Solid extraction method

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for converting a solid mixture (200) into an undissolved portion (310), a precipitate portion (320), and a supernatant portion (330): an extraction stage (10) comprising dissolving at least a portion of the solid mixture (200) in an extraction liquid (400), thereby providing a liquid mixture (500) and an undissolved portion (310), the extraction liquid (400) comprising: (a) an organic extraction material (410) selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohol; (b) at least 0.01 M OH; - , (c)Na + , K. + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and NH4 + and (d) water (700); a first separation step (20) comprising separating a liquid mixture (500) from an undissolved portion (310); and a precipitation step (30) comprising supplying CO2 (600) to the liquid mixture (500), thereby providing a precipitate portion (320) and a supernatant portion (330).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for converting a solid mixture into portions. The present invention further relates to a system for converting a solid mixture into portions. The present invention further relates to a computer program product and a data carrier. The present invention further relates to a cheese extract. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods for dividing a solid mixture into portions are known in the art. For example, WO2009137934A1 relates to protein concentrates and protein isolates, and processes for the production of protein concentrates and protein isolates. In particular, it describes a process for removing fiber from oilseed meal, comprising: i) mixing an oilseed meal with a mixed solvent, optionally with water, saline, a polysaccharide solution, or a protein-containing solution to form a mixture; ii) optionally adjusting the pH of the protein slurry to a pH of about 2 to about 10; and iii) separating the mixture to form a protein slurry containing soluble and insoluble protein and an insoluble fiber fraction.

[0003] US Patent No. 10,113,214 B2 describes an alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal extraction method that allows repeated use of an aqueous solution for extracting alkali metals and / or alkaline earth metals from a solid. The alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal extraction method is a method for extracting alkali metals and / or alkaline earth metals from a solid containing alkali metals and / or alkaline earth metals, and includes an elution step of adding the solid to a neutral amino acid-containing aqueous solution or an amino acid-containing mixed aqueous solution prepared by mixing a pH adjuster with an aqueous solution containing at least one of neutral amino acids, acidic amino acids, and basic amino acids, and eluting the alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal into the neutral amino acid-containing aqueous solution or the amino acid-containing mixed aqueous solution.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 58-28246 describes a method in which fresh stevia leaves are extracted with water, hot water, or a mixture of water and alcohol, and the extract is concentrated as needed. Next, a mixture of calcium hydroxide and calcium chloride in an amount 0.5 to 2.0 times the solid content of the extract is added to the extract or concentrated extract, preferably while gaseous carbon dioxide is bubbled into it. This causes impurities to precipitate in the extract as colloidal substances, which are then separated by filtration.

[0005] WO2018204061A1 describes a method for treating brownstock from a pulp mill to improve its delignification and / or bleaching reaction, the method comprising treating the brownstock with an alkaline alcohol / water co-solvent to obtain a post-treatment solution, neutralizing the post-treatment solution, and recovering the treated brownstock. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2009137934 A1 [Patent Document 2] US Patent No. 10113214B2 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-28246 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2018204061 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Desired compounds, such as amino acids (especially polypeptides) or natural fibers (especially soluble fibers), can often be present in solid mixtures. For example, the compounds can be present in solid mixtures obtained from biomass streams, such as side streams, waste streams, or streams resulting from fermentation processes. However, the solid mixtures can contain a variety of other compounds, complicating further use of the desired compounds. Therefore, it may be desirable to separate the solid mixture into portions to obtain different desired compounds.

[0008] Prior art processes for converting solid mixtures into portions can be complex, lack specificity for certain compounds, be difficult to adapt to different compounds, compromise the properties of the final product (e.g., due to heating), require extensive washing of the materials, and / or recover compounds at low concentrations (complicating downstream applications). Furthermore, prior art processes can be costly in terms of the specific reagents required, the amounts of reagents required, recovery of the reagents after the process, and / or separation of the compounds after the process. Additionally, prior art processes can be energy intensive and unsustainable, produce large amounts of (undesirable) by-products, and / or use large amounts of water. Furthermore, such prior art processes can be unsuitable for food applications because removal of flavor and aroma compounds by aqueous extraction can be complex and / or limited. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to provide an alternative method for converting a solid mixture into parts, which alternative method preferably also at least partially avoids one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. The present invention may aim to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a useful alternative.

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for converting (or "dividing") a solid mixture into, inter alia, a non-dissolved fraction, a precipitate fraction, and a supernatant fraction. Typically, the method comprises at least an extraction step, a first separation step, and a precipitation step. The method may further comprise a second separation step and / or a compound recovery step. In an embodiment, the extraction step may comprise dissolving at least a portion of the solid mixture in an extraction liquid, thereby providing a liquid mixture and a non-dissolved fraction. The extraction liquid may comprise an organic extraction material (or "first liquid" or "solvent" or "water-miscible organic material"). The organic extraction material may in particular be selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohol. The extraction liquid may comprise at least 0.01 M of anions, in particular hydroxides (OH - The extract may further comprise at least 0.01M of cations. The cations are particularly sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), and ammonium (NH4 + ) may be selected from the group including the following: (I) a soluble solid (Isopropyl alcohol) and / or a soluble solid (Isopropyl alcohol). Furthermore, the extraction liquid may comprise water. The first separation step, in some embodiments, may comprise separating the liquid mixture from the undissolved portion. In some embodiments, the precipitation step may comprise supplying an acid, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), to the liquid mixture, thereby providing a precipitate and a supernatant. The second separation step, in some further embodiments, may comprise separating the precipitate and the supernatant. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the compound recovery step may comprise separating the compound from any one of the undissolved portion, the precipitate, and the supernatant.

[0011] Thus, in an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for converting (or "dividing") a solid mixture into an undissolved fraction, a precipitate fraction, and a supernatant fraction, comprising: an extraction step comprising dissolving at least a portion of the solid mixture in an extraction liquid, thereby providing a liquid mixture and an undissolved fraction, the extraction liquid comprising: (a) an organic extraction material selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohol; (b) at least 0.01 M OH;- , (c)Na + , K. + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and NH4 + and (d) water; a first separation step comprising separating the liquid mixture from an undissolved portion; and a precipitation step comprising supplying CO2 to the liquid mixture, thereby providing a precipitate portion and a supernatant portion.

[0012] The present invention can provide the advantage of being able to separate a solid mixture into fractions containing distinct compounds for recovery and further use with little waste formation. In particular, the method of the present invention can facilitate, among other things, (i) separating insoluble compounds into a non-dissolved fraction and (ii) obtaining three fractions containing specific desired compounds from a liquid mixture by controlled precipitation of certain compounds into a precipitate fraction while leaving other specific compounds in solution as a supernatant fraction. Thus, the method of the present invention can efficiently separate various types of compounds (depending on their pKa and solubility in acetone / alcohol). In particular, the extraction solution can promote the solubilization of compounds with low pKa or low solubility in acetone / alcohol. Furthermore, exposure to acid, particularly CO2, can remove cations and OH groups from solution. - Furthermore, the method may be simple to implement and may not require, for example, an ion exchange step.

[0013] In particular, in the extraction step, the extract may contain salts such as NaOH, which may + Cation and OH - Provides an anion. Anion (OH -The presence of anions, etc., can substantially increase the solubility of certain compounds in the extraction liquid. For example, organic acid compounds (or "organic acids") may be poorly soluble in acetone / alcohol / water or mixtures thereof, but the solubility of the organic acid compounds may be significantly increased in the presence of anions. Thus, salts, particularly cations and anions, can facilitate the solubilization of organic acid compounds from a solid mixture in the extraction liquid, providing a liquid mixture containing the organic acid compounds. In this way, compounds such as organic acids can be (better) dissolved in the liquid mixture by the anions, thereby allowing the liquid mixture to contain compounds that would remain (partially) insoluble in the absence of the anions. The remainder of the solid mixture may consist largely of certain compounds that are insoluble in the liquid mixture despite the presence of the anions. Thus, the present invention first facilitates the conversion (or "partition") of a solid mixture into a dissolved portion (contained in the liquid mixture) and an undissolved portion.

[0014] Then, in a precipitation step, the addition of an acid (such as CO2) to the liquid mixture (obtained in the first separation step) causes the cations and (at least a portion of) the acid to form salts that precipitate, effectively removing the cations from the liquid mixture. Similarly, the addition of an acid to the liquid mixture may acidify the liquid mixture, resulting in the anions (OH -The amount of soluble carbon dioxide (COOH) in the liquid mixture may decrease, which (as discussed above) may reduce the solubility of certain compounds in the liquid mixture. Furthermore, acidifying the liquid mixture may protonate such compounds, which may (further) reduce the solubility of such compounds in the liquid mixture. In some embodiments, such compounds may precipitate upon addition of (sufficient) acid. Thus, after the addition of acid, the liquid mixture may be separated into a precipitate and a supernatant. The precipitate may contain carbonates (see below) and certain precipitated compounds, such as polypeptides. The supernatant may consist primarily of organic extract materials, water, and other certain compounds remaining in solution, such as free amino acids. Thus, the present invention further facilitates the conversion (or "splitting") of the dissolved portion of a solid mixture into a precipitate and a supernatant.

[0015] Thus, as described above, the present invention provides a method for converting, particularly partitioning, a solid mixture into an undissolved fraction, a precipitate fraction, and a supernatant fraction. Each of these three fractions may contain a (different) desired compound from the solid mixture. The desired compound may then be recovered from any one of the different fractions in a compound recovery step. Thus, the method for converting a solid mixture into fractions may provide for obtaining a desired compound for potential further use.

[0016] The term "mixture" as used herein may particularly refer to a combination of two or more compounds, in particular three or more compounds, such as two or more (or three or more) of amino acids, polypeptides, fats, soluble fibers, insoluble fibers, and (poly)saccharides.

[0017] In particular, a solid mixture may contain multiple (different) compounds. As used herein, the term "desired compound" may refer to at least one compound targeted for recovery from such a solid mixture via the described method. Thus, a desired compound may refer to a (single) compound targeted for recovery from multiple (different) compounds in a solid mixture. More specifically, a desired compound may refer to a subset of compounds targeted for recovery from multiple (different) compounds in a solid mixture. The subset of compounds targeted for recovery may include the same type of compound; i.e., in some embodiments, the desired compound may include multiple (different) free amino acids. However, the subset of compounds targeted for recovery may also include different types of compounds; for example, in some embodiments, the desired compound may include free amino acids and insoluble fiber. Thus, in some embodiments, the desired compound may include a mixture.

[0018] The (different) desired compounds may be selected from the same class of compounds, i.e., in an embodiment, two (different) desired compounds may each comprise a (different) free amino acid. Further, the different desired compounds may be selected from different classes of compounds, e.g., in an embodiment, two different desired compounds may each comprise a free amino acid and an insoluble fiber.

[0019] In particular, the method may divide the solid mixture into multiple portions, particularly at least three different portions. The multiple portions may, in embodiments, include at least an undissolved portion, a precipitate portion, and a supernatant portion. The undissolved portion may particularly include a subset of compounds from the solid mixture that were not solubilized in the liquid mixture by the extraction liquid during the extraction step. The precipitate portion may particularly include a subset of compounds from the solid mixture that precipitated upon addition of an acid (such as CO) to the liquid mixture during the precipitation step. The supernatant portion may particularly include a subset of compounds from the solid mixture that remained in solution upon addition of an acid to the liquid mixture during the precipitation step.

[0020] Thus, the solid mixture may contain at least three different subsets of compounds that can be separated into an undissolved fraction, a precipitate fraction, and a supernatant fraction. For example, in one embodiment, the solid mixture may contain (i) insoluble fiber as a first compound, (ii) free amino acids as a second compound, and (iii) monosaccharides as a third compound, and these three compounds may ultimately be contained in (i) the undissolved fraction, (ii) the precipitate fraction, and (iii) the supernatant fraction, respectively. Thus, the at least three different fractions may, in one embodiment, provide for obtaining at least three different desired compounds.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method may include multiple distinct steps for dividing the solid mixture into at least three portions. As used herein, the term "step" and similar terms may refer to a period (in time) (also referred to as a "phase") of a method and / or operating mode. In some embodiments, the method may include at least an extraction step, a first separation step, and a precipitation step. The method may further include one or more additional steps, such as a second separation step and a compound recovery step. The compound recovery step may specifically include one or more (sub)steps, such as a first compound recovery step, a second compound recovery step, and a third compound recovery step. Specific embodiments may include additional steps, such as a preparation step and an organic extraction material recovery step. The different steps of the method may (partially) overlap (in time). For example, the extraction step may typically begin before the compound recovery step, but may also partially overlap in time with it. However, for example, the extraction step may typically be completed before the precipitation step.

[0022] It will be clear to one skilled in the art how the steps can be advantageously arranged in time.

[0023] In embodiments, the method may include an extraction step. The extraction step may particularly include dissolving at least a portion of the solid mixture in an extraction liquid. In particular, the extraction step may include contacting the solid mixture with the extraction liquid. In practice, the solid mixture and the extraction liquid may typically be placed together in a vessel during the extraction step such that at least a portion of the solid mixture dissolves in the extraction liquid.

