Physical and functional properties of tunicate (Styela clava) hydrolysate obtained from pressurized hydrothermal process

In this study, marine tunicate Styela clava hydrolysate was produced by an environment friendly and green technology, pressurized hot water hydrolysis (PHWH) at different temperatures (125–275 °C) and pressure 50 bar. A wide range of physico-chemical and bio-functional properties such as color, pH, protein content, total carbohydrate content, reducing sugar content, and radical scavenging activities of the produced hydrolysates were evaluated. The appearance (color) of hydrolysates varied depending on the temperature; hydrolysates obtained at 125–150 °C were lighter, whereas at 175 °C gave reddish-yellow, and 225 °C gave dark brown hydrolysates. The L* (lightness), a* (red–green), and b* (yellow–blue) values of the hydrolysates varied between 35.20 and 50.21, −0.28 and 9.59, and 6.45 and 28.82, respectively. The pH values of S. clava hydrolysates varied from 6.45 (125 °C) to 8.96 (275 °C) and the values were found to be increased as the temperature was increased. The hydrolysis efficiency of S. clava hydrolysate was ranged from 46.05 to 88.67% and the highest value was found at 250 °C. The highest protein, total carbohydrate content, and reducing sugar content of the hydrolysates were found 4.52 mg/g bovine, 11.48 mg/g and 2.77 mg/g at 175, and 200 and 200 °C, respectively. Hydrolysates obtained at lower temperature showed poor radical scavenging activity and the highest DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP activities were obtained 10.25, 14.06, and 10.91 mg trolox equivalent/g hydrolysate (dry matter basis), respectively. Therefore, S. clava hydrolysate obtained by PHWH at 225–250 °C and 50 bar is recommended for bio-functional food supplement preparation.