DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENTS FOR PROTEIN EXTRACTION FROM PUMPKIN SEED MEAL

Pumpkin seed meal, a by-product of pumpkin seed oil extraction, is recognized for its high protein content. Traditional extraction methods, such as alkaline extraction and acid precipitation, are associated with significant drawbacks, including high chemical consumption, low yield, and equipment corrosion. This study investigates the efficacy of a deep eutectic solvent (DES) system, composed of choline chloride and urea (1:2 molar ratio), for protein extraction from pumpkin seed meal, comparing it with conventional alkaline methods. The optimized conditions included 30% (m/m) water content in the DES, ultrasound treatment for 40 min at 50 °C, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 20 mL g–1. The protein content in the extract reached 66.09 ± 2.82%, demonstrating the potential of DES as a sustainable and efficient alternative. Furthermore, the DES could be recovered and reused, highlighting its environmental and economic benefits. This study confirms the viability of choline chloride-urea DES for protein extraction, offering significant improvements over traditional methods.