[0024] Thus, in embodiments, the extraction step may include combining the solid mixture with an extraction liquid to provide a liquid mixture and an undissolved portion, particularly where the dissolved portion of the solid mixture is included in the liquid mixture.

[0025] In embodiments, the extraction liquid may be selected to be suitable for dissolving the compound from the solid mixture, thereby providing a liquid mixture containing the compound. In particular, the extraction liquid may be selected to be suitable for dissolving the second compound and the third compound. In particular, such (second or third) compound may have a solubility in the extraction liquid of at least 0.1 g / L, such as at least 0.5 g / L, particularly at least 1 g / L, such as at least 5 g / L, particularly at least 10 g / L.

[0026] However, in embodiments, the extraction liquid may be selected to have a relatively low solubility for the (different) compounds, as this may facilitate separation of the (different) compounds from the solid mixture into different fractions. In particular, the extraction liquid may be selected to have a relatively low solubility for the first compound. Thus, such a (first) compound may have a solubility in the extraction liquid of at most 5 g / L, for example at most 1 g / L, particularly at most 0.5 g / L, for example at most 0.1 g / L, and particularly (essentially) zero solubility.

[0027] For this purpose, the extraction liquid may contain at least an organic extraction material, an anion, a cation, and water. The selection of the organic extraction material, anion, and cation, and the amount of each contained in the extraction liquid, may affect the specificity for different compounds. In particular, the extraction liquid may be selected so that the second compound and / or the third compound are soluble in the extraction liquid, while the first compound is insoluble in the extraction liquid. Thus, during the extraction step, the second compound and the third compound may be soluble in the extraction liquid, while the first compound is insoluble in the extraction liquid.

[0028] The organic extraction material may generally be a water-miscible organic material, such as, in particular, an organic solvent. The organic extraction material may be selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohols, i.e., from the group consisting of acetone and from the group consisting of organic compounds containing at least one hydroxyl functional group bonded to a saturated carbon bond. In particular, the organic extraction material may be selected from the group consisting of acetone and an organic compound of formula C n H 2n+1 The organic extraction material may be selected from the group consisting of compounds having an OH group. In embodiments, the organic extraction material may be selected from the group consisting of alcohols, particularly water-soluble alcohols, and / or particularly C1-C6 alcohols, for example, C1-C5 alcohols, particularly C1-C4 alcohols. Furthermore, the alcohol may be a primary alcohol, a secondary alcohol, or a tertiary alcohol, particularly a primary alcohol, or particularly a secondary alcohol, or particularly a tertiary alcohol. In further embodiments, the alcohol may be particularly a (water-soluble) diol, for example, a C1-C6 diol, particularly a C1-C5 diol, for example, a C1-C4 diol. In certain embodiments, the organic extraction material may be particularly selected from the group consisting of acetone, methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol. The term "organic extraction material" as used herein may also refer to a plurality of organic extraction materials, for example, two or more (organic) organic extraction materials selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohol. Thereby, the organic extraction material may be selected to facilitate solubilization of soluble compounds in the extraction liquid.

[0029] In embodiments, the alcohol may be particularly liquid at room temperature, for example, liquid at (about) 20°C.

[0030] In particular, in embodiments where the (second) compound is separated from the organic extraction material via precipitation, it may be beneficial for the (second) compound to have a lower solubility in the organic extraction material itself compared to its solubility in the extraction liquid. Thus, in embodiments, the solubility of the (second) compound in the extraction liquid may be at least three times, particularly at least five times, e.g., at least ten times, the solubility of the (identical) (second) compound in the organic extraction material.

[0031] In some embodiments, the extract may comprise at least 10 wt% of the organic extract material (based on the total weight of the extract), e.g., at least 15 wt%, particularly at least 20 wt%. In further embodiments, the extract may comprise at least 25 wt%, particularly at least 35 wt%, e.g., at least 40 wt%, particularly at least 50 wt% of the organic extract material. In further embodiments, the extract may comprise up to 99 wt%, e.g., up to 95 wt%, particularly up to 90 wt%, e.g., up to 80 wt%, particularly up to 70 wt% of the organic extract material. Thus, the extract may comprise 10-99 wt%, e.g., 15-95 wt%, particularly 20-90 wt%, e.g., 35-80 wt%, particularly 50-70 wt% of the organic extract material.

[0032] In further embodiments, the extract may further comprise water (H2O). In particular, the extract may comprise at least 1 wt% water (based on the total weight of the extract), such as at least 5 wt%, particularly at least 10 wt%, such as at least 20 wt%, particularly at least 30 wt%. In further embodiments, the extract may comprise up to 90 wt%, such as up to 85 wt%, particularly up to 80 wt%, such as up to 75 wt% water. In further embodiments, the extract may comprise up to 70 wt%, such as up to 65 wt%, particularly up to 60 wt%, such as up to 50 wt% water. Thus, the extract may comprise 1 to 90 wt%, such as 5 to 85 wt%, particularly 10 to 80 wt%, such as 20 to 65 wt%, particularly 30 to 50 wt% water. This allows water-soluble compounds to be solubilized in the extract.

[0033] As used herein, the phrase "the extract may comprise at least 30 wt% of X" and similar phrases mean that at least 30 wt% of the extract consists of X, i.e., X accounts for at least 30 wt% of the extract.

[0034] In particular, in embodiments, the extraction liquid may contain both water and an organic extraction material. The weight ratio of the organic extraction material to water in the extraction liquid may be selected from the range of 100:1 to 1:10, for example, 20:1 to 1:5, particularly 10:1 to 1:3, for example, 5:1 to 1:2, particularly 3:1 to 1:1. Thus, both organic extraction material-soluble compounds and water-soluble compounds may be solubilized in the extraction liquid. The weight ratio of the organic extraction material to water may be selected to particularly affect the solubility of the compound of interest, for example, the second compound or the third compound. In particular, the weight ratio of the organic extraction material to water (in terms of respective weight percentages) may be selected to provide a relatively low solubility for the (second) compound, which may facilitate separation of the second compound from the liquid mixture at a later stage. Furthermore, the weight ratio of the organic extraction material to water may be selected to provide a relatively high solubility for the (third) compound, which may facilitate retention of the third compound in the supernatant at a later stage. Thus, the (second) compound may have a solubility of up to 10 g / L, particularly up to 5 g / L, for example up to 1 g / L, particularly up to 0.5 g / L, for example up to 0.1 g / L, and particularly (essentially) zero solubility in a mixture of the organic extraction material and water (or "solvent / water mixture"). However, the (third) compound may have a solubility of up to 500 g / L, for example up to 100 g / L, particularly up to 50 g / L, for example up to 10 g / L, and particularly up to 5 g / L. In certain embodiments, the (third) compound may be (essentially) completely miscible in a mixture of the organic extraction material and water. Furthermore, the (third) compound may have a solubility in the mixture of organic extraction material and water of at least 0.1 g / L, such as at least 0.5 g / L, in particular at least 1 g / L, such as at least 5 g / L, in particular at least 10 g / L. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this solubility refers to the mixture of organic extraction material and water itself, i.e., not to the extraction liquid applied in the extraction step.

[0035] In particular, in embodiments where the (second) compound is separated from the mixture of organic extraction material and water via precipitation, it may be beneficial for the (second) compound to have a lower solubility in the mixture of organic extraction material and water relative to its solubility in the extraction solution. Thus, in embodiments, the solubility of the (second) compound in the extraction solution may be at least three times, particularly at least five times, e.g., at least ten times, the solubility of the (second) compound in the mixture of organic extraction material and water.

[0036] In particular, in embodiments, the extractant is an anion, most particularly OH. - The extraction liquid may further comprise at least 0.001M, such as at least 0.005M, particularly at least 0.01M, such as at least 0.05M, particularly at least 0.1M, for example at least 0.2M anions. In a further embodiment, the extraction liquid may comprise at most 3M, such as at most 1.5M, particularly at most 1M, such as at most 0.5M, particularly at most 0.2M anions. In a further embodiment, the extraction liquid may comprise 0.01-1.5M anions. In particular, the extraction liquid may comprise at least 0.001M, such as at least 0.005M, particularly at least 0.01M, such as at least 0.05M, particularly at least 0.1M, for example at least 0.2M OH (relative to the total volume of the extraction liquid including the volume of the organic extraction material). - In a further embodiment, the extraction solution may comprise at most 3M, such as at most 1.5M, particularly at most 1M, such as at most 0.5M, particularly at most 0.2M OH. - In a further embodiment, the extraction solution may contain 0.01 to 1.5 M OH. - may include:

[0037] In some embodiments, the extracting solution may have a pH of ≥ 5.5, particularly ≥ 6, such as ≥ 6.5, particularly ≥ 7. Such pH values ​​may be suitable for a wide range of compounds, such as acids or cations, especially organic acids. Such compounds generally have relatively low pKa values. However, other compounds, such as bases and anions, generally have relatively high pKa values. Therefore, for (second or third) compounds with relatively high pKa values, an extracting solution with a relatively high pH may be selected. In particular, in further embodiments, the extracting solution may have a pH of ≥ 8.5, such as ≥ 9, particularly ≥ 9.5. In further embodiments, the extracting solution may have a pH of ≤ 14, particularly ≤ 13, such as ≤ 12.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the compound, particularly the second compound, or particularly the third compound, may have a pKa P1 and the extract may have a pH ≧P1+0.5, particularly ≧P1+1, for example ≧P1+1.5.

[0039] As used herein, the term pH in relation to an extract is particularly defined as 14+log([OH - ]) and [OH - ] is the OH in mol / L in the extract - Refers to the concentration of

[0040] The pH of the extract may be determined in particular using a pH meter, in particular pH paper.

[0041] Anions, especially OH - may be provided in the extract, especially as a salt.

[0042] Thus, in embodiments, the extraction solution may further comprise cations. The extraction solution may comprise at least 0.001M, such as at least 0.005M, particularly at least 0.01M, such as at least 0.05M, particularly at least 0.1M, such as at least 0.2M cations. In further embodiments, the extraction solution may comprise at most 3M, such as at most 1.5M, particularly at most 1M, such as at most 0.5M, particularly at most 0.2M cations. The cations may be selected from the group comprising Li, Be, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Pd, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and NH4, particularly from the group comprising Na, K, Ca, Mg, and NH4. In embodiments, the cations may be selected from the group comprising Li, Be, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Pd, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and NH4, particularly from the group comprising Na, K, Ca, Mg, and NH4. + , K. + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and NH4 + In certain embodiments, the cation may be selected from the group including Na + may include:

[0043] In particular, the molar concentrations referred to for cations in the extract may be defined herein relative to the total volume of the extract, i.e., the liquid volume defined by water and organic extract material, as is the case for the molar concentrations for anions in the extract.

[0044] The cation may be selected to be particularly suitable for forming a salt when exposed to an acid, e.g., forming a carbonate when exposed to CO. Thus, the cation may form a salt with the acid (in the precipitation step; see below). Specifically, in the example of CO, CO (together with water in the extract) may form HCO (i.e., carbonic acid), and the cation may be HCO - or CO3 2-The cation may react with carbonic acid to form carbonate. Additionally, CO may (with methanol as the organic extractant in the extract) form CHO (i.e., methyl carbonate). Additionally, CO may (with ethanol as the organic extractant in the extract) form CHO (i.e., ethyl carbonate). The cation may react with carbonic acid to form carbonate. Such an embodiment may be particularly useful for separating the cation and acid from the supernatant portion, facilitating both purification of the third compound and recovery of the organic extractant (see below).

[0045] The cations and anions may be provided together in the extraction solution in the form of salts. Salts are salts of cations and anions (particularly OH - ) and (iii). Thus, in embodiments, the extraction solution may comprise at least 0.001M salt. The extraction solution may comprise at least 0.001M, such as at least 0.005M, particularly at least 0.01M, such as at least 0.05M, particularly at least 0.1M, such as at least 0.2M salt. In further embodiments, the extraction solution may comprise at most 3M, such as at most 1.5M, particularly at most 1M, such as at most 0.5M, particularly at most 0.2M salt. The salt may in particular be selected from the group comprising inorganic hydroxides, more particularly the group comprising sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide.

