Subcritical Water Extraction of Protein from Trichanthera Gigantea: Optimization using Response Surface Methodology
Tengku Zarith Hazlin TENGKU ZAINAL ABIDIN, Nur Hidayah ZAINAN, Ahmad Syahmi ZAINI, Asiah Nusaibah MASRI, Yanti Maslina MOHD JUSOH, Nur Farzana AHMAD SARNADI, Mohd Azan MOHAMMED SAPARDI
Abstract. Rising costs of conventional poultry feed protein like soybean and fish meals highlight the need for sustainable, local protein sources. Trichanthera gigantea (T. gigantea), with around 22 % crude protein and a nutritionally rich in amino acid profile, offers potential as an alternative protein source. The direct inclusion of T. gigantea leaves in poultry diets is constrained by antinutritional factors, limited digestibility, and reduced shelf stability. However, extraction of its protein fraction provides a more efficient and practical avenue for nutritional utilization. This study investigates the use of subcritical water extraction (SWE) technique, an environmentally friendly and organic solvent-free technique that employs pressurized hot water to efficiently extract protein from T. gigantea leaves. SWE offers advantages such as enhanced extraction efficiency and reduced reliance on organic solvents, aligning with the principles of green technology. To optimize the extraction process, experiments were designed using response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD), evaluating the combined effects of key parameters including temperature (140–180°C), extraction time (10–40 min), and flow rate (1–3 mL/min). The highest yield of protein (29.2%) was identified at 174℃, 38 min and flow rate of 3 mL/min. ANOVA results showed that time taken was the most significant factor, followed by flow rate and temperature. The findings of this study establish a foundational approach for the scalable and efficient recovery of plant-based protein from T. gigantea, contributing to the diversification of sustainable poultry feed sources. This aligns with Malaysia’s National Food Policy Action Plan 2021–2025, which emphasizes local feed production and food security through environmentally responsible innovation.
Keywords
Protein, Subcritical Water Extraction, Trichanthera Gigantea, Optimization, Response Surface Methodology
Published online 1/15/2026, 9 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Tengku Zarith Hazlin TENGKU ZAINAL ABIDIN, Nur Hidayah ZAINAN, Ahmad Syahmi ZAINI, Asiah Nusaibah MASRI, Yanti Maslina MOHD JUSOH, Nur Farzana AHMAD SARNADI, Mohd Azan MOHAMMED SAPARDI, Subcritical Water Extraction of Protein from Trichanthera Gigantea: Optimization using Response Surface Methodology, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 59, pp 145-153, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903957-19
The article was published as article 19 of the book Separation Technology
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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