Characterisation of proteins from date palm sap (Phoenix dactylifera L.) by a proteomic approach

The proteins contained in juice tapped from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), from Deglet Nour variety, were analysed by the application of two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE). Identification was carried out by mass spectrometry analyses. The SDS–PAGE patterns showed more than 100 spots of which 52 spots were identified. A proportion of the identified proteins were related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae that may belong to the natural microflora of date palm sap. These proteins are principally involved in glycolysis. While other proteins were assigned to be vegetable proteins, probably a mixture of proteins from the vascular system, which have several biological functions within the palm tree. Thus, we found enzymes involved in stress and defence reactions, in glycolysis, and photosynthesis reactions. Other enzymes are associated with carbohydrates and proteins metabolisms.