[0046] Thus, in particular, the method may comprise an extract preparation step, which comprises adding salt to a mixture of organic extraction material and water, the salt comprising cations and anions (in particular OH - ), for example, a salt selected from the group comprising NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH), Mg(OH) and NHOH, thereby providing an extraction liquid comprising a mixture of organic extraction material and water with a defined weight ratio of organic extraction material to water and defined amounts of anions and cations, which may have suitable properties for solubilizing the (second and third) compounds in the extraction step.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the extraction step may include an extraction time during which the solid mixture is in contact with the extraction liquid. The extraction time may be selected from the range of 1 minute to 48 hours, such as 5 minutes to 24 hours, particularly 10 minutes to 12 hours, such as 30 minutes to 4 hours. In certain embodiments, the extraction time may be at least 1 minute, such as at least 5 minutes, particularly at least 10 minutes, such as at least 30 minutes. In further embodiments, the extraction time may be up to 48 hours, such as up to 24 hours, particularly up to 12 hours, such as up to 4 hours.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the extraction step may comprise controlling the extraction temperature of the extraction liquid. The extraction temperature may be at least 1°C, such as at least 5°C, particularly at least 15°C, such as at least 25°C, particularly at least 35°C. The extraction temperature may particularly be at most 100°C, such as at most 75°C, for example at most 50°C. Thus, the extraction step may comprise controlling the extraction temperature of the extraction liquid at a temperature selected from the range of 1-100°C, such as the range of 5-100°C, particularly the range of 15-100°C, such as the range of 25-75°C, particularly the range of 35-50°C.

[0049] The extraction time and extraction temperature may be selected to be suitable for dissolving the compound from the solid mixture into the liquid mixture. In particular, the extraction time and extraction temperature may be selected to be suitable for dissolving the second compound and the third compound. In particular, the extraction time and extraction temperature may be selected so that the (second or third) compound can be dissolved in the extraction liquid to a concentration of at least 0.1 g / L, for example at least 0.5 g / L, particularly at least 1 g / L, for example at least 5 g / L, and particularly at least 10 g / L during the extraction step. That is, in an embodiment, the extraction time and extraction temperature may be selected so that at least 0.1 g, for example at least 0.5 g, particularly at least 1 g, for example at least 5 g, and particularly at least 10 g of the (second or third) compound can be dissolved per liter of extraction liquid during the extraction step.

[0050] However, the extraction time and temperature may also be selected such that the (first) compound may be relatively insoluble in the extraction liquid, as this may facilitate separating the (first) compound into different fractions from the solid mixture. Thus, the extraction time and temperature may be selected such that during the extraction step the (first) compound has a solubility in the extraction liquid of at most 5 g / L, such as at most 1 g / L, in particular at most 0.5 g / L, for example at most 0.1 g / L, in particular (essentially) 0.

[0051] The extraction step may thereby provide a liquid mixture and an undissolved portion. The undissolved portion may comprise a subset of compounds insoluble in the extraction liquid, particularly at least the first compound. Conversely, the liquid mixture may comprise a subset of compounds soluble in the extraction liquid, particularly the second and third compounds. Furthermore, the liquid mixture may comprise an organic extraction material, anions, cations, and water.

[0052] In embodiments, the method may include a first separation step following the extraction step, i.e., the extraction step may be followed by the first separation step. The first separation step may include separating the liquid mixture from the non-dissolved portion. Thus, the first separation step may include providing the liquid mixture and the non-dissolved portion (by separating them from each other). The first separation step may include, for example, filtration, sedimentation, hydrocyclone (separation), screw press (separation), centrifugation, or a combination thereof, among others. In embodiments, the first separation step may include removing the non-dissolved portion from the liquid mixture, among others, by filtration or among others, by centrifugation.

[0053] In an embodiment, the method may include a precipitation step. The precipitation step may generally follow the extraction step or, if applicable, the first separation step. The precipitation step may include supplying an acid, in particular CO2, to a liquid mixture, in particular the liquid mixture obtained in the first separation step. In particular, the precipitation step may include contacting the acid and the liquid mixture with each other. In practice, the liquid mixture is generally placed in a container for a certain period of time during the precipitation step, to which an acid may be supplied.

[0054] In embodiments, the acid may be selected from the group including carbon dioxide (CO), hydrogen chloride (HCl), acetic acid (CHCOOH), other organic acids, and other inorganic acids, particularly from the group including CO, HCl, and acetic acid. Most particularly, the acid may be CO. The organic acid may be an organic compound (i.e., a compound containing carbon bonded to another element) containing at least one acidic group. The inorganic acid may be an inorganic compound (i.e., a compound without a carbon bond) containing at least one acidic group. The acid may particularly be a food-grade acid, such as a food-grade acid selected from the group including CO, HCl, and acetic acid, particularly CO, or especially HCl. These acids are widely available, cost-effective, and commonly used in the food industry.

[0055] In embodiments, the acid may be selected from the group comprising acetic acid and (aqueous) HCl. Compared to CO, these acids will be liquid in the temperature range in which the methods herein are carried out. Therefore, these acids are relatively easier to handle than gaseous CO, which may simplify the process.

[0056] Adding an acid to a liquid mixture can form a protonated acid compound. The protonated acid compound can behave as a protic acid and form an equilibrium with a deprotonated acid compound in the liquid mixture. For example, adding CO2 to a liquid mixture can form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which behaves as a dibasic acid and forms HCO3 - and CO3 2-This allows the liquid mixture to form an equilibrium state, especially with anions (especially OH - ) may be acidified through a decrease in the amount of

[0057] In particular, acids (such as CO2) can remove substantial amounts of anions (especially OH) from the extract. - ) from the extract solution are neutralized. The acid may be provided to neutralize at least 5%, such as at least 10%, particularly at least 20%, such as at least 30%, particularly at least 50% of the anions from the extract solution. The acid may be provided to neutralize at least 75% of the anions from the extract solution. Furthermore, in embodiments, the acid is provided to neutralize the liquid mixture so that the liquid mixture neutralizes (essentially) all of the anions from the extract solution (particularly OH - The acid may be provided to the liquid mixture so as to further acidify it beyond neutralization of (essentially) all anions from the extract. The acid may be provided (in an amount) of up to 500%, such as up to 250%, particularly up to 150% of the amount of acid required to neutralize (essentially) all anions from the extract. Thus, in an embodiment, the acid may be provided to the liquid mixture in an amount of 5 to 500%, such as 10 to 250%, particularly 20 to 150%, such as 30 to 100%, particularly 50 to 75% of the amount of acid required to neutralize (essentially) all anions from the extract.

[0058] Thus, addition of an acid (such as CO) to a liquid mixture may, in certain embodiments, result in a corresponding decrease in the pH of the liquid mixture. In embodiments, the pH of the liquid mixture may be decreased by at least 0.5, such as at least 1.0, particularly at least 1.5, such as at least 2.0, and particularly at least 2.5, by providing the acid. In further embodiments, the pH of the liquid mixture may be decreased by at most 10.0, such as at most 8.0, particularly at most 6.0, such as at most 5.0, and particularly at most 4.0, by providing the acid. Thus, the decrease in pH of the liquid mixture may be selected from the range of 0.5 to 10.0, such as 1.0 to 8.0, particularly 1.5 to 6.0, such as 2.0 to 5.0, and particularly 2.5 to 4.0.

[0059] In a further embodiment, the precipitation step comprises the addition of OH to the liquid mixture. - Concentration up to 0.001M, e.g., up to 10 -4 M, especially up to 10 -5 In a further embodiment, the precipitation step may include providing an acid (such as CO) to the liquid mixture to reduce OH in the liquid mixture to M. - Concentration up to 10 -6 M, say up to 10 -7 M, especially up to 10 -8 In a further embodiment, the precipitation step may include providing an acid to the liquid mixture to reduce OH M in the liquid mixture. - Concentration up to 10 -9 M, say up to 10 -10 In particular, in an embodiment, the precipitation step may include providing an acid to the liquid mixture to reduce OH - The concentration of the acid is at least 10 -10 M, e.g., at least 10 -9 M, especially at least 10 -8 For example, in an embodiment, the precipitation step may include providing an acid to the liquid mixture to reduce OH M in the liquid mixture. - Concentration 10 -8 ~10 -5 The method may include providing an acid to the liquid mixture to reduce M to a concentration selected from the range.

[0060] Thus, in an embodiment, the method may comprise supplying an acid (such as CO2) to lower the pH of the liquid mixture to a point of precipitation and / or separation, such as a point of phase separation, of the (second) compound, in particular to a point of precipitation or in particular to a point of phase separation.

[0061] As used herein, the term "precipitation point" may refer specifically to the pH at which a compound precipitates from a solution, i.e., a liquid mixture. As used herein, the term "phase separation point" refers specifically to the pH at which phase separation occurs, particularly the pH at which a (second) compound separates from the remainder of the liquid mixture during phase separation, i.e., the phase separation provides the liquid mixture with a compound fraction enriched in the (second) compound. The compound fraction may, in some embodiments, be included in the precipitate portion.

[0062] In particular, the (second) compound may precipitate particularly well from solution at a pH where the compound has a neutral charge. Thus, the precipitation point may be near the isoelectric point pI of the (second) compound. Thus, in an embodiment, the (second) compound (in a mixture of organic extract material and water) may have an isoelectric point pI selected from the range of pI -3 to pI +3, particularly from the range of pI -2 to pI +2, for example from the range of pI -1 to pI +1, particularly from the range of pI -0.5 to pI +0.5, for example from the range of pI -0.2 to pI +0.2.

[0063] In embodiments, the (second) compound may have an acid dissociation constant pKa and the separation point, particularly the precipitation point, or especially the phase separation point, may be selected from a range below the pKa.

[0064] In particular, the (second) compound may have a pKa P2 and the pH of the liquid mixture may be reduced to a pH ≦ P2 + 1.5, in particular ≦ P2 + 1, for example ≦ P2 + 0.5. Furthermore, the (third) compound may have a pKa P3 and the pH of the liquid may be reduced to a pH ≧ P3 + 1.5, in particular ≧ P3 + 1, for example ≧ P3 + 0.5. Thereby, the amount of acid (such as CO2) supplied to the liquid mixture during the precipitation step may be selected such that the (second) compound may precipitate while the (third) compound remains dissolved.

[0065] In an embodiment, the (second) compound may have a pKa selected from the range of 1.5-11, in particular from the range of 2-10, for example from the range of 3-8, in particular from the range of 4-6.

[0066] In further embodiments, the (second) compound has multiple acid dissociation constants, e.g., low acid dissociation constants pKa. l and high acid dissociation constant pKa u and the precipitation point may have a pKa u less than the pKa range l pKa l may be selected from the range of less than

[0067] In general, recovering compounds with low pKa is difficult with prior art methods, especially those that rely on protonation of the (second) compound. The method of the present invention may be particularly suitable for separating (second) compounds with low pKa values ​​from other compounds. Thus, in an embodiment, the (second) compound may have a pKa ≦5.0, e.g., ≦4.5. In a further embodiment, the (second) compound may have a pKa ≦4.0, particularly ≦3.5, e.g., ≦3.0. In a further embodiment, the (second) compound may have a pKa ≦2. In a further embodiment, the (second) compound may have a pKa ≧1, particularly ≧2, e.g., ≧3.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the liquid mixture may contain a (charged) second compound, such as an amino acid, polypeptide, or long-chain fatty acid. In particular, if the second compound is charged, the second compound may be soluble in the extraction liquid. In particular, the second compound may be charged in the liquid mixture provided by the extraction step prior to the precipitation step. Thereby, the second compound is soluble in the liquid mixture provided by the extraction liquid with a second anion (particularly OH). - ) concentration C E However, the second compound may be charged at a second anion concentration C N , especially the second OH - Concentration C N In the liquid mixture, the second anion (especially OH - ) concentration C N is at least 10 -10 M, e.g., at least 10 -9M, especially at least 10 -8 M. The second anion (especially OH - ) concentration C N is at most 10 -4 M, say up to 10 -5 M, especially up to 10 -6 M, whereby the second anion (particularly OH - ) concentration C N is 10 -10 ~10 -4 M, e.g. 10 -9 ~10 -5 M, especially 10 -8 ~10 -6 The second anion (especially OH - ) concentration C N Especially 10 -7 M (front and back) is also acceptable.

