Application of response surface methodology for extraction optimization of germinant pumpkin seeds protein

Response surface methodology was employed to study the effect of liquid:solid ratio, NaCl concentration and reaction time on the production of protein from germinant pumpkin seeds. Regression analysis was performed on the data obtained. The most relevant variable was liquid:solid ratio. The coefficient determination (R-2) was good for the second-order model. A liquid:solid ratio of 30.2: 1 (v/w), a NaCl concentration of 4.26% and a reaction time of 18.1 min were found to be optimal for protein extraction from germinant pumpkin seeds. By means of additional experiments, the adequacy of this model is confirmed. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.