# Green transformation of hemp seed protein: structural modification and functional enhancement with hydrogen-rich water.
> 水素水を用いた麻の実タンパク質の構造改変と機能的特性の向上に関する研究


## Abstract

This study investigated the use of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) as a sustainable medium for extracting hemp seed protein isolate (HPI). Molecular hydrogen was introduced into alkaline water, and extraction was performed over 15–60 minutes. A 30-minute HRW treatment produced notable particle fragmentation, alterations in secondary protein structure, and a decrease in disordered conformations, as confirmed by FTIR and FE-SEM analyses. Colloidal stability was markedly improved, with zeta potential reaching −33.07 ± 0.61 mV and particle size reduced to 213.73 ± 8.71 nm. Techno-functional properties including solubility (26.2% at pH 11), foaming capacity (200%), emulsion stability (273.14%), and gelling capacity (8%) were all enhanced. Free sulfhydryl group content increased to 20.85 μmol/g while disulfide bond content decreased to 0.61 μmol/g. The amino acid profile shifted toward greater hydrophobicity, consistent with the observed functional improvements. This represents the first report demonstrating HRW's capacity to modify HPI structure and functionality at scale.

### Mechanism

HRW's low surface tension, high solubility, and rapid diffusion facilitate protein particle fragmentation during alkaline extraction, leading to secondary structure reorganization, increased free sulfhydryl groups, reduced disulfide bonds, and consequent improvements in colloidal stability and techno-functional properties.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Özcan FŞ, Elnasanelkasim MA
- **Journal**: Int J Biol Macromol
- **Year**: 2026
- **PMID**: [41932478](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41932478/)
- **DOI**: [10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.151797](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.151797)
- **Study type**: in vitro study
- **Delivery route**: in vitro
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

This is basic research at the cellular or molecular level. For human application, inhalation is the most promising delivery route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

This is basic research at the cellular or molecular level. For human application, inhalation is the most promising delivery route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 41932478. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/41932478
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [41932478](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41932478/)