Advances in the plant protein extraction: Mechanism and recommendations

Adequate nourishment and sustenance of human body rely on the intake and absorption of sufficient dietary nutrients. Proteins derived from plant source are recently gaining popularity due to its increased popularity among vegetarian diet. Moreover, the negative impact of animal protein production on the environment and awareness to produce protein through sustainable means are gaining pace. Plant proteins are mainly serve the purpose of providing good health/nutrition and is recommended in various disease conditions, including heart diseases, diabetes, obesity and cancer. This review aims to delineate the recent developments on the extraction of protein from plant sources using conventional (solvent and alkali-based) and advanced green extraction technologies viz. biochemical extraction (single and concoction of enzymes), and physical extraction (ultrasound-, pulse electric field-, microwave- and high pressure-assisted extraction). It is evident from the findings that novel cell disruptive techniques are proven to be more efficient with respect to protein recovery and posing minimal environmental pollution. Utilizing efficient, cost effective, and eco-friendly techniques for protein extraction can help to decipher the key challenges faced by food processing industries.