Proteinase-catalyzed Hydrolysis of Casein at Atmospheric Pressure and in Supercritical Media

M. Primožič, M. Habulin and Ž. Knez

Abstract
In the presented work, reaction parameters for hydrolysis of casein, catalyzed by Carica papaya latex at atmospheric and high pressure, were optimized. Casein is a remarkably efficient nutrient, supplying not only essential amino acids, but also some carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus and therefore is very important for the food industry. Different reaction parameters such as temperature, stirring rate, casein and enzyme concentration were studied to found the optimal conditions for the reaction. Reactions were performed at atmospheric pressure; an influence of temperature/pressure on the casein hydrolysis in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2) was also investigated to improve the reaction rates. Higher conversions were achieved when the reactions were performed in SC CO2, even though casein was not soluble in this medium.

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Keywords
Enzymatic reaction, supercritical carbon dioxide, high-pressure, proteinase, Carica papaya latex