This research aimed at improving the protein extraction process from sunflower meal using the
Box-Behnken design to get the optimal ultrasonic extraction conditions, based on yield of protein
and consumed energy. The optimal extraction points were observed at power density (220 W/L),
temperature (45 8C) and extraction time (15 min). Under optimum UAE conditions, the measured
yield of protein and energy consumed values were 54.26% and 0.13 kW hr, respectively. The
observed values for these responses were found to be comparable to the predicted values created
by the mathematical models. Functional and physicochemical characteristics of protein isolate
were estimated at the optimal points. The protein content, particle size, bulk density and water
and oil holding capacities were 934.92 g/kgd.b, 627.6 nm, 0.372 g/mL, 0.985 gwater/gprotein and
2.06 goil/gprotein, respectively. The highest solubility, emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability
(ES) were 74.59, 52.45, and 50.45% respectively and were obtained at pH 9.0.