Articles
Proteomic analysis of nitrogen fertilization effects on Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage using modified TCA/acetone precipitation
Article number
1452_19
Pages
149 – 156
Language
English
Abstract
Mucilage, a viscous green liquid found in the cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill, can be lyophilized into a powder with potential as a commercial hydrocolloid in the food industry due to its excellent emulsification properties.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the protein content of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill ‘Morado’ mucilage.
Nitrogen fertilizers from three sources (urea, limestone ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulphate) were applied at four levels (0, 60, 120, and 240 kg ha‑1). Additionally, the study aimed to identify which proteins were affected by nitrogen fertilization.
Proteins were extracted using a modified trichloroacetic acid (TCA)/acetone precipitation protocol and analysed via sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results indicated that nitrogen fertilization significantly increased the concentration of low molecular weight proteins, particularly at higher fertilizer levels.
These findings suggest that optimizing nitrogen fertilization can enhance the functional properties of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage, making it a more effective and valuable hydrocolloid for industrial applications, particularly in food emulsification and stabilization.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the protein content of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill ‘Morado’ mucilage.
Nitrogen fertilizers from three sources (urea, limestone ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulphate) were applied at four levels (0, 60, 120, and 240 kg ha‑1). Additionally, the study aimed to identify which proteins were affected by nitrogen fertilization.
Proteins were extracted using a modified trichloroacetic acid (TCA)/acetone precipitation protocol and analysed via sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results indicated that nitrogen fertilization significantly increased the concentration of low molecular weight proteins, particularly at higher fertilizer levels.
These findings suggest that optimizing nitrogen fertilization can enhance the functional properties of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage, making it a more effective and valuable hydrocolloid for industrial applications, particularly in food emulsification and stabilization.
Authors
V. Nkoi, M. de Wit, A. van Biljon, J. van Niekerk
Keywords
electrophoresis, emulsification, fertilization, nitrogen, protein
Groups involved
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