Extração de proteínas das folhas de ora-pronóbis (Pereskia aculeata) para desenvolvimento de novos produtos alimentícios

Abstract

Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata) is a non-conventional food plant (PANC) widely distributed in Brazil and recognized for its high nutritional value, especially for the high protein content present in its leaves. Given the growing demand for alternative sources of plant-based proteins and the interest in developing new food ingredients, this work aimed to evaluate and optimize the extraction of proteins from ora-pro-nóbis leaves, aiming to obtain a protein concentrate with potential application in the food industry. Initially, the physicochemical characterization of the fresh leaves was carried out, revealing a high moisture content and significant protein concentration on a dry basis. Subsequently, the leaves were subjected to freeze-drying, grinding, and mucilage removal. Protein extraction was performed by alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation, and the effects of pH, temperature, and extraction time were evaluated using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The results demonstrated that the recovery of proteins from ora-pro-nóbis was efficient, allowing the production of concentrates with protein content between 18.85% and 30.51%. Optimization of the extraction process using DCCR allowed the identification of favorable operating conditions to maximize the percentage of protein in the extract, yield, and protein recovery. Determining the isoelectric point was fundamental for the proper conduct of the precipitation step, contributing to increased process efficiency. The obtained protein concentrate was subjected to freeze-drying and characterized in terms of its physicochemical and functional properties. Thus, the results obtained indicated that ora-pro-nóbis has high potential as an alternative source of vegetable proteins, contributing to the valorization of unconventional food plants (PANCs) and the development of new food products with greater nutritional value and sustainable appeal.