This research aimed at improving the protein extraction process from sunflower meal using the Box‐Behnken design to get the optimal ultrasonic extraction conditions, based on yield of protein and consumed energy. The optimal extraction points were observed at power density (220 W/L), temperature (45 °C) and extraction time (15 min). Under optimum UAE conditions, the measured yield of protein and energy consumed values were 54.26% and 0.13 kW hr, respectively. The observed values for these responses were found to be comparable to the predicted values created by the mathematical models. Functional and physicochemical characteristics of protein isolate were estimated at the optimal points. The protein content, particle size, bulk density and water and oil holding capacities were 934.92 g/kgd.b, 627.6 nm, 0.372 g/mL, 0.985 gwater/gprotein and 2.06 goil/gprotein, respectively. The highest solubility, emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability (ES) were 74.59, 52.45, and 50.45% respectively and were obtained at pH 9.0.
Practical applications
This study provides significant information on ultrasound energy consumption, yield of protein, physicochemical characteristics and functional properties of the sunflower meal protein isolate to the food systems. Additionally, sunflower protein isolate yielded by dual‐frequency ultrasound is recommended for use in food formulations including salad dressing and meat products.