Magnetically Induced Electric Field-Enzymatic Hydrolysis Coupled Extraction, Purification and Characterization of Taurine from Abalone Viscera

This study established a novel magnetically induced electric field-enzymatic hydrolysis (MIEF-EH) coupled technology for the sustainable taurine extraction from abalone viscera byproducts. The results of the study indicated that the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: an excitation voltage of 1400 V, an electric field frequency of 50 kHz, a flow rate of 25 L/h, and a reaction time of 1 h. Under the optimal conditions, MIEF-EH achieved a taurine yield of 12.36 mg/g, significantly (P<0.05) outperforming both individual methods (such as MIEFE, microwave, enzymatic hydrolysis and hydrothermal) as well as other coupled approaches (microwave-enzymatic hydrolysis and hydrothermal-enzymatic hydrolysis). SEM revealed pronounced particle-size reduction and the formation of a loose, porous microstructure, correlating with improved taurine extraction. Subsequent purification via ion-exchange resin yielded taurine with 92.29% recovery and 96.78% purity, while ethanol precipitation achieved 95.30% recovery and 94.43% purity. The chemical structure and molecular mass of the purified taurine were confirmed through multi-technique validation (FT-IR, MS, and ¹H NMR). All physicochemical properties complied with the specifications of the Chinese National Standard for Food Additive Taurine (GB 14759-2010). In summary, the MIEF-EH coupled technology developed in this study provides a feasible technological pathway for green conversion of abalone viscera waste into high-purity natural taurine.