Abstract
The increased demand for protein sources combined with a decrease in the available land and water resources have led to a growing interest in macroalgae as alternative protein sources. This review focuses on strategies for macroalgae protein extraction, enrichment and characterization. To date, the protein extraction methods applied to algae include enzymatic hydrolysis, physical processes and chemical extraction. Novel methods, such as pulsed electric field, microwave-assisted, pressurized liquid and supercritical fluid extractions, and the application of smart solvents are discussed. An overview of the use of membranes and other processes to generate high-value protein concentrates from algae extracts is also presented, as well as some examples of the methods used for their characterization. The potential bioactivities from macroalgae-derived proteins and peptides, including novel glycoproteins and lectins, are briefly reviewed.
Highlights
A “Biorefinery” is defined as a “sustainable and synergetic processing of biomass into marketable food and feed ingredients, products and energy”by the International Energy Agency (IEA) [1]
Since Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) has been mostly used for analytical purposes, the results found in the literature focus on the reduction of extraction times rather than on its effects on parameters such as protein functionality [80]
Given the current interest in sustainable protein sources, macroalgae have been identified as promising alternatives due to their protein quality and bioactivities
Summary
A “Biorefinery” is defined as a “sustainable and synergetic processing of biomass into marketable food and feed ingredients, products (chemicals and materials) and energy”by the International Energy Agency (IEA) [1]. Different strategies can be integrated to maximize the extraction of valuable components, with subsequent use of the remaining fractions as raw materials for further processing in a cascading approach, while minimizing waste streams. This concept applied to macroalgae adds value to these bioresources and contributes to sustainable development. It is crucial to choose the best available technologies for an efficient sequential separation of valuable seaweed fractions, in particular of seaweed proteins. This review records the available technologies for extraction and enrichment of macroalgal proteins, as well as the methods for their characterization
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