Characterization of bovine serum albumin hydrolysates prepared by subcritical water processing

The impact of subcritical water processing (SWP), in a temperature range of 240-300 degrees C, on the formation of hydrolysates from bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated in this study. SDS-PAGE analysis of the samples treated at all temperatures did not reveal any bands. Yield, as evaluated by the Kjeldahl and Biuret methods, varied and decreased beyond 280 degrees C (P < 0.05). The molecular mass of the hydrolysates was highly affected by temperature, with the formation of a new low molecular weight peak, as revealed by gel permeation chromatography. SWP at 280 degrees C caused the greatest release of free amino groups, as shown by the TNBS assay (P < 0.05). Regardless of the type of amino acids, the maximum amount was obtained at 280 degrees C. At this temperature, the generation of alanine and glycine was relatively high. The optimization of processing parameters may enhance the production of valuable peptides without the need for additional catalysts.