[0069] In further such embodiments, the precipitation step involves the precipitation of charged anions (particularly OH) in the liquid mixture. - ) concentration C E (approximately) a second anion (especially OH - ) concentration C N In particular, the precipitation step may include providing an acid (such as CO2) to reduce the charged anion concentration to at least 0.05 x C. N , especially at least 0.1 × C N , e.g., at least 0.2 × C N , especially at least 0.5 × C N In particular, the precipitation step may include reducing the charged anion concentration to a maximum of 2.0×C. N , especially up to 1.5 × C N , for example, up to 1.2 × C N , especially up to 1.0 × C N Thus, in an embodiment, the precipitation step may involve reducing the charged anion concentration to 0.05×C. N ~2.0×C N , especially 0.1 × C N ~1.5×C N , e.g., 0.2 × C N ~1.2×CN , especially 0.5 × C N ~1.0×C N In a further embodiment, the precipitating step may include reducing the charged anion concentration such that the second compound becomes (essentially) electrically neutral and precipitates.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the liquid mixture may contain a (charged) third compound, such as a (medium or short chain) carboxylic acid (salt), a sugar (e.g., monosaccharide, disaccharide, oligosaccharide, or polysaccharide), a salt (e.g., chloride salt), or glycerol. In particular, if the third compound is charged, the third compound may be solubilized in the extraction liquid. The third compound may be charged in the liquid mixture provided by the extraction step, in particular before the precipitation step. This allows the third compound to be solubilized by the charged anion (e.g., OH) provided to the liquid mixture by the extraction liquid. - ) concentration C E The third compound may be a compound having a second anion as described above (particularly OH - ) concentration C N The second anion (especially OH) may remain charged. - ) concentration C N The value of may in particular be selected so that the third compound remains charged. Thus, the third compound carries a charge in the liquid mixture before and after the precipitation step, facilitating maintaining the third compound in a (substantially) dissolved state.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the precipitation step may comprise supplying an acid, in particular CO2, via sparging or under pressure. The acid may be supplied in gaseous form (such as in the case of CO2) or liquid form (such as in the case of HCl). The precipitation step may comprise supplying the acid at a precipitation temperature selected from the range of 1 to 50°C, for example, the range of 2 to 45°C, particularly the range of 5 to 40°C, for example, the range of 10 to 35°C, particularly the range of 15 to 30°C. In particular, the acid may be supplied at a precipitation temperature of room temperature, around 20°C. Furthermore, the precipitation step may comprise supplying the acid at a precipitation pressure selected from the range of 0.01 to 10 bar, for example, the range of 0.05 to 5 bar, or for example, the range of 0.1 to 10 bar, particularly the range of 0.1 to 2 bar, for example, the range of 0.5 to 1.5 bar, particularly the range of 0.90 to 1.1 bar. In embodiments, the acid may be provided to the liquid mixture for a precipitation time selected from the range of 1 to 240 minutes, e.g., the range of 2 to 120 minutes, particularly the range of 5 to 30 minutes, e.g., the range of 10 to 20 minutes. In certain embodiments, the acid may be provided to the liquid mixture for a precipitation time of at least 1 minute, e.g., at least 2 minutes, particularly at least 5 minutes, e.g., at least 10 minutes. In further embodiments, the acid may be provided to the liquid mixture for a precipitation time of up to 24 hours, e.g., up to 2 hours, particularly up to 30 minutes. The precipitation temperature, precipitation pressure, and precipitation time may be selected to improve the precipitation efficiency of the (second) compound while keeping the (third) compound (substantially) dissolved.

[0072] The precipitation step may thereby provide a precipitate portion and a supernatant portion. The precipitate portion may contain a subset of the compounds (originally from the solid mixture) contained in the liquid mixture that precipitated during the precipitation step, in particular the second compound. Conversely, the supernatant portion may contain a subset of the compounds (originally from the solid mixture) contained in the liquid mixture that remained dissolved during the precipitation step, in particular the third compound. Furthermore, both the precipitate portion and the supernatant portion may contain compounds from the solid mixture and the liquid mixture that reacted with other components during the extraction and precipitation steps; for example, a compound from the solid mixture may dissolve as a salt during the extraction step and precipitate as a salt during the precipitation step. The extraction step thus provides a precipitate portion and a supernatant portion, each containing a (different) subset of compounds.

[0073] The precipitation step may optionally be followed by a second separation step. The second separation step may involve separating the precipitate portion from the supernatant portion. This may be achieved by utilizing the different properties between the precipitate and supernatant portions. In general, the precipitate portion may be in a solid state, and the supernatant may be in a liquid state, in particular a liquid mixture of water and an organic extraction material containing dissolved components, such as the third compound. Thus, the second separation step may include a separation step (as described above). The separation step may involve separating the liquid and solid components (in a container containing the precipitate and supernatant portions) by, for example, filtration or, for example, centrifugation.

[0074] The second separation step may thereby provide the separated precipitate portion and the separated supernatant portion for further use, for example a second compound recovery step (for the precipitate portion) or a third compound recovery step (for the supernatant portion).

[0075] Thus, the method provides a (separated) undissolved portion, a (separated) precipitate portion, and a (separated) supernatant portion as multiple portions. The multiple portions may contain one or more of the desired compounds, such as a first compound (in the undissolved portion), a second compound (in the precipitate portion), and a third compound (in the supernatant portion). Each of the multiple portions may further contain (trace amounts of) additional compounds used in the method, such as organic extraction material, anions (salts containing), cations (salts containing), acids, and water. In particular, the undissolved portion may contain (trace amounts of) organic extraction material and water. Furthermore, the precipitate portion may (substantially) contain cations and organic acids (e.g., in the form of salts containing cations and / or organic acids). Furthermore, the supernatant portion may contain organic extraction material and water.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the (separated) undissolved portion, the (separated) precipitate portion, and / or the (separated) supernatant portion may be provided as is. However, in further embodiments, the method may include an optional compound recovery step. The compound recovery step may include separating or enriching a desired compound from the plurality of portions. In particular, the recovery step may include separating or enriching one or more desired compounds from any one of the plurality of portions. The one or more desired compounds may be selected from any one of the first compound, the second compound, and the third compound.

[0077] The desired compound (as the first compound, the second compound, and / or the third compound) may in particular comprise an organic compound selected from free amino acids, polypeptides, fats, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, sugars, organic acids, and (organic) salts.

[0078] In embodiments, the desired compound may include a natural compound, i.e., a compound that occurs in nature. Additionally, the desired compound may include a portion of a natural compound, such as obtained after enzymatic or chemical treatment. Furthermore, the desired compound may include a modified natural compound, e.g., a compound coupled with a (synthetic) molecule. Alternatively, the desired compound may include a compound that does not occur in nature.

[0079] As used herein, the term "amino acid" may refer to an organic compound that contains amino and carboxyl functional groups and further has a side chain. Amino acids may include "free amino acids" that are not covalently bound to another amino acid.

[0080] In embodiments, the desired compound may comprise free amino acids. Such free amino acids may include, in particular, proteinogenic amino acids, such as amino acids selected from the group including arginine, serine, asparagine, glutamine, glutamic acid, cysteine, selenocysteine, proline, alanine, tyrosine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, lysine, aspartic acid, and glycine. In particular, the free amino acids may be selected from the group including glutamic acid, tyrosine, and leucine. In embodiments, the free amino acids may further include non-proteinogenic amino acids, such as amino acids selected from the group including betaine, 4-aminobenzoic acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid.

[0081] Furthermore, the desired compound may comprise a polypeptide, i.e., a chain of covalently linked amino acids. A polypeptide may comprise a plurality of different amino acids, particularly a plurality of different proteinogenic amino acids.

[0082] As used herein, the term "polypeptide" can refer to a sequence of amino acids of any length, e.g., a sequence of at least two amino acids, particularly a sequence of at least 10 amino acids, and more particularly a sequence of 30 or 31 or more amino acids. Accordingly, as used herein, the term polypeptide can also refer to peptides, oligopeptides, proteins, and multiprotein complexes. In certain embodiments, a polypeptide may comprise, in particular, a peptide, e.g., a single peptide or oligopeptide, wherein the number of amino acids may be selected from the range of 2 to 60, particularly from the range of 2 to 40, e.g., from the range of 3 to 40. Such a peptide may comprise at least two amino acids, e.g., at least three amino acids, particularly from at least five amino acids, and more particularly from at least 10 amino acids. In further embodiments, a polypeptide may comprise, in particular, a protein, e.g., a protein or multiprotein complex, wherein the number of amino acids may be selected from the range of 2 to 4000, e.g., from the range of 3 to 2500, and particularly from the range of 5 to 1000. Such a protein may comprise at most 1000 amino acids, such as at most 500 amino acids, in particular at most 100 amino acids, such as at most 50 amino acids.

[0083] Furthermore, the desired compound may comprise fat. As used herein, the term "fat" may refer to any ester bound to one or more fatty acids, such as phospholipids. In particular, fat may comprise glyceride fat, i.e., glycerol ester bound to one or more fatty acids, such as monoglycerides or diglycerides. More particularly, fat may comprise triglyceride, i.e., glycerol ester containing three fatty acids.

[0084] Fatty acids are carboxylic acids having an aliphatic carbon chain and can be classified by (i) the length of the carbon chain, (ii) the degree of saturation of the carbon chain, and (iii) the degree of branching of the carbon chain. The length of the carbon chain of a fatty acid is defined by the number of carbon atoms in the carbon chain. In embodiments, the length of the carbon chain of a fatty acid may contain at least 5 carbons, e.g., at least 7 carbons, particularly at least 9 carbons, and particularly at least 11 carbons. In embodiments, the length of the carbon chain of a fatty acid may be up to 29 carbons, e.g., up to 27 carbons, particularly up to 25 carbons, and particularly up to 23 carbons. Thus, in embodiments, fats may contain short-chain fatty acids, medium-chain fatty acids, long-chain fatty acids, or very long-chain fatty acids.

[0085] The degree of saturation of a fatty acid is defined by the number of C=C double bonds between adjacent carbons in the carbon chain. A fatty acid is considered saturated if it contains only C=C single bonds between adjacent carbons in the carbon chain. The degree of unsaturation increases with the number of C=C double bonds between adjacent carbons in the carbon chain. Monounsaturated fatty acids contain one C=C double bond in the carbon chain. Polyunsaturated fatty acids may contain two or more, e.g., three or four or more, particularly four or five or more, and particularly five or six or more C=C double bonds in the carbon chain. Thus, in embodiments, fats may contain saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, or polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, unsaturated fatty acids may be defined by the cis or trans configuration of the C=C double bonds. Thus, in embodiments, fats may contain unsaturated fatty acids, e.g., fatty acids in the cis configuration or fatty acids in the trans configuration.

[0086] The degree of branching of a fatty acid is defined by the number of methyl branches on the carbon chain of the fatty acid. In particular, in embodiments, the fatty acid may comprise a linear carbon chain, i.e., a carbon chain that is (essentially) free of methyl branches. The fatty acid may comprise a branched carbon chain, i.e., a carbon chain that contains one or more, particularly two or three or more, for example, three or four or more methyl branches. Thus, the fat may comprise a linear carbon chain fatty acid or a branched carbon chain fatty acid.

[0087] In embodiments, the desired compound may include fibers, particularly natural fibers. Generally, fibers are natural or man-made structures that are substantially longer than they are wide. In particular, fibers may be integrated (or "arranged") into fibrous materials.

[0088] In further embodiments, the fibers may include naturally occurring fibers. Naturally occurring fibers may also be referred to herein as "natural fibers." In particular, natural fibers may include plant-derived fibers, fungal-derived fibers, microbial-derived fibers, or animal-derived fibers, e.g., contained in biomass from such aforementioned sources. Plant-derived fibers may include, for example, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, beta-glucan, milk oligosaccharides, etc. Fungal-derived fibers may include, in particular, mycelium-based fibers, e.g., cellulose, chitin, etc. Microbial-derived fibers may include fibers from other sources that have been subjected to microbial metabolic processes, such as fermentation. Animal-derived fibers may include, in particular, protein-based fibers, e.g., collagen, chitin, sericin, fibroin, keratin, actin, etc.

[0089] In embodiments, the fiber may specifically include dietary fiber.

[0090] Fiber, particularly dietary fiber, can be classified as "soluble fiber" or "insoluble fiber." Soluble fiber can generally be water-soluble (solubility is affected by factors such as pH, temperature, and ionic strength). Insoluble fiber generally does not dissolve in water. Dietary fiber, in particular, can be composed of two or more polysaccharide chains. Dietary fiber can be linear fiber. Furthermore, dietary fiber can be branched dietary fiber. Dietary fiber can be covalently bound to one or more non-polysaccharide molecules. The non-polysaccharide molecules can be selected from the group including lignin, free amino acids, and polypeptides. Dietary fiber can at least partially resist digestion by human digestive enzymes. Furthermore, dietary fiber can be (essentially) completely resistant to digestion by human digestive enzymes. Therefore, when orally ingested by humans, dietary fiber can pass through the stomach and reach the intestine. In the intestine, dietary fiber can be partially digested by (digestive enzymes produced by) the intestinal microflora. Furthermore, dietary fiber may be (essentially) completely digested by (digestive enzymes produced by) the intestinal microflora. It should be noted here that the classification of fiber as soluble or insoluble fiber is independent of the solubilization of the fiber in the liquid mixture during the extraction step of the method of the present invention. Thus, in certain embodiments, soluble fiber may be solubilized during the extraction step. In other embodiments, soluble fiber may not be solubilized during the extraction step. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, insoluble fiber may be solubilized during the extraction step. In other embodiments, insoluble fiber may not be solubilized during the extraction step. Thus, the desired compound may comprise either soluble or insoluble fiber.

[0091] In embodiments, the desired compound may comprise a carbohydrate, particularly a sugar, such as a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide, or a polysaccharide. Most particularly, the desired compound may comprise a monosaccharide and / or a disaccharide.

[0092] In embodiments, the desired compound may comprise an acid compound of interest, such as an organic acid compound of interest. In particular, the organic acid compound of interest may be selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, lactic acid, caproic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, and galacturonic acid. Alternatively, the compound of interest may comprise an inorganic acid compound, such as sulfuric acid.

