Journal of Environmental Biology

Enzyme-assisted protein extraction from Sargassum muticum using response surface methodology

P. Niharika¹, P.P. Mahendran¹*, P.M. Sundaram², J. Prabhaharan³, A. Gurusamy³, K. Chandrakumar⁴, T.A. Naziba⁴ M. Prasanthrajan⁵, and M.M.R.A. Firnass⁶     

¹Department of Soils & Environment, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai 625 104, India

²Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai – 625 104, India

³Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104, India

⁴Department of Renewable Energy and Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Coimbatore-641 003, India

⁵Department of Environmental Sciences, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore-641 003, India

⁶Department of Soils Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore–641 003, India

Received: 12 June 2025                   Revised: 26 August 2025                   Accepted: 25 September 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : ppmsoil96@tnau.ac.in                  *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0244-0504

Abstract

Aim: Sargassum muticum, a brown seaweed is emerging as a sustainable protein source for agriculture, aquaculture and food industry. This study aimed to enhance the efficacy of protein extraction through enzymatic extraction approach.

Methodology: An enzymatic extraction was performed using the input parameters such as enzyme-to-substrate (E/S) ratio (0.10–0.50), incubation time (4–8 hrs) and temperature (45–60^oC). They were optimized using a Box-Behnken design-based Response Surface Methodology to achieve the maximum protein content.

Results: The results revealed that enzymatic extraction under E/S=0.50, 6 hrs, 52.5°C resulted in a maximum protein and phenol content of 141.3 mg g^-1, 35.5 mg GAE g^-1, respectively. The model validated through ANOVA showed a strong agreement between experimental and predicted values, with high R², adjusted R², predicted R² and F-values confirming the model’s significance.

Interpretation: These findings emphasize the potential of response surface methodology as an effective tool for optimizing conditions to maximize protein extraction from Sargassum muticum. The resulting protein-rich extracts could serve as promising biostimulants for the agroindustry, enhancing crop productivity and nutritional security.

Key words: Biostimulant, Cellulase, Marine protein, Optimization, Seaweed extract

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