Ultrasound Techniques for Plant Protein Extraction
Plant protein extraction faces significant technical hurdles in yield and purity. Traditional methods achieve protein yields of 40-60%, with considerable variation in functional properties. Recent ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) studies demonstrate yields exceeding 90% for specific proteins, while maintaining their native structure and bioactivity.
The fundamental challenge lies in optimizing ultrasonic parameters—frequency, power, and duration—to maximize protein extraction while preventing molecular degradation that could compromise functionality.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including pulsed ultrasound applications, combined cavitation techniques, cryogenic extraction systems, and precision-controlled UAE processes. These and other approaches focus on scaling laboratory success to industrial implementation while maintaining protein quality and extraction efficiency across different plant sources.
1. Controlled Freeze-Thaw Process for Selective Soluble Protein Removal from Plant Extracts
AIST, 2025
A method for selectively removing soluble proteins from plant-derived extracts through a controlled freezing-thawing process that targets specific plant-derived proteins. The process involves freezing the plant extract, followed by rapid thawing to solubilize the proteins, and then separating the solubilized proteins from the non-soluble components. This selective precipitation method enables efficient purification of proteins like RuBisCO, which are commonly present in plant extracts but difficult to separate through conventional methods.
2. Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Using Plant Saps as Solvents for Compound Isolation from Biological Materials
ARBORETUM INGREDIENTS, 2024
Ultrasound-assisted extraction of compounds from biological materials using plant saps as natural solvents. The method employs plant sap as a solvent in ultrasound-assisted extraction, achieving improved extraction yields compared to conventional water-based extraction methods. Plant saps, such as birch sap, are used as natural solvents to solubilize and facilitate the extraction of compounds from biological materials. The method involves contacting biological material with plant sap in the presence of ultrasound, followed by solid-liquid separation, recovery, and concentration of the extracted compound. The process can be optimized by adjusting parameters like solvent temperature, contact duration, and ultrasound frequency.
3. Vegetable Protein Modification via High-Intensity Ultrasound for Altered Structural Properties
CURTIN UNIVERSITY, 2024
Modifying vegetable proteins like faba and pea protein to improve their processability and functionality for use in food applications. The modification involves treating the vegetable protein solutions with high-intensity ultrasound waves to unfold the protein structure. This reduces the thermal stability of the modified protein compared to the unmodified protein. The modified vegetable protein can then be collected and used in food products. The reduced thermal stability allows better intermolecular crosslinking and gel formation.
4. Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction System with Micro-Jet Cavitation and Turbidimeter-Controlled Parameters for Producing Aqueous Plant Macerates
AVIGNON UNIV, 2021
Aqueous plant macerates produced through a novel ultrasonic-assisted extraction process that enables faster, more controlled, and energy-efficient extraction of bioactive compounds from plant substrates. The process utilizes a combination of mechanical agitation and ultrasound to create micro-jet cavitation effects that enhance water penetration into plant tissues, thereby increasing extraction efficiency. The system incorporates a controlled turbidimeter to monitor liquid clarity and automatically adjusts extraction parameters, while a mechanical drying device further optimizes final product quality. The process enables the production of liquid aqueous vegetable macerates containing a wide range of bioactive compounds, including hydrophilic compounds, through a single-step extraction process.
5. Ultrasonic Extraction Method for Free Amino Acids with Variable Control Parameters
TONGREN UNIVERSITY, 2019
Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of free amino acids from herbs like yang and lotus, particularly for positive charge amino acids. The process involves precise control of factors like material-to-liquid ratio, ultrasonic power, and temperature to optimize extraction yields of free amino acids. The optimized conditions yield a free amino acid extraction rate of 4.52% from yang and lotus, with a specific extraction rate of positive charge amino acids.
6. Method for Walnut Protein Extraction Using Pulsed Ultrasound and Alkali Treatment
JIANGSU UNIVERSITY, 2019
A method for extracting high-quality walnut protein from walnut meal using pulsed ultrasound in combination with alkali. The process involves optimizing ultrasound treatment parameters to enhance protein extraction efficiency while maintaining protein quality. The method specifically targets the protein-rich by-product of walnut oil extraction, where conventional methods often result in low extraction yields and poor protein quality. By applying pulsed ultrasound with optimized parameters, the method achieves a significant increase in protein yield and content, enabling the recovery of valuable walnut protein from waste materials.
7. Cryogenic Extraction Device with Ultrasonic Wave Generator and Variable Flow Path Control
DR OXFORD BIOTECH FACTORY CO LTD, 2018
Vacuum ultrasonic wave breaking cryogenic extraction device for enhanced plant extraction efficiency. The device achieves this through controlled ultrasonic wave generation and manipulation in a cryogenic environment, specifically through the use of a temperature-controlled sensor and ultrasonic wave generator. The device comprises a cryogenic extraction tank with a top-empty pot, receiving space, and lid, an ultrasonic wave generator with a column shape and fixed oscillator, and an ultrasonic wave transmission system. The device incorporates a gas extraction pipe, extract liquid outflow pipe, and valve for controlling the extraction flow path.
8. Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction System with Combined Cavitation and Conventional Techniques for Multi-Component Isolation
UNIV FEDERAL DO ESPIRITO SANTO UFES, 2018
A system for efficient extraction of organic and inorganic compounds from complex samples using ultrasound technology. The system employs a novel approach combining ultrasound cavitation with conventional extraction techniques to achieve high extraction efficiency and minimal equipment requirements. The system's design enables simultaneous extraction of multiple components in a single apparatus, with the ability to operate at both low and high frequencies, and a compact configuration suitable for laboratory and industrial applications.
9. Ultrasound-Assisted Solvent-Free Extraction Method for Functional Compounds from Brown Algae
한국식품연구원, KOREA FOOD RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2017
A novel extraction method for functional food ingredients like brown algae extract that eliminates the need for organic solvents. The method employs ultrasound to enhance the extraction of functional compounds without compromising their biological activity. The process involves using ultrasound to break down cell membranes and solubilize the extract, followed by conventional purification steps. The extracted extract retains its bioactivity, including anti-inflammatory effects, while maintaining its natural composition.
10. Ultrasonic-Assisted Sequential Extraction Method for Sunflower Seed Oil, Procyanidin, and Protein
CHONGQING HONGQIAN AGRICULTURAL DEV CO LTD, 2017
A method for efficient extraction of sunflower seed protein using ultrasonic technology. The process involves sequentially extracting sunflower seed oil, procyanidin, and protein from the same batch of sunflower seeds, achieving a combined extraction rate of over 90%. The method improves upon conventional extraction methods by utilizing a single extraction step that addresses multiple valuable components simultaneously.
11. Ultrasonic Cavitation Method for Protein Extraction from Sunflower Meal Using Sodium Chloride Solution
???????????? ??????????? ???????? ??????????, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF FOOD TECHNOLOGIES, ???????????? ??????????? ??????? ??????????, 2015
A method for extracting proteins from sunflower meal using ultrasonic cavitation to enhance protein yield and purity. The process involves sonic treatment of sunflower meal in a solution of sodium chloride with ultrasonic cavitation, followed by centrifugal separation of protein-containing solids. The sonic treatment introduces mechanical energy that enhances protein extraction through mechanical disruption of particles, while the ultrasonic cavitation enhances the solubilization of proteins in the solution. The method achieves higher protein extraction efficiency compared to conventional methods, particularly when using alkaline solutions, by leveraging the synergistic effects of mechanical and acoustic energy.
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