[0093] Furthermore, the desired compound may include an (organic) salt of the target compound. The salt of the target compound may include a cation selected from the group including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and ammonium. Thus, in embodiments, the salt of the target compound may be selected from the group including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and ammonium salts. Furthermore, the salt of the target compound may include an anion. The anion may be an inorganic anion selected from the group including chloride and sulfate. In particular, the anion may be selected from the group including chloride and sulfate. Thus, in embodiments, the salt of the target compound may be selected from the group including chloride and sulfate salts. The anion may be an organic anion selected from the group including carbonate, carboxylate, lactic acid, caproic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, and galacturonic acid. Furthermore, the anion may be an organic anion selected from the group including carbonate, carboxylate, lactate, caproate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, heptanoate, octanoate, and galacturonate. Thus, in embodiments, the salt may be selected from the group including carbonate, carboxylate, lactate, caproate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, heptanoate, octanoate, and galacturonate. In particular, the salt of interest may be selected from the group including chloride, sulfate, acetate, carbonate, carboxylate, and lactate.

[0094] In embodiments, the desired compounds (as described above) may be provided by a solid mixture. In certain embodiments, the solid mixture may include biomass. As used herein, the term "biomass" may specifically refer to renewable organic materials. Biomass typically includes one or more desired compounds. The (initial) biomass can be obtained from a variety of sources, such as one or more of plant-derived material, fungal-derived material, microbial-derived material, animal-derived material, or food-derived material. Thus, the solid mixture may include one or more of plant biomass, fungal biomass, microbial biomass, animal biomass, and food. Such biomass may be obtained, for example, from the agricultural or food industries. Agricultural and food production can generate various streams of biomass suitable for the present invention. Biomass may include a primary product, a side stream, a waste stream, or a residual stream. In particular, biomass may include a side stream. Rather than relying on food-grade biomass, for example, the present invention can provide a suitable alternative for using otherwise unused biomass materials. In certain embodiments, the present invention can provide an economically attractive option over other alternative methods for using such biomass.

[0095] A primary product may be the main valuable product of a production process; for example, a plant may be grown and harvested with the express purpose of using the plant (or a part of the plant) as an agricultural product or food. Such plants may include, among others, sunflowers, olive trees, oil palms, rapeseed, flax, soybeans, oats, corn, wheat, barley, coffee trees, cocoa trees, avocado trees, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, etc. The plant (or plant part) may be used as a primary product with limited processing. The plant (or plant part) may be further processed to produce a primary product, such as sunflower oil, olive oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, soybean oil, soy milk, tofu, oat milk, corn syrup, corn starch, flour, coffee beans, chocolate, processed flavors, processed tomatoes, etc. Furthermore, livestock animals may be bred, raised, and slaughtered as livestock with the express purpose of using the animal (or a part of the animal) as an agricultural product or food. Animal-based products may include, inter alia, meat (e.g., from cows, pigs, poultry, farmed fish, etc.), milk (e.g., from cows, goats, etc.), cheese (see also below), eggs (e.g., from poultry, etc.), honey (e.g., from bees, etc.), wool (e.g., from sheep, etc.), etc. Furthermore, (primary) products obtained from plant and animal sources may be converted into fungal and microbial-based products via fermentation processes. Fungal and microbial-based products may include, inter alia, alcoholic beverages (e.g., beer, wine, liqueurs, spirits, etc.), fermented dairy products (e.g., cheese, yogurt, etc.), yeast-based baked goods (e.g., bread, pastries, pizza, etc.), flavor compounds (e.g., yeast extract, etc.), etc.

[0096] Under certain circumstances, such as market forces, quality requirements, deterioration (due to logistics issues, climatic issues, insect damage), etc., the primary product may lose significant economic value. Therefore, the primary product may be available as a residual stream of the production process and may be suitable, for example, as biomass for the methods of the present invention. Thus, in embodiments, biomass may comprise a residual stream.

[0097] Production processes from the agricultural and food industries may also produce sidestreams of by-products. By-products may not include the primary valuable product of the production process, but may include by-products of the process that retain economic value. A particular production process may include elements or steps to optimize or refine the by-products, depending on their economic value. Such by-products may include, among others, brewer's spent grain, whiskey mash, distiller's spent grain, wine lees, etc., from the production of alcoholic beverages; press cake from vegetable oil production processes, such as sunflower oil, olive oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, and soybean oil; press cake from vegetable milk production processes, such as oat milk, soy milk, and mycelium milk; cake from fermented seasoning production; soybean pulp refuse from soybean processing for soy milk and tofu; and cheese rind from cheese production. Such by-products may be available as sidestreams of the production process and may be suitable as feedstocks for biomass. Accordingly, in an embodiment, biomass may include sidestreams.

[0098] Production processes from the food and agricultural industries can also generate waste streams. Waste can be by-products of the process that have little or no economic value and are typically discarded or disposed of. Such waste can include, for example, peels, offal, and shavings from plants, such as those mentioned above, as well as inedible parts of such plants that may be incorporated during the harvesting process. Such waste can include, among others, for example, tomato skins, potato skins, cocoa shells, bean husks, coffee silver skins, vegetable cell walls, and the like. Thus, such waste can be available as a waste stream from the production process and, therefore, can be suitable as a feedstock for biomass. Thus, in an embodiment, biomass can include waste streams.

[0099] In the methods of the present invention, the use of biomass from residual, side or waste streams can be particularly beneficial from a circular economy and sustainability perspective.

[0100] In embodiments, a solid mixture (e.g., obtained from biomass) may contain one or more desired compounds, such as a first compound, a second compound, and / or a third compound. On a dry weight basis (i.e., excluding liquid components of the solid mixture, such as water), the solid mixture may contain such desired compounds. In embodiments, the solid mixture may contain 0.1 to 55 wt%, particularly 0.5 to 35 wt%, e.g., 1 to 15 wt%, of free amino acids on a dry weight basis. In further embodiments, the solid mixture may contain 0.1 to 35 wt%, particularly 0.5 to 25 wt%, e.g., 1 to 15 wt%, of free amino acids on a dry weight basis.

[0101] In further embodiments, the solid mixture may comprise 5-65 wt%, particularly 15-55 wt%, for example 25-45 wt%, of polypeptide by dry weight. In further embodiments, the solid mixture may comprise 0-55 wt%, particularly 0.1-45 wt%, for example 1-35 wt%, of fat by dry weight. In further embodiments, the solid mixture may comprise 0-40 wt%, particularly 0.1-30 wt%, for example 1-20 wt%, of soluble fiber by dry weight. In further embodiments, the solid mixture may comprise 0-60 wt%, particularly 0.1-50 wt%, for example 1-75 wt%, of insoluble fiber by dry weight. In a further embodiment, the solid mixture may contain, on a dry weight basis, 0 to 75 wt %, in particular 0.1 to 65 wt %, for example 1 to 50 wt % insoluble fiber.

[0102] In further embodiments, the solid mixture may comprise, on a dry weight basis, 0.1 to 15 wt%, in particular 1 to 8 wt%, for example 2 to 5 wt% of sugars. In further embodiments, the sugars may comprise monosaccharides or disaccharides, in particular monosaccharides, or especially disaccharides. Thus, in embodiments, the solid mixture may comprise, on a dry weight basis, 0.1 to 15 wt%, in particular 1 to 8 wt%, for example 2 to 5 wt% of monosaccharides / disaccharides.

[0103] Thus, in certain embodiments, the solid mixture may comprise, on a dry weight basis, 0.1-55 wt% free amino acids, 15-55 wt% polypeptides, 0-55 wt% fat, 0-30 wt% soluble fiber, 0-50 wt% insoluble fiber, and 0-8 wt% monosaccharides / disaccharides. In further embodiments, the solid mixture may comprise, on a dry weight basis, 0.5-25 wt% free amino acids, 15-55 wt% polypeptides, 0-45 wt% fat, 0-30 wt% soluble fiber, 0-50 wt% insoluble fiber, and 1-8 wt% monosaccharides / disaccharides.

[0104] Furthermore, the solid mixture may contain 0 to 20 wt%, particularly 0.1 to 15 wt%, for example 1 to 10 wt% of an organic acid (compound). Furthermore, the solid mixture may contain 0 to 50 wt%, particularly 0.1 to 35 wt%, for example 1 to 20 wt% of an (organic) salt. In a further embodiment, the solid mixture may contain at least 5 wt%, for example at least 10 wt%, for example at least 20 wt% of the desired compound.

[0105] Examples of solid mixtures with corresponding typical compositions are provided here for reference. A solid mixture for a hard cheese rind may contain 1-15 wt% free amino acids, 35-60 wt% polypeptides, 35-60 wt% fat, up to 5 wt% (soluble and / or insoluble) fiber, up to 5 wt% monosaccharides / disaccharides, and up to 12 wt% organic acid compounds. A vegetable cake solid mixture (e.g., from vegetable oil production) may contain up to 5 wt% free amino acids, 15-60 wt% polypeptides, up to 15 wt% fat, up to 60 wt% (soluble and / or insoluble) fiber, up to 40 wt% monosaccharides / disaccharides, and up to 5 wt% organic acid compounds. A solid residue solid mixture (e.g., from vegetable milk or beer production) may comprise up to 5 wt% free amino acids, 8-28 wt% polypeptides, up to 15 wt% fat, 30-65 wt% (soluble and / or insoluble) fiber, 35-65 wt% mono / disaccharides, and up to 5 wt% organic acid compounds. A further solid residue solid mixture (e.g., from vegetable flavor production) may comprise 8-60 wt% free amino acids, 30-60 wt% polypeptides, up to 5 wt% fat, up to 20 wt% (soluble and / or insoluble) fiber, up to 20 wt% mono / disaccharides, and up to 10 wt% organic acid compounds.

[0106] By this method, desired compounds in such solid mixtures can be efficiently obtained for further use by converting (or "splitting") the solid mixture (including biomass) into different fractions.

[0107] Examples of solid mixtures that can be divided into portions in specific embodiments of the method of the present invention are provided here for reference. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the composition of the portions depends on the composition of the solid mixture and the embodiment of the method of the present invention. For example, from a hard cheese or hard cheese rind solid mixture, the method of the present invention can provide a supernatant portion containing, for example, at least 1 wt% glutamic acid and less than 15 wt% fat (on a dry weight basis). Furthermore, from such a hard cheese or hard cheese rind solid mixture, the method can provide a precipitate portion containing at least 50 wt% polypeptide (on a dry weight basis). From a vegetable cake solid mixture (e.g., from vegetable oil production), the method can provide a precipitate portion containing at least 50 wt%, particularly at least 60 wt%, polypeptide (on a dry weight basis). Such a vegetable cake solid mixture can further yield (via the method of the present invention) an undissolved portion containing at least 35 wt%, particularly at least 50 wt%, fiber (on a dry weight basis). A solid residue solid mixture (e.g., from the production of vegetable milk or beer) can yield a precipitate portion containing at least 35 wt%, particularly at least 50 wt%, of polypeptides (on a dry weight basis). Such a solid residue solid mixture can further yield an undissolved portion containing at least 50 wt%, particularly at least 65 wt%, of fiber (on a dry weight basis). A further solid residue solid mixture (e.g., from the production of vegetable flavorings) can yield a precipitate portion containing at least 50 wt%, particularly at least 70 wt%, of free amino acids (on a dry weight basis). Such a further solid residue solid mixture can further yield a supernatant portion containing at least 35 wt%, particularly at least 50 wt%, of free amino acids (on a dry weight basis). A bacterial / fungal fermentation biomass solid mixture can yield a precipitate portion containing at least 30 wt%, particularly at least 50 wt%, of polypeptides (on a dry weight basis) and at least 50 wt%, particularly at least 65 wt%, of fiber (on a dry weight basis).

[0108] Thus, in embodiments, particularly those in which the solid mixture comprises hard cheese or hard cheese rind, the supernatant portion may comprise (on a dry weight basis) at least 1 wt% glutamic acid and up to 15 wt% fat. Further, in such embodiments, the precipitate portion may comprise (on a dry weight basis) at least 50 wt% polypeptide.

[0109] In further embodiments, particularly where the solid mixture comprises a vegetable cake solid mixture (e.g., from vegetable oil production), the precipitated portion may comprise at least 50 wt.%, particularly at least 60 wt.%, of polypeptide (on a dry weight basis). Further, in such embodiments, the undissolved portion may comprise at least 35 wt.%, particularly at least 50 wt.%, of fiber (on a dry weight basis).

[0110] In further embodiments, particularly where the solid mixture comprises a solid residue solid mixture (e.g., from the production of vegetable milk or beer), the precipitated portion may comprise at least 35 wt.%, particularly at least 50 wt.%, of polypeptide (on a dry weight basis). Furthermore, in such embodiments, the undissolved portion may comprise at least 50 wt.%, particularly at least 65 wt.%, of fiber (on a dry weight basis).

[0111] In further embodiments, particularly where the solid mixture comprises a (further) solid residue solid mixture (e.g., from the production of botanical flavors), the sediment portion may comprise at least 50 wt. %, particularly at least 70 wt. % free amino acids (on a dry weight basis). Furthermore, in such embodiments, the supernatant portion may comprise at least 35 wt. %, particularly at least 50 wt. % free amino acids (on a dry weight basis).

