Extraction, composition, and functional properties of dried alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) leaf protein

Alfalfa is considered a potential feedstock for biofuels; co-products with value-added uses would enhance process viability. This work evaluated dried alfalfa leaves for protein production and describes the functional properties of the protein.

Dried alfalfa leaves contained 260 g kg^-1 dry basis (DB) crude protein, with albumins being the major fraction (260 g kg^-1 of total protein). Alkali solubilization for 2 h at 50 °C, acid precipitation, dialysis, and freeze-drying produced a protein concentrate (600 g kg^-1 DB crude protein). Alfalfa leaf protein concentrate showed moderate solubility (maximum 500 g kg^-1 soluble protein from pH 5.5 to 10), excellent emulsifying properties (activity 158-219 m²  g^-1 protein, stability 17-49 min) and minimal loss of solubility during heating at pH ≥ 7.0.

It is technically feasible to extract protein with desirable emulsifying and heat stability properties from dried alfalfa leaves; however, the dried form may not be a practical starting material for protein production, given the difficulty of achieving high yields and high-purity protein product. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.