However, the extent of deproteinization levelled off at about 55% at reaction
temperatures over 55 C. On the other hand, the solid to solvent
ratio appeared to be the most critical parameter. Indeed, the extent
of deproteinization with NaOH (2 N) over 2 h at a temperature of
45 C increased from 30% at a solidsesolvent ratio of 1/10 (w/v) to
96% with a solidsesolvent ratio of 1/20 (w/v) (Fig. 2d).