Characteristics of rice dreg protein isolate treated by high-pressure microfluidization with and without proteolysis

The characteristics of rice dreg protein isolate (RDPI) treated by microfluidization (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 MPa) with or without proteolysis were investigated. Alcalase, Neutrase, and the combination of the two (Alcalcase:Neutrase = 1:1 [w/w]) were adopted for hydrolysis. The surface hydrophobicity and solubility of RDPI were increased. As pressure increased, different structures of RDPI exhibited disaggregation (<120 MPa) and reaggregation (160 MPa), and the effect on proteolysis was significant. The solubility of Neutrase and combined enzyme hydrolysates was improved after microfluidization. Additionally, the optimum choice of microfluidization (40 MPa) and Neutrase was efficient for improving the DPPH radical scavenging activity. The results indicate that both pressure level and enzyme type synergistically determine the functionality and antioxidant activities of products. This work may provide an alternative methodology for improving the utilization of RDPI in the food industry through desirable modifications.