Effects of ultrasound-assisted and cellulase-assisted protein extraction from tamarind ( Tamarindus indica L.) kernel powder

Abstract Tamarind kernel powder (TKP) containing 20% protein is a promising alternative protein source, but protein–polysaccharide interactions limit extraction. Protein extraction from TKP was evaluated using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and cellulase-assisted extraction (CAE), applied individually and in combination. CAE produced significantly higher reducing sugar contents than UAE, indicating greater disruption of the polysaccharide matrix. Ultrasonic bath treatment for 20 min (UAE-B20) increased extraction yield from 12.14% in the control to 15.88%, while CAE-0.75/20 increased protein content from 37.56 % in the control to 49.53%. Combined ultrasound- and cellulase-assisted extraction (U&CAE) exhibited a synergistic effect, reducing hydrolysis time threefold, while significantly enhancing protein content and recovery. FTIR analysis confirmed the effectiveness of CAE, either alone or combined with UAE, indicated by stronger amide I and amide II absorption bands. Results demonstrated the potential of combined ultrasound and cellulase treatments for protein extraction from TKP.