Purification methods for bromelain from pineapple and its by-products: A review of conventional and advanced perspectives
1 Department of Food Technology, School of Biotechnology, International University – Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
2 Department of Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, International University – Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
3 Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Biotechnology, International University – Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
4 Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer, International University – Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
5 Tan Phuoc Agricultural Pineapple Cooperative, Dong Thap Province.
Review
International Journal of Scholarly Research in Biology and Pharmacy, 2025, 06(02), 031-040.
Article DOI: 10.56781/ijsrbp.2025.6.2.0029
Publication history:
Received on 05 November 2025; revised on 12 December 2025; accepted on 15 December 2025
Abstract:
Bromelain is a thiol protease complex derived from pineapple tissues and valued for its food, medical, and industrial uses. Its purification, however, is complicated by structural features such as multiple isoenzymes, glycosylation, co-extracted plant compounds, and thiol sensitivity. Understanding these characteristics is essential for rational process design. The objective of this review is to synthesize information from primary studies and technical reports on bromelain separation, beginning with classical laboratory-scale approaches and progressing to modern industrial considerations. Emphasis is placed on how purification strategies interact with bromelain’s biochemical properties and how purity requirements vary by application field. The findings reveal that traditional purification methods including ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis and ultrafiltration, solvent precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography, and gel filtration remain widely used for initial enrichment. These techniques typically achieve moderate purification factors but may struggle with selectivity, stability, or scalability. More sophisticated tools such as aqueous two-phase systems and reverse micellar extraction offer higher selectivity but require precise process control. Meanwhile, membrane filtration provides convenient concentration and clarification, whereas metal affinity membranes can deliver high purification folds through selective binding but face challenges relating to fouling, cost, and regeneration. The review highlights major purification obstacles, including variability of feedstock, activity loss during processing, limited standardization, and economic constraints. Accordingly, purity assessment must consider specific activity, purification fold, recovery yield, and, in pharmaceutical contexts, contaminant profiles, isoenzyme composition, and stability. Industrial-scale production favors robust, low-cost, continuous operations; however, achieving consistent pharmaceutical-grade purity remains difficult due to fluctuating enzyme composition, membrane fouling, heat sensitivity, and regulatory demands. Bromelain purification is strongly shaped by its biochemical nature and by the purity expectations of different markets. While classical methods remain effective for food applications, advanced multi-step approaches are required for medical and therapeutic use. Future progress will depend on integrated downstream schemes, better control of feedstock variability, and scalable technologies that reconcile scientific efficiency with economic feasibility.
Keywords:
Ananas comosus; Bromelain; Purification; Pineapple; Pineapple by-products
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Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0