Mature dry seeds of 20 varieties of cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) grown in Nigeria were analyzed for their sucrose, raffinose and stachyose content. The dry seeds were ground into powder; extracted with 80% ethanol and-the extract analyzed by paper chromatography using a mixture of n-butanol, ethanol, water and ammonia solution 8:1:2:1 v/v). The results show a progressive decrease in raffinose and stachyose content with dehulling and cooking and an increase in sucrose level after cooking. The average content of the sugars in whole beans on dry weight basis was sucrose 0.8%, raffinose 2.6% and stachyose 3.3%. The average content for dehulled raw beans were sucrose 0.7%, raffinose 1.8% and stachyose 2.4% while in cooked beans it was 1.6%, 1.3%, and 1.8%, respectively.

Eighteen cultivars of cowpeas (V. unguiculutu) were analyzed for cooking time, swelling capacity, leached solid, percent seed coat, seed density, amylose, tannins, proteins, and soluble sugars. The physicochemical characteristics varied with the seed coat color, the hilum color, and the skin texture. The cooking time was positively correlated to protein, seed density, percent seed coat, swelling capacity and leached solids, and negatively correlated to the levels of amylose, soluble sugars and tannins. There were significant correlations (p < 0.05) between sugars and swelling capacity, protein and seed density; and seed density and swelling capacity. The mean percent seed coaf was significantly different (p < 0.05) between the varieties with wrinkled seed coats and those with smooth seed coats.

Background: Researchers who have shown interest in the consequence of introducing dry biomolecules or a solution of it into cosolvents generally known as osmolyte, have applied many models for the elucidation of the scientific basis of the results obtained. The Kirkwood and Buff theory (KBT) or its reverse form has been the basis for the interpretation of the effect of the osmolyte. There seems to be no generally acceptable definition of terms in the basic KBT mathematical formalism. There is also error in stated equations describing solution structure and misapplication of Wyman linkage relation. Therefore, the objectives of this research are 1) to show how the equation of preferential interaction parameter is derived based on KBT, 2) to show the appropriate way in which Wyman linkage relation can be applied, 3) to apply biochemical approach (using generated data) to the equation of preferential interaction parameter (preferential interaction parameter is symbolised as ) for its calculation and calculation of parameters linked to KBT derived equations. Methods: The research is mainly theoretical and partly experimental. The experiment entails Bernfeld method of enzyme assay for the generation of data. Results and Discussion: The change in solvation preference upon the ethanol partial denaturation of the enzyme and the corresponding change in preferential interaction parameter were respectively positive and negative in sign. Unexpectedly ethanol was preferentially excluded from the enzyme. Conclusion: The equations of preferential interaction parameters were derived. The appropriate way is either by calculation or measurement of preferential interaction parameter. Therefore,  or  for the change, cannot be a constant (or slope) and an instrumentation–based measurable parameter at the same time. Based on Wyman linkage relation, purely biochemical thermodynamic parameter is linked to preferential interaction parameters which are therefore, thermodynamic parameters.

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