Volume 18 2026 OPTIMISATION OF ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS CONDITIONS FOR ENHANCED PROTEIN RECOVERY FROM COCOA POD HUSK (THEOBROMA CACAO L.) Authors Hannim Haffeza Haris1* and Yusof Maskat2 ABSTRACT The pursuit of sustainable and functional plant-based proteins has led to the exploration of agro industrial by-products as potential raw materials. Cocoa pod husk (CPH), an abundant agricultural waste from Theobroma cacao L., is recognised for its potential as a protein-rich source. This study investigates the impact of enzymatic hydrolysis conditions on the degree of hydrolysis (DH) of CPH-derived protein hydrolysates. Protein was extracted from three selected cocoa clones and subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using Alcalase, Pepsin, and Trypsin under fixed pH and substrate ratios. The study evaluated enzyme type, concentration, and hydrolysis duration. The optimum DH achieved was 72%, using 6% Alkalase over 24 hours. Alcalase resulted in the highest DH yield, whereas Trypsin demonstrated a faster hydrolysis rate. Among the clones, PBC 159 exhibited the highest protein content among the evaluated clones. These findings support the potential use of CPH protein hydrolysates in functional food formulations with prospective bioactivities. VIEW PDF DOWNLOAD