Optimization of germination conditions to enhance hydroxyl radical inhibition by water-soluble protein from stress millet

This study aimed to further increase the yield of the hydroxyl radical inhibitory water-soluble protein from stress germinated millet. For this, the effects of the sprouting conditions (temperature, time and pH of stress medium) on the hydroxyl radical inhibition were investigated carefully by single-factor experiments and statistical experimental designs, which included a fractional factorial design, steepest ascent experiments, a central composite experimental design and response surface methodology. The optimal conditions were identified as temperature 28 °C, culture time 54 h and stress medium pH 7.5. Under the optimum conditions, the highest inhibition (60.38%) was achieved.