Microwave-assisted hydrothermal degradation of silk protein to amino acids

Microwave irradiation was applied to enhance the hydrothermal degradation rate of silk protein to amino acids. Results showed a significant increase in the yield of amino acids compared to the conventional heating method. Under microwave irradiation, the yield was favorable in NaOH compared to the commonly used HCl for protein hydrolysis. Moreover, this technique has also demonstrated its advantages in enhancing the recovery of tyrosine (Tyr), a known precursor of several neurotransmitters, from silk protein.