A Study on Conditions Affecting the Growth of Wolffia for the Development of Protein Sheets

In this project, researchers will investigate the factors that influence the growth and processing of Wolffia globosa, also known as water meal, into ready-to-eat protein concentrates. This study aims to optimize environmental conditions, such as light intensity and nutrient supplementation, to maximize Wolffia yield and evaluate it as a potential sustainable protein source for future food products. The technique involved the cultivation of Wolffia in controlled conditions. Growth was assessed by using three light intensities (no light, moderate LED light and high-intensity LED lights) and different amounts of fertilizer (0.01–0.5 g per 100 mL of water). We assessed the Wolffia's growth potential by weighing it daily for 7 days and then analyzing the results. The conditions were determined to be optimal. After cultivation, Wolffia harvested in optimal conditions were treated with pectin as a binding agent and dried under controlled temperature to form protein sheets. Measurements of thickness and microscopic structural analysis were employed to evaluate physical quality. Combined with fertilizer supplementation at 0.15 g per 100 mL, high light exposure was found to be responsible for the greatest growth. The proteins that were processed had a standard thickness of 0.826–1.488 mm and displayed ideally balanced viscosity and flexibility. Microscopic analysis confirmed that Wolffia and pectin were a successful combination, although there were some slight variations in sheet consistency. The aim of this study is to demonstrate Wolffia as a promising protein source that has the potential to transform into value-added food items.