METHOD FOR THE ELIMINATION OF KUNITZ AND BOWMAN-BIRK TRYPSIN INHIBITORS AND CARBOXYDASE INHIBITOR FROM POTATO PROTEINS

摘要

A method for removing protein impurities from extracts of protease inhibitor containing plant material. Plant materials containing protease inhibitors, such a potato tubers that contain protease inhibitor II, are extracted using an alcohol-free solvent. The proteins present in the extract include impurities other than the protease inhibitor, specifically Kunitz, Bowman-Birk and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. The extract is subjected to heat treatment to denature and precipitate the unstable protein impurities followed by centrifugation to remove the precipitate. Ultrafiltration in the presence of a buffer removes the Bowman-Birk and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. The resulting purified protease inhibitor has applicability in the control of obesity and diabetes.