Enzymatic aqueous technology for simultaneous coconut protein and oil extraction

In this study, the following commercial enzymes were evaluated in the enzymatic extraction of oil and protein from coconut: Celluclast, Termamyl, Viscozyme, Neutrase y Protease. Preliminary experiments were carried out for selection of enzymes, enzyme concentration and incubation time. In order to verify the effects of pH and water/substrate ratio, a response surface methodology was applied based in a 32 full factorial experimental design. The pH is the most meaningful parameter on oil and protein extraction yields, with a significance level higher than 90%. The maximal extraction yields of oil and protein emulsion (83%) was reached using Viscozyme L and subsequently Neutrase 1.5 MG at concentrations of 0.6% (w/w) and 0.3% (w/w), respectively, total incubation time of 60 minutes, substrate/water ratio 1:6 and pH around 7 (no adjustment).