Abstract:

The major allergenic protein components in Litopenaeus vannamei were determined by Western blotting. Either trypsin, papain or bromelain was used to hydrolyze water-soluble proteins from Litopenaeus vannamei for the elimination of allergens. ELISA and general immunity experiments in allergic guinea pigs were used to evaluate the elimination of allergens. The optimum hydrolysis conditions for achieving a maximum elimination of allergens were also determined. The results showed that the major allergens in Litopenaeus vannamei were found to have molecular weights of 99, 33, 19 kD and 14 kD, respectively. The optimal conditions for trypsin hydrolysis were as follows: pH 8.0, hydrolysis temperature 45 ℃, enzyme-to-substrate ratio 1: 100, protein concentration 3 g/100 mL and hydrolysis time 3 h; those for papain digestion were pH 6.5, hydrolysis temperature 60 ℃, enzyme-to-substrate ratio 1:100, protein concentration 3 g/100 mL and hydrolysis time of 3 h; and pH of 7.5, hydrolysis temperature of 55 ℃, enzyme-substrate ratio of 1:100, protein concentration of 5 g/100 mL and hydrolysis time of 3 h were found optimum for bromelain hydrolysis. The hydrolysates derived from trypsin and papain hydrolysis were safer for allergic guinea pigs.

Key words: Litopenaeus vannamei, allergen elimination, hydrolysis, ELISA