Characterizations of protein extracted from Moso bamboo shoot

Abstract

Low economic returns limit the widespread cultivation of bamboo, which could otherwise offer solutions to several global needs. This study aims to explore the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) in protein solutions extracted from Moso bamboo shoots to enhance bamboo shoot applications. A 10 kDa molecular weight cutoff filter is used for protein purification, while amino acid composition analysis, SDS-PAGE, three independent spectroscopic techniques, and light scattering are employed for characterization. The purified protein was found to consist of 18 amino acids with molecular weights spreading from 30 kDa to 50 kDa. The corresponding secondary structure was also evaluated: Coiled, poly-dispersed NPs exhibited negative surface charges with sizes of ca 100 nm. ρ-Ratio decreases upon dilution operation, indicating the NPs' topology variation. Stability studies reveal that the NPs were temperature-sensitive, and electrostatic interactions between protein molecules play a key role in regulating the size and shape of the NPs.