An extraction method for evaluating the seed proteins of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp]

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Simple procedures were tested for the rapid extraction and estimation of albumins, globulins, glutelins and gliadins in cowpea seeds. The extraction methods were based on the differential solubilities of these fractions in buffered 2% NaCl, 0.01M NaOH and 80% aqueous ethanol. Further analysis of the fractions was carried out by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis which showed that each fraction was a distinct entity. The total extractable protein contents of the varieties analysed varied from 19.0 to 25.7% but the relative amounts of the protein fractions changed between each other in a complementary way, such that some varieties were rich in a particular protein fraction but deficient in another. The procedure finally adopted appeared to be reasonable and convenient but it was not suitable for very dark‐coloured seeds.