Effect of Detoxification on Conformational and Functional Properties ofJatropha curcasProteins

The effects of detoxification process on conformational and functional properties of Jatropha curcas proteins were investigated. The molecular fractions and structure of proteins were affected more easily by the detoxification process. Compared with the proteins in Jatropha curcas meal, the detoxification process decreased the thermal stability and led to an increase in the surface hydrophobicity with a decrease in the contents of sulfhydryl and disulfide bond of proteins in detoxified Jatropha curcas meal. These conformational sand compositional changes in proteins influenced by the detoxification process, contributed to the relatively good changes in functional properties of detoxified Jatropha curcas meal, such as solubility, water and fat holding capacities, emulsifying properties, and foaming properties. Therefore, the detoxification treatment was not only a promising way to detoxify, but also an effective means to improve the functional properties of detoxified Jatropha curcas meal.