ObjectiveTo determine the enzymatic properties of asclepain f, a plant cysteine protease isolated and purified from the latex of Asclepias fruticosa, and to investigate its potential application to hydrolyze soybean proteins.ResultsKinetic parameters were determined by hydrolysis of p-Glu-Phe-Leu-p-nitroanilide (PFLNA). The Km value for asclepain f was 6 to 8 times higher than those achieved for papain, bromelain and ficin, the main plant cysteine proteases. Asclepain f showed 12 cut-off points toward the oxidized B chain insulin, revealing that the enzyme possesses broad substrate specificity. The cut specificity was governed by the presence of hydrophobic residues (F, L, V) in the P2 position. Asclepain f was able to selectively hydrolyze soybean proteins at pH 10, employing an enzyme/substrate ratio of 0.2% (w/w). The enzymatic hydrolysis allowed a strong increase in the solubility, water and oil holding capacity.ConclusionsAsclepain f was revealed as a successful enzyme for biocatalysis of protein hydrolysis processes at alkaline pH. This new plant protease has a broad substrate specificity and is capable of selectively degrading the fractions of soy proteins and improving its functional properties.