Combination of Mechanical/Physical Pretreatments with Trypsin or Pancreatin on Arthrospira platensis Protein Degradation

Arthrospira platensis contains high protein content and quality, which makes it a promising feed source for livestock animals. However, this microalga presents recalcitrant peptidoglycan cell wall, its main proteins form protein-pigment complexes attached to the algal thylakoid membrane. The purpose of present study was evaluate effect mechanical/physical pretreatments (bead milling, extrusion, freeze-drying, heating, microwave sonication) combined with commercial enzymes (trypsin or pancreatin) on degradation A. proteins. Protein assessed through quantification total fractions (18–26 kDa, 40–48 kDa others) SDS-PAGE gels evaluation coefficient (CPD). results showed that no significant differences were found among treatments CPD values, except an increase related 18–26 (phycocyanin subunits) extrusion pancreatin. In addition, caused decrease in supernatant probably due denaturation/aggregation reduction solubility. Overall, is pretreatment wall disruption bioaccessibility. Further studies could elucidate how solubility affects activity peptidases degradation.