Enhanced alkaline extraction techniques for isolating and modifying plant-based proteins

The global demand for plant-based proteins is rising due to environmental, sustainability, animal welfare, and human health concerns associated with animal proteins produced by the livestock industry. The most common method for isolating proteins from plant materials is alkaline extraction, however, this method is often not efficient and may damage some proteins. Several innovative processing technologies have been explored to enhance the efficiency of protein extraction, including sonication, microwaving, enzymes, and high-pressure homogenization. These methods typically promote cell wall disruption due to the generation of intense mechanical forces or through physicochemical mechanisms, which enhances extraction. In this review, the potential utilization of enhanced alkaline extraction methods for isolating plant-based proteins and their impact on functional modification of protein alone or in combination with other innovative technologies are evaluated. The research findings clearly indicate that a combination of novel methods is more effective for the recovery and functional modification of plant proteins. The use of this cell disruption approach is more efficient for protein extraction due to its less time and energy consumption Therefore, exploring the combination of alkaline treatments with other innovative technologies could be a promising area of investigation to address the major challenges faced by the food processing industry in terms of maximizing the value of their protein resources.