Physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of dephenolized cottonseed protein meal, concentrate and isolate: A comparative analysis.

Cottonseed protein is an important plant-based protein resource in China, primarily restricted to limited feed applications due to free gossypol. In this study, dephenolized cottonseed protein meal (DCM), dephenolized cottonseed protein concentrate (DCPC) and dephenolized cottonseed protein isolate (DCPI) were prepared and their physicochemical, structural and functional properties were analyzed. Their protein contents were 65.0%, 70.1% and 92.8%, with free gossypol removal rates of 87.4%, 95.4% and 97.7%, respectively. DCM and DCPC displayed compact aggregated structures, while DCPI possessed a looser and more dispersed structure. The functional properties followed the order of DCPI > DCM > DCPC. The excellent functional performance of DCPI was attributed to its smaller particle size, higher absolute ζ-potential and richer small-molecular-weight subunits. DCPI is suitable for food use, while DCM and DCPC are more applicable for feed, laying a theoretical foundation for the diversified utilization of cottonseed protein.