Bioproducts from proteins in neem seed oil meals

Extraction of oil from Azadirachta indica generates oil cake (meal) containing proteins and carbohydrates. The proteins in neem oil cake with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties have been made into films and studied for their properties and potential applications. Neem oil cakes are available in large quantities at low cost but are non-edible and have limited applications. Currently, most of the neem oil cakes are used as fertilizers. Neem oil cakes contain about 25-30% proteins and 30-40% carbohydrates, which are valuable. Proteins in the neem oil cake could be suitable for food, medical, biotechnology, and other applications. However, there are no reports on the properties or applications of proteins in neem meal. In this study, a simple alkaline process was used to extract proteins from the oil meal and the proteins obtained were converted into films. The films were crosslinked with citric acid (CA) to improve mechanical properties and stability in aqueous conditions. Neem protein films have good resistance to aqueous conditions and acceptable strength and elongation. The films have better antifungal activity than antibacterial activity. Cells (L929) were able to attach and grow on the films but at a lower rate than Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) media. Proteins in neem oil cake show potential as substitutes for the animal-based proteins in current use. (c) 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.