Bioactive protein hydrolysate from Sesamum indicum L. residue as a novel fat substitute by protease: production optimization and application in low-fat yogurt production.

Background: Agricultural and industrial residues are renewable biomass sources present in large quantities causing pollution. Therefore, transforming these residues to eco-friendly products such as enzymes and bioactive materials reduces their quantity and impact on the environment, in addition to reducing the production costs.

Results: Sesame cake is a by-product of the production of Sesame seed oil and is high in protein. The yield of Sesame cake protein hydrolysis (SH) improved by 4.2-fold through the optimization of conditions using Bacillus thuringiensis strain-MA8 protease via the Box-Behnken design (BBd). The average diameter of the particle size of SH was 677.10 nm. The application of SH (1-3%) in the production of low-fat yogurt (LSH) exhibited a fermentation time similar to that enriched with skim milk powder (LSMP). The total solids and protein levels in LSH-yogurt exceeded those in full fat yogurt (FFY). In addition, the acidity and overall acceptability ratings of LSH-yogurt were similar to FFY throughout the 15-day storage at 5 °C, without displaying any defects. Furthermore, the total essential amino acids (TEAA), total amino acids (TAA), and TEAA/TAA ratio of LSH (2%)-yogurt were approximately similar to FFY. Incorporating SH (2%) improved the chemical score of certain amino acids in LSH-yogurt. The hardness of LSH-yogurt exceeded that of FFY. Additionally, the springiness, gumminess, and cohesiveness of LSH-yogurt were similar to those of LSMP.

Conclusions: Protein hydrolysate from Sesame cake is a new fat substitute for low-fat yogurt production without displaying any defects as well as reducing the risks associated with high-fat consumption and global obesity.