[0112] In further embodiments, particularly in further embodiments where the solid mixture comprises a bacterial / fungal fermentation biomass solid mixture, the precipitated portion may comprise (on a dry weight basis) at least 30 wt%, in particular at least 50 wt%, polypeptide, and (on a dry weight basis) at least 50 wt%, in particular at least 65 wt%, fiber.

[0113] In certain embodiments, the method may include a solid mixture preparation step. The solid mixture preparation step may include providing a solid mixture from an initial source (e.g., biomass) suitable for use in the method. Thus, the solid mixture preparation step may generally precede the extraction step. The solid mixture preparation step may include subjecting the initial source to one or more of drying, filtration, centrifugation, and hydrolysis, thereby providing a solid mixture.

[0114] In an embodiment, the solid mixture preparation step may include providing a solid mixture having a moisture content suitable for use in the method of the present invention. The moisture content of the solid mixture may be at most 95 wt%, for example 90 wt%, particularly 85 wt%, for example 75 wt%, and particularly 50 wt%. In particular, the moisture content of the solid mixture may be at most 95 wt%, for example at most 90 wt%, particularly at most 85 wt%, for example at most 75 wt%, and particularly at most 50 wt%. The moisture content of the solid mixture may be at least 1 wt%, for example 2 wt%, particularly 5 wt%, for example 10 wt%, and particularly 15 wt%. Alternatively or additionally, the moisture content of the solid mixture may be at least 1 wt%, for example at least 2 wt%, particularly at least 5 wt%, for example at least 10 wt%, and particularly at least 15 wt%. Thereby, the moisture content of the solid mixture may be selected from the range of 1 to 95 wt%, for example, the range of 2 to 90 wt%, particularly the range of 5 to 85 wt%, for example, the range of 10 to 75 wt%, particularly the range of 15 to 50 wt%. Examples of typical moisture contents of solid mixtures are provided here for reference: A hard cheese rind solid mixture may contain 10 to 35 wt% water. A vegetable cake solid mixture (e.g., from vegetable oil production) may contain 2 to 15 wt% water. A solid residue solid mixture (e.g., from vegetable milk or beer production) may contain 70 to 90 wt% water. A further solid residue solid mixture (e.g., from vegetable flavor production) may contain 35 to 60 wt% water.

[0115] In certain embodiments, when an acid is added to the liquid mixture during the precipitation step, the acid and the cation may form a salt. For example, in certain embodiments, CO and a cation may form a carbonate salt. The term "carbonate" is used herein specifically to refer to the carbonate anion (CO 2- ), particularly a salt, ester, or mineral containing the carbonate anion. For example, the term "carbonate" is used herein to refer to a compound containing HCO3 -, H2CO3, HNaCO3, Na2CO3, K2CO3, CaCO3, (NH4)2CO3, and MgCO3. In further embodiments, HCl and a cation may form a chloride salt. Similar to the term "carbonate," the term "chloride salt" is used herein to specifically refer to a salt containing a chloride anion (Cl - ), as used herein, may refer to a compound containing the acetate anion (C2H3O2). For example, the term "chloride salt" may refer to any one of NaCl, CaCl2, KCl, NH4Cl, and MgCl2. In other embodiments, acetic acid and a cation may form an acetate salt. As with "carbonate salt" and "chloride salt," the term "acetate salt" may refer specifically to a compound containing the acetate anion (C2H3O2 - For example, the term "acetate" as used herein may refer to any one of CH3COONa, Ca(C2H3O2)2, CH3COOK, NH4CH3COO, and Mg(C2H3O2)2. In further embodiments, the acid and cation may form an acid salt, ester, or mineral that includes the corresponding anion of the acid.

[0116] Thus, the precipitation step may include providing an acid to the liquid mixture such that the acid and the cations form a salt. Such formed salts, particularly carbonates, may generally have (relatively) low solubility. As a result, the formed salt (e.g., carbonate) may precipitate during the precipitation step. In an embodiment, the carbonate precipitation step may include providing an acid to the liquid mixture such that at least 30%, particularly at least 50%, e.g., at least 70% of the cations precipitate (as acid salts, particularly carbonates). In a further embodiment, the precipitation step may include providing an acid to the liquid mixture such that at least 80%, particularly at least 90%, e.g., at least 95% of the cations precipitate (as acid salts, particularly carbonates). Thus, the precipitated portion may include the formed salt, e.g., carbonate.

[0117] In an embodiment, the liquid mixture contains n1M of a cation, e.g., Na +The precipitation step may comprise providing n2 M of acid, e.g., CO2, where n2 is at least 0.1 × n1, e.g., at least 0.2 × n1, particularly at least 0.25 × n1. In particular, adding even a relatively small amount of CO2 relative to the cation may already have the desired effect on salt solubility. In further embodiments, n2 may be at least 0.5 × n1, e.g., at least 1 × n1. In further embodiments, n2 may be at least 1.5 × n1, e.g., at least 2 × n1, particularly at least 3 × n1. In further embodiments, n2 may be at most 1000 × n1, e.g., at most 500 × n1, particularly at most 200 × n1. In further embodiments, n2 may be at most 100 × n1, e.g., at most 50 × n1, particularly at most 10 × n1. In further embodiments, n2 may be at most 5 x n1, such as at most n1, particularly at most 0.5 x n1. For example, in certain embodiments, the cation may include sodium and the carbonate may include sodium carbonate.

[0118] In certain embodiments, if the pH is further decreased, the solubility of the (second) compound in the liquid mixture may further decrease. Thus, in embodiments, the precipitation step may include supplying an acid (particularly CO2) to the liquid mixture in order to (gradually) decrease the pH of the liquid mixture to the point of precipitation of the (second) compound.

[0119] Thus, in such an embodiment, the precipitation step may comprise a first salt precipitation step and a second precipitation step. The first precipitation step involves the precipitation of cations (and anions, particularly OH) via the precipitation of the salts formed. - The second precipitation step may involve adding additional acid (particularly CO2) to further lower the pH of the liquid mixture and precipitate the (second) compound.

[0120] The first and second precipitation steps may be separated in time and / or performed in different locations in such embodiments, for example, the first precipitation step may be performed in a first vessel, after which the liquid mixture is provided from the first vessel to a second vessel, particularly via a sieve, and the second precipitation step may be performed in the second vessel.

[0121] In a further embodiment, the first precipitation stage may be smoothly transitioned to the second precipitation stage, especially if the supply of acid (especially CO2) to the liquid mixture is not interrupted between the two stages.

[0122] In embodiments, the optional compound recovery step may include one or more substeps selected from a first compound recovery step, a second compound recovery step, and a third compound recovery step. These compound recovery steps may include, inter alia, separating the compound from the portion or enriching the compound in the portion. In separation, the compound may be separated from other compounds in the portion. In enrichment, one or more other compounds may be removed from the portion.

[0123] In certain embodiments, the method may include a first compound recovery step. The first compound recovery step may include separating or enriching the first compound from the undissolved portion. The first compound may include one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of free amino acids, polypeptides, fats, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber. The first compound may include free amino acids, particularly glutamic acid. The first compound may include soluble fiber, particularly pectin and / or beta-glucan. The first compound may include insoluble fiber, particularly cellulose or hemicellulose.

[0124] In further embodiments, the method may include a second compound recovery step. The second compound recovery step may include separating or enriching the second compound from the precipitated portion. The second compound may include one or more compounds selected from the group including free amino acids, polypeptides, and salts. The second compound may include free amino acids, particularly tyrosine and / or leucine. The second compound may include salts, particularly sulfates, lactates, and / or salts formed from cations that react with the acid during the precipitation step (e.g., carbonates, chlorides, acetates).

[0125] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include a third compound recovery step. The third compound recovery step may include separating or enriching the third compound from the supernatant portion. The third compound may include one or more selected from the group including free amino acids, polypeptides, soluble fiber, sugars, organic acids, and (organic) salts. The third compound may include free amino acids, particularly glutamic acid. The third compound may include organic acids, particularly carboxylic acids and / or lactic acid. The third compound may include (organic) salts, particularly carboxylates and / or lactates.

[0126] In certain embodiments, the method may further include an organic extraction material recovery step after the precipitation step. The organic extraction material recovery step may include subjecting the supernatant portion to one or more of the following organic extraction material recovery steps: distillation, drying, adsorption, and filtration. This may result in at least a portion of the organic extraction material (provided by the extraction liquid) being separated from the supernatant portion. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the organic extraction material may be separated from the supernatant portion, e.g., at least 30 wt%, particularly at least 50 wt%, or even at least 70 wt%. In some embodiments, (essentially) all of the organic extraction material may be separated from the supernatant portion, e.g., at least 90 wt%, particularly at least 95 wt%, or even at least 98 wt%. Thus, the organic extraction material recovery step may provide a recovered organic extraction material portion and a supernatant residue portion for further use. The recovered organic extraction material portion may be utilized, for example, to provide at least a portion of the organic extraction material of the extraction liquid in another run of the process. The supernatant residue portion may, for example, provide the (third) compound free of organic extract materials for further use.

[0127] The organic extraction material recovery step may be selected from the group comprising distillation, drying, adsorption, and filtration. One or more organic extraction material recovery steps may be combined (sequentially) to provide a recovered organic extraction material portion suitable for further use. The further organic extraction material recovery step may comprise subjecting the recovered organic extraction material portion to an organic extraction material recovery step to provide a further recovered organic extraction material portion and a further supernatant residue portion. The organic extraction material recovery step may particularly comprise at least one organic extraction material recovery step comprising distillation.

[0128] In certain embodiments, the method may further include subjecting the liquid mixture to one or more liquid removal steps, particularly one or more of drying, adsorption, and filtration. The liquid removal step may include separating at least a portion of the mixture of organic extraction material and water from the liquid mixture. In particular, the liquid removal step may include separating at least a portion of the mixture of organic extraction material and water from the liquid mixture. At least a portion of the mixture of organic extraction material and water may be separated from the liquid mixture, for example, at least 1 wt%, particularly at least 2 wt%, for example, at least 5 wt%, particularly at least 10 wt%, for example, at least 15 wt%. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the mixture of organic extraction material and water may be separated from the liquid mixture, for example, at least 20 wt%, particularly at least 35 wt%, for example, at least 50 wt%, particularly at least 65 wt%, for example, at least 80 wt%. In some embodiments, (essentially) all of the organic extract and water mixture may be separated from the liquid mixture, e.g., at least 90 wt%, particularly at least 95 wt%, e.g., at least 98 wt%, The liquid removal step thus provides a liquid mixture with reduced organic extract and water content, which is thereby more suitable for efficient use in the next stage in the process.

[0129] The liquid removal step may be selected from the group including drying, adsorption, and filtration. In certain embodiments of the liquid removal step, both (at least a portion of) the organic extract material and water may be separated from the liquid mixture. The organic extract material and water may be separated from the liquid mixture in equal amounts, or in different proportions; for example, the liquid removal step may remove twice as much organic extract material as water from the liquid mixture, or vice versa. In other embodiments of the liquid removal step, only (a portion of) the organic extract material may be separated from the liquid mixture. In further embodiments, only (a portion of) the water may be separated from the liquid mixture.

[0130] One or more liquid removal steps may be combined (sequentially) to provide a liquid mixture suitable for use in the present method. In particular, one liquid removal step may separate (at least a portion of) the organic extract material from the liquid mixture, and another liquid removal step may separate (at least a portion of) the water from the liquid mixture. In particular, in certain embodiments, the liquid mixture may be subjected to at least two liquid removal steps. One of the at least two liquid removal steps may include drying.

[0131] In certain embodiments, the method may further include subjecting one or more of the plurality of portions (e.g., the undissolved portion, the precipitate portion, the supernatant portion, the recovered organic extract material portion, etc.) to a purification step. The purification step may include separating at least a portion of the components used in the method from one or more of the plurality of portions. The purification step may thereby include separating at least a portion of the organic extract material, anions, cations, and / or water from one or more of the plurality of portions. At least a portion of the components used in the method may be separated from one or more of the plurality of portions, e.g., at least 1 wt%, particularly at least 2 wt%, e.g., at least 5 wt%, particularly at least 10 wt%, e.g., at least 15 wt%. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the components used in the method may be separated from one or more of the plurality of portions, e.g., at least 20 wt%, particularly at least 35 wt%, e.g., at least 50 wt%, particularly at least 65 wt%, e.g., at least 80 wt%. In some embodiments, (essentially) all of the components used in the method may be separated from one or more of the portions, e.g., at least 90 wt%, in particular at least 95 wt%, e.g., at least 98 wt%, etc. Thus, a purification step may provide one or more of the portions free of the components used in the method, such that one or more of the portions may be more suitable for further use.

