ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF SPRIRULINA SP PROTEIN IN ETHANOL

Abstract

Protein is a nutritional component needed by humans for body health. One of the abundant sources of protein in Indonesia is the algae Spirulina Sp. Extraction of algae proteins, difficult to carry out. This is because proteins are stored in algae cells that have very hard walls. The conventional method that has been carried out were time-energy consuming process. To overcome that, an alternative method proposed in this study, is the ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. The purpose of this study was to define the optimum condition of protein extraction from Spirulina Sp and determine the effect of extraction parameters on yield.  The dried and mashed Sprirulina Sp is fed into an extractor containing ethanol. Ultrasonic waves, then flowed into the extractor via a probe. Once, the extraction time is achieved, the extract and residue are separated by centrifugation at a speed of 10000 rpm at room temperature. Furthermore, the yield of extract proteins is calculated by Lowry-Bradford analysis. The influence of process parameters such as raw material-solvent ratio (0:1-0.5) g/mL, raw material particle size (600-800) mesh and extraction time of 15-45 minutes) on yield will be observed in this study.  Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the highest yield of 80.87% is obtained under the condition of the raw material-solvent ratio 0.2 g /mL, the particle size of the raw material 700 mesh and the extraction time of 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the particle size is the most significant parameter.