Protein extraction from detoxified cassava leaves using various deep eutectic solvents: A sustainable strategy to...

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaves, containing 20-30 % protein and essential amino acids (EAAs), present a promising source of sustainable plant-based protein alternatives. Deep eutectic solvent (DES) offers an eco-friendly, emerging solution for qualitative protein with great functionality, superior to the alkaline extraction-isoelectric precipitation (AE-IP). In this study, the protein extraction from detoxified cassava leaves using eight DESs composed of various HBAs and HBDs. Their physical properties, strong hydrogen bonds, and hydroxyl interactions were most effective for protein extraction. DES-8 (lactic acid: glycerol), emerged as optimal, providing higher protein content and recovery yield 22.16 ± 0.36 mg/g dm and 73.77 ± 1.05 %, respectively while slight reduction in extraction yield (16.85 ± 0.41 %) In addition, the extracted protein (DCPI-D₈) exhibited superior EAAs (40.36 %) leading hydrophilic amino acids (60.16 %). Lactic acid's mild acidity and glycerol's stabilizing properties preserved DCPI-D₈^'s nutritional properties, significantly reducing antinutrients while maintaining protein integrity and enhancing its structural and functional qualities compared to AE-IP.