[0132] The purification step may be selected from the group consisting of distillation, drying, adsorption, crystallization, filtration, membrane purification, washing, and extrusion. In certain embodiments of the purification step, (at least a portion of) all of the components used in the method may be separated from one or more of the multiple portions. The components used in the method may not be separated in equal amounts from one or more of the multiple portions; for example, the purification step may remove twice as many anions as cations from the multiple portions, or vice versa. In other embodiments of the purification step, only one (a portion of) of the components used in the method may be separated from one or more of the multiple portions. In further embodiments, two (a portion of) the components used in the method may be separated from one or more of the multiple portions. In certain embodiments, three (a portion of) the components used in the method may be separated from one or more of the multiple portions.

[0133] One or more purification steps may be combined (sequentially) to provide one or more of the plurality of portions suitable for further use. In particular, one purification step may separate (at least a portion of) one component (from the components used in the method) from one or more of the plurality of portions, and another purification step may separate another component (from the components used in the method) from one or more of the plurality of portions. In particular, in certain embodiments, one or more of the plurality of portions may be subjected to two or more purification steps. One of the two or more purification steps may include washing, and another of the two or more purification steps may include drying.

[0134] The purification step may be combined or overlapped with the organic extract recovery step and / or the compound recovery step. In particular, one or more purification steps may be combined or overlapped with the first compound recovery step, the second compound recovery step, and / or the third compound recovery step. The one or more purification steps may thereby provide the first compound, the second compound, and / or the third compound suitable for further use.

[0135] In certain embodiments, the precipitation step may further include providing additional organic extraction material to the liquid mixture. Increasing the weight ratio of organic extraction material to water may decrease the solubility of the (second) compound. Therefore, the weight ratio of organic extraction material to water in the liquid mixture may be selected from the range of 250:1 to 1:3, e.g., 100:1 to 2:3, particularly 20:1 to 1:2, e.g., 10:1 to 1:1, particularly 5:1 to 2:1. Thus, adding organic extraction material to the liquid mixture may facilitate the precipitation of the (second) compound.

[0136] In a further embodiment, the (second) compound may comprise two or more (different) (second) compounds, and the precipitation step comprises supplying an acid (such as CO) to the liquid mixture to sequentially reduce the liquid mixture to a point at which the two or more (second) compounds precipitate, thereby separating the two or more (second) compounds. Thus, the method, and in particular the precipitation step, may first comprise supplying an acid to the liquid mixture to reduce the liquid mixture to a point at which one (second) compound of the two or more (second) compounds precipitates, thereby separating the one (second) compound, and then supplying an acid to the liquid mixture to reduce the liquid mixture to a point at which a further (second) compound of the two or more (second) compounds precipitates, thereby separating the further (second) compound.

[0137] In particular, in embodiments, one (second) compound may have a first isoelectric point pI1 and the further (second) compound may have a second isoelectric point pI2, where pI2 is less than pI1, and the method, in particular the precipitation step, may comprise first supplying an acid (such as CO2) to the liquid mixture to reduce the liquid mixture to a pH selected from the range of pI1-0.5 to pI1+0.5, and then supplying an acid to the liquid mixture to reduce the liquid mixture to a pH selected from the range of pI2-0.5 to pI2+0.5.

[0138] In certain embodiments, the undissolved portion may be used in at least one additional run of the method of the present invention. The undissolved portion may be used in up to two additional runs of the method of the present invention. Each run may include the extraction and precipitation steps of the method of the present invention. Each run may provide separate portions. Each run may be a different run with different conditions, e.g., different components of the extraction solution. Thus, the portions obtained from a first run may be different from the portions obtained from a second run, thereby obtaining different desired compounds in the undissolved portion of the solid mixture.

[0139] In a further aspect, the present invention may provide a system for converting (or "splitting") a solid mixture into an undissolved fraction, a precipitate fraction, and a supernatant fraction. The system may include one or more of an inlet, a liquid supply, an extraction unit, a precipitation unit, and an acid supply. In certain embodiments, the system may include a control system (described further below).

[0140] The present invention relates, inter alia, to a system for converting (or "splitting") a solid mixture into a non-dissolved fraction, a precipitate fraction, and a supernatant fraction, the system comprising an inlet, a liquid supply, an extraction unit, a precipitation unit, and an acid supply, the inlet configured to supply the solid mixture to the extraction unit, the liquid supply configured to supply an extraction liquid to the extraction unit, the extraction liquid comprising: (a) an organic extraction material selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohol; (b) at least 0.01 M OH; - , (c)Na+ , K. + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and NH4 + and (d) water, and the extraction unit is configured to dissolve at least a portion of the solid mixture and (i) supply the liquid mixture to the precipitation unit and (ii) supply the undissolved portion, the acid supply is configured to supply an acid, in particular CO2, to the liquid mixture contained in the precipitation unit, thereby forming a precipitate portion and a supernatant portion, and the precipitation unit is configured to provide the precipitate portion and the supernatant portion.

[0141] In further embodiments, a system, particularly a control system, may have an operating mode. The term "operating mode" may also be referred to as a "control mode." A system, or an apparatus, or a device may perform an operation in a "mode," "operating mode," or "mode of operation." Similarly, in a method, an operation, phase, or step may be performed in a "mode," "operating mode," or "mode of operation." This does not exclude that a system, or an apparatus, or a device may be adapted to provide another operating mode or multiple other operating modes. Likewise, this does not exclude that one or more other modes may be performed before and / or after performing a mode. However, in embodiments, a control system adapted to provide at least an operating mode may be available. If other modes are available, the selection of such modes may be performed, in particular, via a user interface, although other options may also be possible, such as executing a mode depending on a sensor signal or a (time) scheme. In embodiments, an operating mode may also refer to a system, an apparatus, or a device that can operate in only a single operating mode (i.e., "on" without further adjustability).

[0142] In some embodiments, the operating mode may include one or more of an extraction step, a first separation step, and a precipitation step, among others. In further embodiments, the operating mode may include one or more of a first separation step, a compound recovery step, a first compound recovery step, a second compound recovery step, a third compound recovery step, a first precipitation step, a second precipitation step, and an organic extract material recovery step.

[0143] During the extraction step, the inlet may supply (or be configured to supply) the solid mixture to the extraction unit. Further, the liquid supply may be configured to supply extraction liquid to the extraction unit during the extraction step. In a further embodiment, the precipitation unit may be configured to receive the liquid mixture from the extraction unit after the extraction step.

[0144] The term "extraction liquid" as used herein may particularly refer to the liquid supplied to the extraction unit, and the term "liquid mixture" as used herein may particularly refer to the liquid after contact with the solid mixture in the extraction stage. Thus, the liquid supply may be configured to supply the extraction liquid to (the solid mixture therein) the extraction unit to supply the liquid mixture.

[0145] The extraction liquid may comprise an organic extraction material selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohol. In an embodiment, the extraction liquid contains at least 0.1 M of anions, particularly OH. - The extract may further contain Na + , K. + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and NH4 + at least 0.1M of cations, particularly monovalent cations, such as Na + , K. + , and NH4 + monovalent cations selected from the group comprising, or in particular divalent cations, such as Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ The extract may further comprise a divalent cation selected from the group comprising: The extract may additionally comprise water.

[0146] In the extraction step, the liquid supply may supply (or be configured to supply) an extraction liquid to the extraction unit, in particular to the solid mixture. The extraction unit may dissolve (or be configured to dissolve) at least a portion of the solid mixture. Thus, the extraction unit may supply (or be configured to supply) the liquid mixture comprising the (second and third) compounds to the precipitation unit and the undissolved portion.

[0147] In an embodiment, during the first separation step, the liquid mixture and the undissolved portion may be separated in an extraction unit, or alternatively in a first separation unit.

[0148] In embodiments, the extraction unit may be configured to separate the liquid mixture from the non-dissolved portion and provide the non-dissolved portion and the liquid mixture (which may be fed to the precipitation unit). Accordingly, in embodiments, the extraction unit may include one or more of a filter (e.g., a sieve), a sedimentation device (e.g., a settling tank), a hydrocyclone, a screw press, and a centrifuge configured to separate the liquid mixture from the non-dissolved portion. In particular, the extraction unit may include one or more of a filter and a centrifuge. In embodiments, the liquid mixture may be transferred from the extraction unit to the precipitation unit, i.e., the extraction unit may be configured to feed the liquid mixture to the precipitation unit. Accordingly, in embodiments, the extraction unit may include an outlet, the precipitation unit may include an inlet, and the outlet of the extraction unit may be (fluidly) connected to the inlet of the precipitation unit. Additionally or alternatively, the extraction unit may include a fluid transfer device, such as a pump, configured to transfer the liquid mixture (from the extraction unit) to the precipitation unit.

[0149] In (other) embodiments, the extraction unit and the precipitation unit may be contained in the same vessel, i.e., the same vessel may function as both the extraction unit (during the extraction step) and the precipitation unit (during the precipitation step). In such embodiments, the phrase "feeding the liquid mixture to the precipitation unit" and similar phrases may refer to removing undissolved portions from the vessel (e.g., by filtration or centrifugation) to provide a liquid mixture suitable for the precipitation step (performed in the precipitation unit). However, in particular, the extraction unit may be separate (or configured to be separate) from the precipitation unit.

[0150] Further, in embodiments, separation of the liquid mixture and the non-dissolved portion may be performed in separate units, such as, in particular, a first separation unit. Thus, in embodiments, the system may include a first separation unit, and the extraction unit may be configured to supply the (combined) liquid mixture and non-dissolved portion to the first separation unit. In embodiments, the first separation unit may include one or more of a filter, a settler, a hydrocyclone, a screw press, and a centrifuge, such as, in particular, one or more of a filter and a centrifuge, and may be configured to separate the liquid mixture from the non-dissolved portion to provide the liquid mixture and the non-dissolved portion (the first separation unit may be further configured to supply the liquid mixture to a precipitation unit).

[0151] After the extraction step, the extraction unit (or first separation unit) may recover (or be configured to recover) the (first) compound from the non-dissolved portion. Recovery of the first compound may be achieved via one or more of evaporation, distillation, crystallization, filtration, esterification, and acidification, among others. Thus, in embodiments, the extraction unit (or first separation unit) may include one or more of an evaporation unit, a distillation unit, a crystallization unit, a filtration unit, an esterification unit, and an acidification unit.

[0152] In the precipitation step, the acid supply may supply (or be configured to supply) an acid (particularly CO2) to the precipitation unit, in particular to the liquid mixture in the precipitation unit. In particular, the acid and (at least some of) the cations may form a salt, in particular when the salt precipitates. In particular, the solubility of the salt may depend on the cation. Therefore, the cation may be selected taking into account the solubility of the corresponding salt and taking into account the (second and third) compounds to be recovered. Thereby, the precipitation unit may provide (or be configured to provide) a precipitate portion and a supernatant portion.

[0153] In a further embodiment, during the second separation step, the sediment and supernatant portions may be separated in a sedimentation unit or alternatively in a second separation unit.

[0154] Thus, in embodiments, the settling unit may be configured to separate the sediment portion from the supernatant portion. Thus, in such embodiments, the settling unit may include one or more of a filter (e.g., a sieve), a sedimentation device (e.g., a settling tank), a hydrocyclone, a screw press, and a centrifuge configured to separate the sediment portion from the supernatant portion. In particular, the settling unit may include one or more of a filter and a centrifuge. Further, in embodiments, the settling unit may include a sediment outlet and a supernatant outlet, and may be configured to provide (i) the sediment portion via the sediment outlet and (ii) the supernatant portion via the supernatant outlet.

[0155] In (another) embodiment, separation of the sediment portion from the supernatant portion can occur in a separate unit, e.g., in particular a second separation unit. Thus, in an embodiment, the system can include a second separation unit, which can be configured to provide the (combined) sediment and supernatant portions to the second separation unit. In an embodiment, the second separation unit can include one or more of a filter, a settler, a hydrocyclone, a screw press, and a centrifuge, e.g., in particular one or more of a filter and a centrifuge, and can be configured to separate the sediment portion from the supernatant portion and provide the sediment and supernatant portions.

[0156] After the precipitation step, the precipitation unit (or second separation unit) may recover (or be configured to recover) the (second) compound from the precipitation portion. The precipitation unit (or second separation unit) may further recover (or be configured to recover) the (third) compound from the supernatant portion. The recovery of the second compound and the recovery of the third compound may be achieved via one or more of evaporation, distillation, crystallization, filtration, esterification, and acidification, among others. Thus, in embodiments, the precipitation unit (or second separation unit) may include one or more of an evaporation unit, a distillation unit, a crystallization unit, a filtration unit, an esterification unit, and an acidification unit.

[0157] In an embodiment, the system may further include a control system, in particular configured to control one or more of the inlet, the liquid supply, the extraction unit, the precipitation unit, and the acid supply.

