Influence of pH Shift on Functional Properties of Protein Isolated of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Muscles and of Soy Protein Isolate

The physicofunctional and chemical properties of acid-aided protein isolate (AcPi), alkaline-aided protein isolate (AlPi) and soy protein isolate (SPI) prepared from tilapia muscle and defatted soy flour as a function of pH and/or NaCl concentration were investigated. Both acid- and alkali-aided processes lead to significant recoveries (P<0.05) of proteins with substantial reduction of lipids in AlPi (0.81%) and AcPi (0.96%), the lowest for SPI (0.336%) facilitated by the processing method and sample used. There is greater lipid reduction at alkali pH, effective removal of impurities such as bones and scales, indicated by percentage ash (AcPi, 4.53%; AlPi, 3.75% and SPI, 3.51%). No major difference noted in sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protein bands (14.4-97.4 kDa) possibly representing partial hydrolysis of myosin. Solubility was the highest at pH 3.0 and 11.0 and the lowest at isoelectric point with foam capacity showing similarity at varying pH. The addition of NaCl improved foam stability, possibly due to the increased solubility and surface activity of the soluble protein. On the whole, AcPi, AlPi and SPI manifested lower solubility and foamability at pH 4.0 and 5.0. AlPi exhibited appreciable levels of solubility, emulsion capacity, oil-holding capacity, viscosity and whiteness, whereas SPI had appreciable water-holding capacity. AcPi, AlPi and SPI have excellent relevance for product development based on their functionality.