Abstract:

The foam fractionation of mulberry leaf protein was optimized by response surface methodology. The selection
and optimization of Experiment factors affecting separation efficiency and their levels were carried out using combination
of one-factor-at-a-time method, Box-Behnken factorial design and regression analysis. Based on the response surface and
contour plots established with protein recovery and enrichment ratio as the response values, the optimum conditions for
the separation of mulberry leaf protein were found to be dilution factor of 40, pH 5.5, ionic strength of 0.18 mol/kg, and
separation temperature of 25 ℃. Under these conditions, the experimental values of protein recovery and enrichment ratio
were 92.50% and 7.63, respectively. In conclusion, foam fractionation can provide a new method for protein separation from
mulberry leaves.

Key words: foam fractionation, mulberry leaf protein, response surface methodology, recovery, enrichment ratio