Effects of limited enzymatic hydrolysis with trypsin on the functional properties of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) protein isolate

Effects of limited enzymatic hydrolysis induced by trypsin on the physicochemical and functional properties of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) protein isolate (HPI) were investigated. The enzymatic hydrolysis was confirmed by sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). SEC and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses confirmed the presence of aggregates in the corresponding hydrolysates (with the degree of hydrolysis of 2.3–6.7%). Functional properties, including protein solubility (PS), thermal properties, emulsifying and foaming properties, and water holding and fat adsorption capacities (WHC and FAC) were evaluated. The PS was remarkably improved by the limited enzymatic hydrolysis at all tested pH values. However, the enzymatic hydrolysis led to the marked decreases in emulsifying activity index, foaming capacity and foam stability, WHC and FAC. These decreases were to a great extent related to the presence of aggregates in the hydrolysates.