Optimization of protein extraction from green algae Chaetomorpha sp. by response surface methodology

Green brackish algae Chaetomorpha sp. are easily found in shrimp ponds in Mekong Delta, Vietnam. They can also be co-cultured with shrimps in brackish water shrimp ponds to increase shrimp health and yield. Chaetomorpha sp. algae contain high amount of protein from 10 to 20% w/w db, including water soluble protein and alkaline-soluble protein with over 88% total protein. Dried material were used for protein extraction by using cellulase enzyme (Crestone Conc., Genecor) and NaOH solution. In this research, we optimize the extraction condition of protein from green algae Chaetomorpha sp. by using response surface methodology (RSM). At optimal extraction conditions, dried material was used for protein extraction by using cellulase enzyme (Crestone Conc., Genecor) with the enzyme dosage of 121 UI/g db at 400C during 90 mins. After extraction, the slurry was centrifuged to separate the algae biomass residue to extract the alkaline-soluble protein. The protein extraction yield by using cellulase enzyme was 38.921 mg/g db. After that the, algae biomass residue was extracted by a 1.2% NaOH solution for 78 mins at 500C. The protein extraction yield was 68.651 mg/g db. The total protein extraction yield was 105.755 mg/g db. The extraction yield was increased 10.33% when using the response surface methodology. Concentrated algae protein can be used as a good protein source for food and feed products.