Emerging Solvent Extraction Technologies for Plant Protein Extraction: Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction;Deep Eutectic Solvent;Subcritical Water Extraction

Abstract

The plant protein market has been booming for several years now; consumers are increasingly looking for alternative sources to animal protein. Nowadays, plant protein concentrates/isolates are mainly produced by the alkaline extraction-isoelectric precipitation process. This process has a high productivity but is not so environmentally friendly due to the generation of a large volume of effluent following the isoelectric precipitation of the proteins. Under some conditions, the functional properties of the extracted proteins can also be negatively impacted. However, some innovative solvent extraction technologies for plant protein extraction (Aqueous two-phase extraction; Deep eutectic solvent; Subcritical water extraction) are emerging and they have high potential to preserve the functional properties of the extracted proteins. Aqueous two-phase extraction, deep eutectic solvent, and subcritical water extraction are also considered green extraction technologies. In this chapter, the basic principles of each technology, as well as their impact on protein extraction and functionality will be presented.