Optimization of pepsin-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Cynomorium songaricum

In this paper, the pepsin-assisted extraction of Cynomorium songaricum polysaccharides was investigated. The study comprised a single factor experiment design and an optimization response surface methodology using Box-Behnken design providing the optimal extraction conditions as pH of 1.5, liquid-to-solid ratio of 108:1, and proteolysis temperature of 40 degrees C. Under these conditions, the highest C. songaricum polysaccharides yield reached 23.63 +/- 0.21%, which represented an increase of 233% compared to the conventional hot-water extraction. Their structures were determined via chemical analysis, ultraviolet spectra, Fourier-transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for further systematic research and utilization of C. songaricum polysaccharides resources.