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Exploring Coffee By-Products as Alternative Protein Sources: A Comprehensive Analysis of Amino Acid Profiles (Free
Marlene Machado1, Susana Machado1, Joana Lobo1
1LAQV - REQUIMTE, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
In the face of growing concerns about global food security, there is an increasing need to explore unconventional protein sources. This study characterized the protein fraction of six coffee by-products, namely dried pulp, husks, parchment, defective beans, sieving residue, and silverskin. Total and free amino acid composition was determined by RP-HPLC-FLD. Protein quality was evaluated using the amino acid score, essential amino acid index, and biological value. The protein content in the coffee by-products ranged from 1.49% in parchment to 14.34% in silverskin (dry weight). Except for parchment, coffee by-products contained high levels of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, leucine, and proline. Defective beans exhibited the most balanced amino acid content and the highest protein quality (EAAI = 91%). Methionine was the first limiting amino acid. In conclusion, coffee by-products, except parchment, can be considered promising sources of sustainable protein, thereby promoting their valorization within a circular bioeconomy framework.
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