Protein extraction from oat: Isoelectric precipitation and water-based extraction

Solange M.L. Ha*, Wouter J.C. de Bruijn*, Gijs J.C. Vreeke*, Marieke E. Bruins*, Maaike Nieuwland*, Atze Jan van der Goot*, Julia K. Keppler*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Protein extraction by alkaline extraction-isoelectric precipitation (AE-IEP) uses alkaline conditions that contribute to off-colour formation, through auto-oxidation of inherent phenolic compounds. We aimed to develop an alternative protein extraction process yielding comparable protein content to AE-IEP while avoiding alkaline conditions. It was hypothesised that a water-based extraction (WBE) of oats would yield lightly coloured native proteins. Protein contents and yields were determined using a newly established nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor of 5.12, based on the amino acid composition. WBE led to a comparable protein content to AE-IEP (69.5 % vs 70.1 % dry matter (DM)), but a 2.5 times lower yield (0.27 g/g protein DM). SDS-PAGE and quantitative proteomics revealed a protein composition of 60 % globulins and 40 % prolamins in both concentrates. A similar protein nativity was observed using differential scanning calorimetry. The WBE yielded in a lighter-coloured protein powder. The low protein yield of water-based extraction is currently a limitation for industrial applications. Nevertheless, this simple process can be used as a pre-treatment for AE-IEP to produce a more neutral-coloured powder. This study expands the knowledge on protein extraction from oats by comparing novel extraction methods with classic AE-IEP and establishing the nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor for oats.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100591
Number of pages10
JournalFuture Foods
Volume11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2025

Keywords

  • Nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor
  • Oat protein composition
  • Off-colour formation
  • Plant protein extraction
  • Protein modification

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