Title
Structure, composition and functional properties of storage proteins extracted from bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) landraces
Author
Abimbola K. Arise, Ifeanyi D. Nwachukwu, Rotimi E. Aluko & Eric O. Amonsou
Year
2017
Journal
International Journal of Food Science and Technology 2017
Abstract
Bambara groundnut is a protein-rich traditional legume. In this study, storage proteins were isolated from
three bambara landraces. Bambara protein revealed four major protein bands: one broad band at
55 kDa, two medium bands at 62 kDa and 80 kDa and a high molecular weight (HMW) protein at
141 kDa. The vicilin (7S) subunits with molecular weight of 55 kDa and 62 kDa were major fractions in
bambara storage proteins. Bambara proteins showed two endothermic peaks ranging from 64 to 69 °C
and 76 to 90 °C, respectively. Bambara protein isolates had well-defined tertiary and secondary structures,
respectively, at pH 3.0, and this well-defined structure decreased slightly at higher pH values. The isolates
revealed a strong secondary structure dominated by a-helical conformation. Foaming capacities of bambara proteins were dependent on pH with maximum percentage FC observed at pH 3.0, while the emulsion activity increased with increasing pH for all the isolates. Vicilin (7S) fraction seems to be the major
storage protein fraction of bambara. Bambara proteins could serve as excellent ingredients for the formulation of food foams and emulsions.
Instrument
FP-6300
Keywords
Bambara groundnut, circular dichroism, landrace, protein isolate, solubility, thermal properties.