Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction and Antioxidant Potential of Valuable Protein from <i>Ulva rigida</i> Macroalgae
Wanida Pan-utai,
Thidarat Pantoa,
Sittiruk Roytrakul,
Jantana Praiboon,
Prapat Kosawatpat,
Montakan Tamtin,
Bussaba Thongdang
Affiliations
Wanida Pan-utai
Department of Applied Microbiology, Institute of Food Research and Product Development, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Thidarat Pantoa
Department of Food Chemistry and Physics, Institute of Food Research and Product Development, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Sittiruk Roytrakul
Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Jantana Praiboon
Department of Fishery Biology, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Prapat Kosawatpat
Phetchaburi Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center, Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Division, Department of Fisheries, Phetchaburi 76100, Thailand
Montakan Tamtin
Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Chantha Buri 22120, Thailand
Bussaba Thongdang
Phetchaburi Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center, Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Division, Department of Fisheries, Phetchaburi 76100, Thailand
Ulva green macroalgae or sea lettuce are rich sources of protein with nutritional benefits that promote health as a future plant-based functional ingredient in the food industry. Alkaline pretreatment improved ultrasonic-assisted protein extraction from Ulva rigida biomass. Parameters affecting ultrasonic-assisted extraction of protein were type of solvent, biomass-solvent ratio, biomass preparation and extraction cycle. In vitro digestibility was evaluated from oven- and freeze-dried biomass. Results showed highest concentration and extraction yield of protein from U. rigida using alkaline rather than acid and distilled water. A high biomass–solvent ratio at 1:10 or 0.1 g mL−1 increased protein extraction. Higher alkaline concentration increased protein extraction. Highest protein extractability was 8.5% dry matter from freeze-dried U. rigida biomass, with highest protein extraction and antioxidant activity from extraction of U. rigida macroalgae at high alkaline concentrations. U. rigida macroalgae oven-dried biomass presented suitable human digestibility. Efficient pretreatment of U. rigida maximized protein hydrolysate and bioactive peptide production for wide-ranging applications.
