Enzymatic protein extraction from sunflower processing products

The effect of enzyme preparations on crude protein content in sunflower meal processing products was determined. The aim of the study was to increase the level of crude protein in the products of enzymatic hydrolysis. The objects of the study were a fraction of sunflower meal obtained by mechanical fractionation, containing 43.87% crude protein. The prepara-tions Cellolux, Distizyme, Viscozyme, and Ultraflo were used for enzymatic hydrolysis. Enzymatic protein extraction from plant raw materials is based on the cleavage of the cell walls of the raw materials by cellulolytic enzymes. It is known that the predominant components of sunflower meal fiber are cellulose and hemicellulose. Therefore, enzyme preparations with cellulase and hemicellulase activity are selected for hydrolysis. To optimize the hydrolysis conditions, the crude pro-tein content is compared when exposed to these preparations in dosages of 1%, 2%, and 4% by weight of the sample. An increase in the content of dry substances and crude protein in hydrolysis products was shown, in particular, a protein con-tent of 49.86% was achieved during hydrolysis with Cellolux. A consistent increase in dosages of Distizyme, Viscozyme and Ultraflo preparations led to an increase in protein levels in hydrolysis products. At a concentration of 4% of the Ultra-flo preparation, the maximum level of crude protein was reached. It was 58.14%, that is, 14% higher than in the original sample. From the data obtained, we demonstrated the possibility to obtain protein products based on sunflower meal by enzymatic hydrolysis. The results of the study can be used to obtain protein preparations from plant raw materials. These preparations can be used in the food industry, in particular to increase the protein content in flour products.