Abstract
Jerusalem artichoke (JA) is widely known to have inulin-rich tubers. However, its fresh aerial biomass produces significant levels of leaf protein and economic bioactive phytochemicals. We have characterized leaf protein concentrate (JAPC) isolated from green biomass of three Jerusalem artichoke clones, Alba, Fuseau, and Kalevala, and its nutritional value for the human diet or animal feeding. The JAPC yield varied from 28.6 to 31.2 g DM kg−1 green biomass with an average total protein content of 33.3% on a dry mass basis. The qualitative analysis of the phytochemical composition of JAPC was performed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-Orbitrap/mass spectrometry analysis (UHPLC-ESI-ORBITRAP-MS/MS). Fifty-three phytochemicals were successfully identified in JAPC. In addition to the phenolic acids (especially mono- and di-hydroxycinnamic acid esters of quinic acids) several medically important hydroxylated methoxyflavones, i.e., dimethoxy-tetrahydroxyflavone, dihydroxy-methoxyflavone, hymenoxin, and nevadensin, were detected in the JAPC for the first time. Liquiritigenin, an estrogenic-like flavanone, was measured in the JAPC as well as butein and kukulkanin B, as chalcones. The results also showed high contents of the essential amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; 66-68%) in JAPC. Linolenic acid represented 39–43% of the total lipid content; moreover, the ratio between ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids in the JAPC was ~0.6:1. Comparing the JA clones, no major differences in phytochemicals, fatty acid, or amino acid compositions were observed. This paper confirms the economic and nutritional value of JAPC as it is not only an alternative plant protein source but also as a good source of biological valuable phytochemicals.
Highlights
The global protein demand continuously grows as the world population exponentially increases.In Europe, the increasing protein dependency obtained from soybean has triggered an Plants 2020, 9, 889; doi:10.3390/plants9070889 www.mdpi.com/journal/plantsPlants 2020, 9, 889 urgent need for alternative production systems
The average total protein content of the Jerusalem leaf protein concentrate (JAPC) produced from Alba, Fuseau, and Kalevala was 33.4 m/m%; In addition to polyphenols, three different terpenes consistently appeared in the JAPC of the Jerusalem artichoke (JA) clones
We found a ratio of ~0.6:1 for omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids in JAPC, which is very favorable and close to Paleolithic nutrition levels
Summary
The global protein demand continuously grows as the world population exponentially increases.In Europe, the increasing protein dependency obtained from soybean has triggered an Plants 2020, 9, 889; doi:10.3390/plants9070889 www.mdpi.com/journal/plantsPlants 2020, 9, 889 urgent need for alternative production systems. Grown green biomass crops represent an alternative protein source. Due to high green biomass yield and regrown capacity, clover, alfalfa, and grasses are the most common and prospective plant species for leaf protein isolate. Green biorefinery is a complex processing system with a dedicated goal of making a commercially viable production system of added-value protein based on green biomass [2]. Separating fresh green biomass into two fractions is a key step in the green biorefinery. Recovered protein concentrate is separated from brown juice fraction by filtration. The quality of leaf protein concentrate as a main product is very important. Based on extended qualitative and quantitative analysis, alfalfa leaf protein concentrate can be directed towards feed and/or food [3,4]. Besides the well-known herbaceous species, a range of agro-industrial crops is constantly expanding, which can be utilized in the green biorefinery [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
