Batch extraction of gossypol from cottonseed meal using mixed solvent system and its kinetic modeling

Genetic Analysis of an F2 Population Derived from the Cotton Landrace Hopi Identified Novel Loci for Boll Glanding

Landraces are an important reservoir of genetic variation that can expand the narrow genetic base of cultivated cotton. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was conducted using an F2 population developed from crosses between the landrace Hopi and inbred TM-1. A high-density genetic map spanning 2253.11 and 1932.21 cM for the A and D sub-genomes, respectively, with an average marker interval of 1.14 cM, was generated using the CottonSNP63K array. The linkage map showed a strong co-linearity with the physical map of cotton. A total of 21 QTLs were identified, controlling plant height (1), bract type (1), boll number (1), stem color (2), boll pitting (2), fuzz fiber development (2), boll shape (3), boll point (4), and boll glanding (5). In silico analysis of the novel QTLs for boll glanding identified a total of 13 candidate genes. Analysis of tissue-specific expression of the candidate genes suggests roles for the transcription factors bHLH1, MYB2, and ZF1 in gland formation. Comparative sequencing of open reading frames identified early stop codons in all three transcription factors in Hopi. Functional validation of these genes offers avenues to reduce glanding and, consequently, lower gossypol levels in cottonseeds without compromising the defense mechanisms of the plant against biotic stresses.

Cottonseed Meal Protein Isolate as a New Source of Alternative Proteins: A Proteomics Perspective

Cottonseed meal (CSM) is a good source of dietary proteins but is unsuitable for human consumption due to its gossypol content. To unlock its potential, we developed a protein extraction process with a gossypol removal treatment to generate CSM protein isolate (CSMPI) with ultra-low gossypol content. This process successfully reduced the free and total gossypol content to 4.8 ppm and 147.2 ppm, respectively, far below the US FDA limit. In addition, the functional characterisation of CSMPI revealed a better oil absorption capacity and water solubility than pea protein isolate. Proteome profiling showed that the treatment improved protein identification, while SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that the treatment did not induce protein degradation. Amino acid analysis revealed that post-treated CSMPI was rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Mass spectrometry analysis of various protein fractions obtained from an in vitro digestibility assay helped to establish the digestibility profile of CSM proteins. Several potential allergens in CSMPI were also found using allergenic prediction software, but further evaluation based on their digestibility profiles and literature reviews suggests that the likelihood of CSMPI allergenicity remains low. Overall, our results help to navigate and direct the application of CSMPIs as alternative proteins toward nutritive human food application.

Cottonseed Kernel Powder as a Natural Health Supplement: An Approach to Reduce the Gossypol Content and Maximize the Nutritional Benefits

Cottonseed is one of the important by-products of the cotton crop. Researchers claim that cottonseed with less than 0.45% of gossypol is quite good for human consumption and animal feeding because it is a rich source of protein, edible oil, and energy. Total and free gossypols are the influencing parameters that reduce the edible nature of the cottonseed. In the present work, multiple quadratic regression models have been prepared to predict the reduction in the free and total gossypol percent. This response surface method (RSM)-based approach was applied to investigate the combined effect between input parameters such as acetone level, time of extraction, liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), and the number of extraction cycles, whereas output responses are free and total gossypol reduction percentage. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) has been performed to determine the highly significant parameter. The optimum combination of input parameters was determined using the RSM-based desirability approach, and confirmatory experiments were performed to validate the combination. Results revealed that the number of extraction cycles and liquid-to-solid ratio significantly affects the reduction of free and total gossypol levels. The values of r-square were found above 0.9, which indicates that the developed models are suitable and reliable for predicting free and total gossypol reduction percentage.

Dataset on aqueous solid-liquid extraction of gossypol from defatted cottonseed in acidic medium using green solvent, its kinetics and thermodynamics study and mass transfer effects

Extraction of gossypol from cottonseed is essentially required to produce cottonseed free from gossypol for animal feed and or human applications. The focus of the present research was to determine the percentage gossypol extraction after extracting the defatted cottonseed using environment friendly green solvent ethanol-water (95:5 v/v) acidified with 0.5 M oxalic acid. The cottonseed samples were taken according to the fixed solvent to seed ratio and were extracted in batch process using round bottom flasks maintained at required temperatures for different extraction times ranging from 5 to 180 mins. After extraction the samples were filtered and dried and subjected to total gossypol analysis using BIS method. One factor at a time (OFAT) experimental design was employed to optimize the different process parameters like acid type and concentration, solvent to seed ratio, temperature and contact time. The obtained data was studied for analysis of kinetics of extraction using three different kinetic models, calculation of activation energy, evaluating values of kinetic parameters and thermodynamic parameters. The data was also analyzed for evaluation of mass transfer effects viz. liquid film diffusion and internal solid diffusion and calculation of diffusion rate constants for the extraction of gossypol from cottonseed. The present dataset demonstrated the analysis of experimental data for determining the type of kinetics, thermodynamic parameters and mass transfer effects of the solvent extraction for future researchers.