Pure bromelain powder is a protease enzyme extracted from pineapple (Ananas comosus). It is mainly found in different parts of the pineapple, including parts of the pulp, rind, leaves and stems. According to research and production practice, the content of pineapple protease varies depending on the part of the pineapple. Among them, the stem of pineapple contains the most bromelain.
Analysis Of The Content Of Each Part
1. Pineapple pulp
• Content Analysis
Pineapple pulp is one of the major parts of pineapple containing bromelain. Normally, each gram of pineapple pulp contains a certain amount of bromelain. However, its exact content will be affected by a number of factors such as pineapple variety and ripeness. For example, common pineapple varieties with moderate maturity. The content of bromelain in its flesh is around 800 - 1200 MCU (Milk Coagulation Unit, a measure of bromelain activity)/g.
From the distribution of pineapple flesh, the content of bromelain enzyme powder is slightly higher in the part of the flesh near the skin. This is because the production of protease during the growth of pineapple may be related to the defence mechanism against the external environment. The pulp near the outer skin is closer to the source of external stimuli. So there will be a relatively higher accumulation of pure bromelain powder.
• Effects on the human body
When people consume pineapple pulp, bromelain interacts with proteins in the mouth and digestive tract. A moderate amount of bromelain can help break down the proteins in food and promote digestion and absorption. However, if too much pulp containing high concentration of bromelain is consumed, it may cause irritation to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and digestive tract.
2. Pineapple Stem
• Content Analysis
The pineapple stem contains the highest amount of bromelain among all parts of the pineapple. The pineapple stem serves as the support structure and nutrient transport channel of the pineapple plant. Its internal cells produce large amounts of bromelain. Studies have shown that the content of bromelain in pineapple stems can be as high as 2000 - 5000 MCU/g, which is much higher than that in pineapple pulp.
Bromelain in pineapple stems is mainly concentrated in the inner vascular tissues and thin-walled cells. The vascular tissue is responsible for the transport of water and nutrients, while the thin-walled cells have the function of storing and synthesising substances. In these cells, bromelain extract powder may be involved in processes such as defence against pathogens and metabolic regulation of intracellular substances.
• Extraction and Utilisation
Due to the high content of bromelain in pineapple stems. It is the main source of raw material for industrial extraction of pure bromelain powder. In the extraction process, the pineapple stem is first pre-treated by washing, crushing and other pre-treatments. Then it is passed through a series of biotechnological means such as salting out and ultrafiltration. Organic bromelain powder is separated from the cellular tissue of pineapple stems.
The extracted bromelain has a wide range of applications in the food industry. It can be used as a meat tenderiser, added to meat processing, and can effectively decompose collagen and elastin in muscle fibres. It can make meat taste more tender. In the brewing industry, pineapple protease can be used to deal with the problem of cloudy proteins in beer, by breaking down the proteins that cause cloudiness and improving the clarity of beer. Guanjie Biotech is a bromelain manufacturer. Our bulk bromelain powder is from pineapple stems with a purity of 2400 GDU.
3.Pineapple Leaf
Bromelain is also found in pineapple leaves. However, its content is relatively low, about 300 - 600 MCU/g. Pure bulk bromelain powder in pineapple leaves is mainly distributed in the cell interstitial space of the leaves and around the chloroplasts. Bromelain at these locations may play a role in the plant's self-protection mechanism.
4. Pineapple outer skin
• Content Analysis
Bromelain was found in the outer skin of pineapple in the range of 500 - 1000 MCU/g. Bromelain in the outer skin was mainly concentrated in the epidermal cell layer and the subepidermal cell layer near the pulp. This part of the bromelain is also associated with the defence function of the pineapple. It protects against microorganisms and physical damage in the external environment.
• Handling and utilisation
Due to the hard texture of the outer skin of pineapple and its high content of cellulose and other components, proper treatment is required in utilising its bromelain powder bulk. This can be done by crushing the outer skin for enzyme extraction or by using biofermentation to obtain the bromelain in it. However, since the outer skin may be affected by pesticide residues, microbial contamination, etc., strict cleaning and quality testing are needed when extracting and utilising the bromelain.
Factors Affecting Pineapple Protease Content
1. Pineapple varieties
Different varieties of pineapple show significant differences in bromelain content. For example, Caine pineapple is a common commercial variety. Its pure bromelain powder content is relatively high. Especially in the stem, its bromelain content can reach a high level. The Queen pineapple variety, on the other hand, has relatively sweet fruit flesh. The proportion of bromelain in the flesh is lower than that of Caine pineapple, but the content in the stem is still high.
2. Growing Environment
• Influence of climatic conditions
Temperature has an important effect on the content of bromelain. Pineapple is a tropical fruit and is suitable for growing in warm climatic conditions. In the appropriate temperature range, the metabolism of pineapple plants is vigorous, and the synthesis and accumulation of pineapple protease will increase accordingly. If the temperature is too low or too high, the content of bromelain may decrease.
Light conditions also affect the content of pineapple protease. Adequate light can provide sufficient energy for pineapple plants to promote photosynthesis. Under good light conditions, pineapple plants are able to synthesise more nutrients, which in turn facilitates the production of pineapple protease. On the contrary, insufficient light will lead to poor growth of pineapple plants and the content of bromelain will be reduced.
• Soil conditions
Factors such as soil fertility and pH can also have an impact on the amount of bromelain. Fertile soil can provide pineapple plants with sufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients. These nutrients are important raw materials for pineapple plants to synthesise proteins and bromelain. For example, pineapple plants synthesise more protein when the soil is rich in nitrogen. This provides the material basis for the synthesis of pure bromelain powder. Soil acidity and alkalinity are generally between 4.5 and 6.5 pH, which is more suitable for pineapple growth. In this range, the pineapple plant absorbs nutrients in the soil most efficiently. Bromelain content is also more likely to be maintained at a high level.
3. Ripeness
During the ripening process of pineapple, the content of bromelain changes. Generally speaking, unripe pineapple has a relatively high level of bromelain, and as the pineapple ripens, the level of bromelain will gradually decrease. This is because during pineapple ripening, its internal physiological activities are mainly focused on sugar accumulation and fruit softening. The synthesis of bromelain gradually decreases. For example, when a pineapple is freshly picked, the content of bromelain in its flesh may reach 1000 - 1200 MCU/g. When the pineapple is fully ripened, the content of bromelain in its flesh may drop to 600 - 800 MCU/g.
Pineapple stems are rich in bromelain content and are the best source for bromelain extraction and utilisation. Guanjie Biotech is a bromelain supplier. Our pure bromelain powder is obtained from pineapple stem. If you buy bromelain powder add bromelain bulk powder to your products, please feel free to consult us at info@gybiotech.com.
