Response surface methodology for protein extraction optimization of red pepper seed (Capsicum frutescens)

Response surface methodology was used to determine optimum conditions for extraction of protein from red pepper seed meal. A central composite design including independent variables such as temperature (30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 °C), pH (7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5 and 9.0), extraction time (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min) and solvent/meal ratio (10:1, 15:1, 20:1, 25:1 and 30:1 v/w) was used. Selected response (dependent variable) which evaluates the extraction process was protein yield and the second-order model obtained for protein yield revealed coefficient of determination of 96.7%. Protein yield was primarily affected by pH and solvent/meal ratio. Maximum yield was obtained when temperature, pH, mixing time and solvent/meal ratio were 31 °C, 8.8, 20 min, 21:1 (v/w), respectively. These conditions resulted in protein yield of 12.24 g of soluble protein from extract/100 g defatted red pepper seed flour. The adequacy of the model was confirmed by extracting the protein under optimum values given by the model. These results help in designing the process of optimal protein extraction from red pepper seeds.