Abstract: Alcalase was used for the aqueous enzymatic extraction of protein from filbert kernel. Based on one-factor-at-a-time experiments, response surface methodology was used to optimize process conditions for maximizing total protein extraction efficiency. The optimal extraction conditions were determined as follows: enzyme dosage 2.0%, hydrolysis temperature 55 ℃, hydrolysis time 2.5 h, material/liquid ratio 1:5, and hydrolysis pH of 8.9. The results of F tests showed that the process conditions could be ranked in decreasing order of contribution rate as follows: enzyme amount, hydrolysis temperature, material/liquid ratio, pH, and hydrolysis time.

Key words: aqueous enzymatic extraction, alcalase, filbert protein, response surface methodology