CHARACTERIZATION OF ENZYMATIC SUNFLOWER PROTEIN HYDROLYSATES

Sunflower meal (SFM) proteins are denatured during the process of oil extraction, which greatly limits their functional and nutritional properties. Protein hydrolysates were prepared from defatted undehulled SFM by enzymatic hydrolysis using Kerase-a microbial neutral protease-as hydrolytic agent. The resulting protein hydrolysates contained 78.9-84.8% protein and were highly soluble over a wide pH range (2-10). Their chemical composition, molecular weight distribution, and biological protein quality (protein efficiency ratio) were also studied. The properties of the resulting hydrolysates make them potentially useful in the food industry for dietetic purposes or as special food ingredients.