isolates from whole-body homogenate (including chitinous exoskeleton) of P. virginalis and/or P. clarkii are hypothesized to be dense in BCAA and Leu. For potential use in biomedical research or as additives in supplements for BCAA and Leu.