Extraction, composition, and functional properties of dried alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) leaf protein.

• Autores: Mila P Hojilla-Evangelista, Gordon Selling, Ronald Hatfield, Matthew Digman
• Localización: Journal of the science of food and agriculture, ISSN 0022-5142, Vol. 97, Nº 3, 2017, págs. 882-888
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Alfalfa is considered a potential feedstock for biofuels; co-products with value-added uses would enhance process viability. This work evaluated dried alfalfa leaves for protein production and describes the functional properties of the protein.; Results: Dried alfalfa leaves contained 260 g kg-1 dry basis (DB) crude protein, with albumins being the major fraction (260 g kg-1 of total protein). Alkali solubilization for 2 h at 50 °C, acid precipitation, dialysis, and freeze-drying produced a protein concentrate (600 g kg-1 DB crude protein). Alfalfa leaf protein concentrate showed moderate solubility (maximum 500 g kg-1 soluble protein from pH 5.5 to 10), excellent emulsifying properties (activity 158-219 m2  g-1 protein, stability 17-49 min) and minimal loss of solubility during heating at pH ≥ 7.0.; Conclusions: It is technically feasible to extract protein with desirable emulsifying and heat stability properties from dried alfalfa leaves; however, the dried form may not be a practical starting material for protein production, given the difficulty of achieving high yields and high-purity protein product. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.