Enzyme-assisted extraction and characterization of protein from red seaweed Palmaria palmata

This investigation aimed at protein extraction from red seaweed Palmaria palmata, by application of an optimized enzyme-assisted extraction consisting of an aqueous/enzymatic treatment followed by alkaline extraction. Accordingly, the protein extraction efficiency of four enzymes was evaluated including Celluclast® 1.5 L, Shearzyme® 500 L, Alcalase® 2.4 L FG and Viscozyme® L at 0.0, 0.2 and 0.4% (w/w), at different pHs and temperatures. The protein content of the raw material and the fractions from the extraction were analyzed by using the Dumas method and multiplying with the nitrogen to protein factor 5.0. The results showed that the enzyme combinations containing Alcalase® and either Celluclast® or Shearzyme® achieved the highest (>90%) protein extraction efficiencies (p