RESUMO
ABSTRACT: Rice bran is a by-product of the rice milling process, found worldwide in abundance and highlighted due its protein content. This study optimized the conditions for ultrasonic-assisted extraction of protein from defatted rice bran (DRB) and characterized the rice bran protein concentrate (RBPC). A sequential strategy of experimental design was employed; the effect of pH, temperature, ultrasound exposure time, and amplitude were evaluated regarding the percentage of protein extraction by a Full factorial design (FFD) with a fixed frequencies (FFD-A: 37 kHz; FFD-B: 80 kHz). Subsequently, the percentage of protein extracted was optimized employing a Central composite rotatable design (variables: pH and ultrasound exposure time) and RBPC obtained was characterized regarding chemical and functional properties. The pH and ultrasound exposure time had positive effect (P ≤ 0.05) on percentage of protein extraction; moreover, 37 kHz frequency was more effective in protein extraction. The optimized condition (frequency: 37 kHz; temperature: 30 °C; pH: 10; ultrasound exposure time: 30 min; and amplitude: 100%) allowed 15.07% of protein recovery and the RBPC presented 84.76 g 100 g-1 of protein. Magnesium and copper were the main mineral in RBPC (34.4 and 25.5 µg g-1, respectively), while leucine was the limiting amino acid (0.42) and threonine presented the highest chemical score (1.0). The RBPC solubility was minimal at pH 4 and higher at pHs 6-10; the water and oil absorption capacity were higher than bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the emulsifying capacity was comparable to BSA, with a suitable stability. It was possible to obtain a higher purity RBPC than described in the literature, due to the optimization in the extraction process steps, with functional properties suitable for application in food products, especially emulsified ones.
RESUMO: O farelo de arroz é um subproduto do processo de moagem do arroz, encontrado em abundância em todo o mundo e destacado devido ao seu teor de proteínas. Este estudo otimizou as condições para a extração assistida por ultrassom da proteína do farelo de arroz desengordurado (DRB) e caracterizou o concentrado de proteína do farelo de arroz (RBPC). Uma estratégia sequencial de desenho experimental foi empregada; o efeito do pH, temperatura, tempo de exposição ao ultrassom e amplitude foram avaliados em relação à porcentagem de extração proteica por um Delineamento Fatorial Completo (FFD) com frequências fixas (FFD -A: 37 kHz; FFD-B: 80 kHz). Posteriormente, a porcentagem de proteína extraída foi otimizada empregando um Planejamento Composto Central (variáveis: pH e tempo de exposição ao ultrassom) e o RBPC obtido foi caracterizado quanto às propriedades químicas e funcionais. O pH e o tempo de exposição ao ultrassom tiveram efeito positivo (P ≤ 0,05) na porcentagem de extração proteica. Além disso, a frequência de 37 kHz foi mais eficaz na extração de proteínas. A condição otimizada (frequência: 37 kHz; temperatura: 30 °C; pH: 10; tempo de exposição ao ultrassom: 30 min; e amplitude: 100%) permitiu 15,07% de recuperação de proteínas e o RBPC apresentou 84,76 g 100 g-1 de proteína. Magnésio e cobre foram os principais minerais da RBPC (34,4 e 25,5 µg g-1, respectivamente), enquanto a leucina foi o aminoácido limitante (0,42) e a treonina apresentou o maior escore químico (1,0). A solubilidade do RBPC foi mínima em pH 4 e superior em pH 6-10; a capacidade de absorção de água e óleo foi maior que a albumina sérica bovina (BSA) e a capacidade de emulsificação foi comparável à BSA, com uma estabilidade adequada. Assim, foi possível obter um RBPC com elevada pureza, maior do que o descrito na literatura, devido à otimização nas etapas do processo de extração, com propriedades funcionais adequadas para aplicação em produtos alimentícios, principalmente emulsificados.
RESUMO
Spirulina platensis is considered an alternative and excellent source of protein [46-63% dry basis (DB)], having protein levels comparable to meat and soybeans. Thus, it can be considered an adequate ingredient to supply the necessity of this compound in the food industry. Its carbohydrates (8-14% DB) may also be a useful food ingredient or a potential source of bioenergy. Thus, extracting these compounds from the microalgae biomass will maximize its exploitation. Sonication can completely or partially degrade the microalgal cell wall, providing a useful technique to extract the protein and carbohydrate. This study used a sequential strategy of experimental design (fractional factorial design and central composite rotatable design) to evaluate the protein and carbohydrate extraction from S. platensis defatted biomass using ultrasonic waves and mechanical agitation, under alkaline conditions. The optimal conditions for protein and carbohydrate co-extraction were established by selecting and maximizing the variables that significantly influenced the extraction. The optimized percentages recovery from the extraction process yielded 75.76% protein and 41.52% carbohydrate at 33-40min sonication and 40-55min agitation. The protein fraction may be further concentrated and purified for use in food formulations, and the carbohydrates may be a useful feedstock for bioethanol production.
