Evaluation of the physicochemical and functional properties and, microstructure of protein isolates from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

The present study was conducted with the aim of protein isolate production from the muscle of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and investigation of the effect of extraction pH on different properties of isolated protein. Proteins were produced by pH-shift method in two treatments including dissolution in alkaline pH (11.5), and acidic pH (3), and then evaluated in terms of nutritional value, functional properties, and structural changes. According to the results, the yield of protein production was significantly higher in alkaline conditions than in acidic conditions. The evaluation of emulsifying and foaming capacity and water absorption capacity showed that the protein obtained from alkaline pH was better than acidic treatment. Also, the extracted proteins contained all essential amino acids within the recommended limit for daily consumption of adults. The evaluation of color indices showed that the protein obtained from acidic pH had a brighter and whiter color than alkaline pH. The images obtained from the scanning electron microscope and the FTIR spectra of samples showed that the pH-shift method did not lead to extensive destruction of the protein structure and both protein isolates had all the absorption peaks related to the main bonds of the proteins structure. In general, it can be concluded that the pH-shift method is an efficient method for extracting high quality protein from grass carp tissue, and different alkaline and acidic conditions lead to the production of proteins with different characteristics that can be used based on the application that is intended for the final product.