Application of response surface methodology for extraction optimization of germinant pumpkin seeds protein

Response surface methodology was employed to study the effect of liquid:solid ratio, NaCl concentration and reaction time on the production of protein from germinant pumpkin seeds. Regression analysis was performed on the data obtained. The most relevant variable was liquid:solid ratio. The coefficient determination (R2) was good for the second-order model. A liquid:solid ratio of 30.2: 1 (v/w), a NaCl concentration of 4.26% and a reaction time of 18.1 min were found to be optimal for protein extraction from germinant pumpkin seeds. By means of additional experiments, the adequacy of this model is confirmed.