Optimization of Enzymatic Protein Extraction Conditions and Identification of Microalgae Proteins

The aim of this research work is to optimize the extraction conditions of Scenedesmus Obliquus algae protein by enzymatic and alkaline methods using response surface technique and to investigate the extracted protein’s functional properties. Optimization of enzymatic protein extraction using Minitab software with central composite response surface methodolog was designed for enzyme to substrate ratio factors and enzyme’s effective time (cellulose enzymes and multi-enzymes under optimum pH conditions) followed by optimization of the best treatment for the maximum extraction efficiency in the shortest time and finally the extracted proteins were identified by electrophoresis. The results showed that, the higher the enzyme concentration, the higher the extraction rate and the protein extraction efficiency, therefore with an increase in the concentration from 4 to 6 μl/ml, the efficiency of the extraction is increased from 15.28 to 27.87 percent using multienzyme, and it increased from 16.88 to 21.42 percent using cellulase. The optimum conditions calculated at the highest concentration and lowest response time were 4 μg / ml for 2.34 hours. The results obtained from the chemical extraction of samples indicated that, the extraction efficiency was calculated as 19.13 percent. The results of electrophoresis analysis showed that the proteins extracted from this microalga contained 8 protein bands with molecular weight ranging from 20 to 110 kDa. Enzymatic extraction of proteins indicated a better yield as compared to chemical extraction and also considering the economical aspects this method of extraction is suggested.