Enhancing Protein Recovery from Peanut Meal: High-Voltage Electrical Discharge as an Efficient and Green Pretreatment Method

Efficient and sustainable protein extraction from agro-industrial by-products like peanut meal is crucial for maximizing their potential. This study introduces a novel, environmentally friendly technique known as High-Voltage Electrical Discharge (HVED) for protein extraction from peanut meal. Given the increasing demand for sustainable plant-based proteins, and with peanut meal being a significant global resource, green extraction methods are essential to minimize environmental impact. This study marks the first application of HVED for peanut meal protein extraction, offering a better alternative to other conventional methods. This method utilizes high-voltage electrical discharges to disrupt cell structures and liberate proteins without harsh chemicals or high temperatures. HVED pretreatment is followed by alkaline extraction (AE). This study optimizes AE parameters, such as pH and solid-to-solvent ratios, to enhance protein extraction efficiency and, compares the fluorescence properties of proteins extracted via AE only and with HVED pretreatment. Results showed that optimal conditions at pH 11 and a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:25 produced the best protein extraction, with HVED pretreatment yielding a higher protein concentration than AE. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a bathochromic shift in both AE and HVED-treated samples, likely due to the alkaline medium. These findings highlight HVED's potential as an efficient and sustainable pretreatment method for protein extraction, promoting environmentally friendly processes.