[0158] The term "control" and similar terms herein may refer, inter alia, to at least determining the behavior of an element or supervising the execution of an element. Accordingly, the term "control" and similar terms herein may refer to imposing a behavior on an element (determining the behavior of an element or supervising the execution of an element), such as measuring, indicating, actuating, opening, switching, changing temperature, etc. Additionally, the term "control" and similar terms may also include monitoring. Accordingly, the term "control" and similar terms may include imposing a behavior on an element, as well as imposing a behavior on an element and monitoring the element. The control of an element may be achieved using a control system. Thus, the control system and the element may be functionally coupled, at least temporarily or permanently. An element may include the control system. In embodiments, the control system and the element need not be physically coupled. Control may be achieved via wired and / or wireless control. The term "control system" may also refer to a number of different control systems, particularly those that are functionally linked, of which, for example, one control system may be a master control system and one or more other control systems may be slave control systems.

[0159] In certain embodiments, the precipitation unit may include a first precipitation unit and a second precipitation unit, particularly in this case, the first precipitation unit is configured to receive the liquid mixture from the extraction unit. In such embodiments, in an operating mode, particularly in the first precipitation stage, the acid supply may supply (or be configured to supply) acid (particularly CO2) to the first precipitation unit, which separates the precipitated salt from the (remaining) liquid mixture and supplies (or be configured to supply) the (remaining) liquid mixture to the second precipitation unit. In a further embodiment, in an operating mode, particularly in the second precipitation stage, the second precipitation unit may provide (or be configured to provide) a precipitate portion and a supernatant portion. In particular, in a further embodiment, in the second precipitation stage, the acid supply may supply (be configured to supply) acid to the second precipitation unit, in particular to (gradually) lower the pH of the liquid mixture up to the point of precipitation of the (second) compound and / or in particular to protonate the (second) compound.

[0160] In a further embodiment, the system may include an organic extraction material recovery unit. The organic extraction material recovery unit may receive (or be configured to receive) the supernatant portion from the (second) settling unit. The organic extraction material recovery unit may subject the supernatant portion to an organic extraction material recovery step, in particular distillation, to separate at least a portion of the organic extraction material from the supernatant portion. The organic extraction material recovery unit may thereby provide a recovered organic extraction material portion and a supernatant residue portion.

[0161] In embodiments, a system may be configured to carry out the method of the present invention. The operating mode of the system may include carrying out the method of the present invention in continuous, batch, or countercurrent operation, among others. Continuous operation may refer to a system in which a particular unit may be (configured to be) in operation at all times. In particular, an inlet and a liquid supply may provide a continuous source of solid mixture and extraction liquid to an extraction unit, which may be in continuous operation together with a precipitation unit. Batch operation may refer to a system in which the method is carried out on a single batch of solid mixture and extraction liquid, with the unit being stopped between batches. Countercurrent operation may refer to a system in which the method is carried out in such a way that the liquid mixture flows in the opposite direction to the solid mixture, thereby enriching the liquid mixture in the (second and / or third) compounds. This may provide a more efficient use of the extraction liquid.

[0162] In particular, in embodiments, the system may be configured for continuous operation of the precipitation stage such that both the acid (such as CO) and the liquid mixture are continuously fed to the precipitation unit. Such a configuration can particularly facilitate mixing.

[0163] In particular, the control system may be configured to carry out the method of the present invention (including the system).

[0164] As indicated above, in embodiments, cheese (rind) may be used as the solid mixture. Thus, in embodiments, the method of the present invention may be a method for converting cheese (rind) into a non-dissolved portion, a precipitate portion, and a supernatant portion. In such embodiments, the supernatant portion may, in particular, be (used to provide) a cheese extract. That is, in embodiments, the supernatant portion may (directly) provide a cheese extract without further processing steps. Alternatively, the supernatant portion may be processed to provide a cheese extract. For example, organic extract material (and optionally water) may be removed from the supernatant portion (e.g., by distillation) to provide the cheese extract.

[0165] Thus, according to a further aspect, the present invention may provide a cheese extract. The cheese extract may be obtainable, and in particular may be obtained, using the method of the present invention. Furthermore, the cheese extract may comprise at least a portion of the supernatant (of the method of the present invention). In an embodiment, the cheese extract may have a water solubility selected from the range of ≥ 70%, for example ≥ 80%, particularly ≥ 90%. Furthermore, on a dry weight basis, the cheese extract may contain: (i) ≥ 0.5 wt% free glutamic acid, for example ≥ 1 wt% free glutamic acid, particularly ≥ 1.5 wt% free glutamic acid; (ii) 0.2-20 wt% fat, for example 0.5-15 wt% fat, particularly 1-10 wt% fat; (iii) 30-95 wt%, for example 40-90 wt%, particularly 45-85 wt% polypeptides; (iv) ≤ 7.5 wt%, for example ≤ 5 wt%. %, particularly ≦4 wt% carbohydrates (the cheese extract may contain ≦3 wt%, e.g., ≦2 wt%, particularly ≦1.5 wt% lactose), and (v) 2-30 wt%, e.g., 4-25 wt%, particularly 5-20 wt% organic acids (the organic acids may include one or more of acetic acid, lactic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, e.g., particularly one or more of butyric acid and propionic acid). In particular embodiments, the cheese extract may have a solubility in water selected from the range of ≧90%. Additionally, on a dry weight basis, the cheese extract may comprise (one or more of): (i) ≥ 1 wt% free glutamic acid, (ii) 1-10 wt% fat, (iii) 45-85 wt% polypeptides, (iv) ≤ 5 wt% carbohydrates (the cheese extract may comprise ≤ 2 wt% lactose), and (v) 5-20 wt% organic acids (the organic acids may comprise one or more of acetic acid, lactic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, e.g., in particular one or more of butyric acid and propionic acid).

[0166] Thus, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides a cheese extract obtainable using the methods defined herein, comprising at least a portion of the supernatant, having a water solubility selected from the range of ≥90%, and comprising, on a dry weight basis, (i) ≥1 wt% free glutamic acid, (ii) 1-10 wt% fat, (iii) 45-85 wt% polypeptides, (iv) ≤5 wt% carbohydrates (the cheese extract comprises ≤2 wt% lactose), and (v) 5-20 wt% organic acids (the organic acids comprise one or more of acetic acid, lactic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid). Such a cheese extract may have a relatively strong cheese flavor and / or taste (per gram of dry product) compared to the (original) cheese (rind), but may contain a relatively low fat concentration. Accordingly, such a cheese extract may be suitable for imparting cheese flavor and / or taste to low-fat (or diet) products. Furthermore, such cheese extracts may have high water solubility (at room temperature) (unlike the parent cheese rind), which may facilitate imparting cheese flavor and / or taste to liquid products.

[0167] In embodiments, the solubility of a substance (e.g., a single (pure) compound, a mixture, etc.) in water can be determined as follows: (a) place the substance in a suitable container; (b) add water having a temperature of 20°C to the container, adding 100 ml of water per 5 g of substance (resulting in a 5% (w / v) solution), allowing the water to contact the substance, and optionally stirring the combination of water and substance; (c) after 60 minutes, check the solution for the presence of precipitate and record the clarity (or turbidity) of the solution; (d) filter the solution, dry the filtrate (thoroughly), and weigh the remaining solids to determine the amount of dissolved substance. The solubility determination procedure may typically be performed at atmospheric pressure.

[0168] In embodiments, the solubility of the cheese extract (of the present invention) may be ≧70%, e.g., ≧80%, particularly ≧90%, such as ≧95%, or even 100%, etc. That is, assuming a solubility of ≧90% and using the test method described above, more than 4.5 g (per 100 ml of water) of dried cheese extract may be recovered from the filtrate after step (d). However, in embodiments, the solubility of the cheese extract may be ≦99%, e.g., ≦98%, particularly ≦97%.

[0169] In embodiments, the cheese extract may contain free amino acids (see above), such as, in particular, (free) glutamic acid. In particular, on a dry weight basis, the cheese extract may contain ≧0.5 wt%, e.g., ≧1 wt%, particularly ≧1.5 wt% (free) glutamic acid. Furthermore, in embodiments, on a dry weight basis, the cheese extract may contain ≧2 wt%, e.g., ≧2.5 wt%, particularly ≧3 wt% (free) glutamic acid. Additionally or alternatively, on a dry weight basis, the cheese extract may contain ≦10 wt%, e.g., ≦8 wt%, particularly ≦6 wt% (free) glutamic acid.

[0170] Furthermore, on a dry weight basis, the cheese extract may contain about ≧0.2 wt.%, e.g., ≧0.5 wt.%, particularly ≧1 wt.%, ≧1.5 wt.% fat. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, on a dry weight basis, the cheese extract may contain about ≦20 wt.%, e.g., ≦15 wt.%, particularly ≦10 wt.%, ≦8 wt.% fat. Thus, in embodiments, on a dry weight basis, the cheese extract may contain about 0.2-20 wt.%, e.g., 0.5-15 wt.%, particularly 1-10 wt.%, 1.5-8 wt.% fat. Herein, the fat content of a (mixture of) compounds may be determined, inter alia, by the fraction of compounds soluble in petroleum benzine after acid hydrolysis. That is, a weighed amount of a (dry) compound (e.g., a cheese extract) may be subjected to acid hydrolysis, optionally neutralized and / or dried, dissolved in petroleum benzine, and filtered to remove undissolved matter from the petroleum benzine extract. The petroleum benzine may then be evaporated from the petroleum benzine extract, and the weight of the residue (solid or oily) determined and divided by the starting weight of the compound to determine the fat content (of the compound).

[0171] In embodiments, the cheese extract may further comprise a polypeptide. In particular, the cheese extract may comprise (on a dry weight basis) ≥ 30 wt%, e.g., ≥ 40 wt%, particularly ≥ 45 wt%, or ≥ 50 wt% of the polypeptide. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the cheese extract may comprise ≤ 95 wt%, e.g., ≤ 90 wt%, particularly ≤ 85 wt%, or ≤ 80 wt% of the polypeptide on a dry weight basis. Thus, on a dry weight basis, the cheese extract may comprise 30-95 wt%, e.g., 40-90 wt%, particularly 45-85 wt%, or 50-80 wt% of the polypeptide. The polypeptide content of a compound can be determined, in particular, using the total nitrogen (TN) content of the compound. The total nitrogen content can be measured according to standard protocols, for example, using kit LCK 238 available from HACH LANGE GMBH, Germany, and multiplied by 6.25 to determine the polypeptide content. In embodiments, the cheese extract may (further) comprise (partially) hydrolyzed milk proteins. Hydrolyzed milk proteins, as used herein, refer to the product obtained after (enzymatic) hydrolysis of a milk protein (e.g., casein) by, for example, enzymes found (and / or added) in the cheese-making process, and may contain a combination of short-chain peptides and free amino acids (compared to the parent protein). Hydrolyzed milk proteins can be identified by identifying peptides found in a material (e.g., cheese extract) and comparing the peptides to reference peptides of a milk protein, e.g., casein. For example, peptides can be identified by (a) peptide sequencing, (b) use of affinity probes (e.g., antibodies), or (c) use of mass spectrometry. Such methods are known to those skilled in the art.

[0172] In embodiments, the cheese extract may have a relatively low carbohydrate content. In particular, the cheese extract may contain ≦10 wt %, e.g., ≦7.5 wt %, particularly ≦5 wt % carbohydrates (on a dry weight basis). Furthermore, the cheese extract may contain ≦4 wt %, e.g., ≦2.5 wt %, particularly ≦1.5 wt % carbohydrates (on a dry weight basis). Additionally or alternatively, the cheese extract may contain ≧0.1 wt %, e.g., ≧0.5 wt %, particularly ≧0.75 wt % carbohydrates (on a dry weight basis). In embodiments, the carbohydrates may include lactose at a concentration selected from the range of 10-90%, particularly 25-75%. Thus, in embodiments, the cheese extract may contain lactose. In particular, the cheese extract may contain ≦4 wt %, e.g., ≦3 wt %, particularly ≦2 wt % lactose (on a dry weight basis). Further, the cheese extract may contain <1.5 wt%, such as <1 wt%, particularly <0.5 wt% lactose (on a dry weight basis). Additionally or alternatively, the cheese extract may contain >0.01 wt%, such as >0.05 wt%, particularly >0.01 wt% lactose (on a dry weight basis).

[0173] In embodiments, during the cheese-making process, e.g., particularly during fermentation, lactose (and / or other carbohydrates) may be converted to organic acids by bacteria added to the milk. Thus, in embodiments, the cheese extract may contain organic acids. In particular, the cheese extract may contain, on a dry weight basis, ≧1 wt. %, e.g., ≧2 wt. %, particularly ≧4 wt. %, or ≧5 wt. % of organic acids. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the cheese extract may contain, on a dry weight basis, ≦35 wt. %, e.g., ≦30 wt. %, particularly ≦25 wt. %, ≦20 wt. %, or more particularly ≦15 wt. % of organic acids. Thus, on a dry weight basis, the cheese extract may contain 1-35 wt. %, e.g., 2-30 wt. %, particularly 4-25 wt. %, 5-20 wt. %, or more particularly 5-15 wt. % of organic acids. In embodiments, the organic acids may be present in the cheese extract as free anions and / or salts. Furthermore, in embodiments, the organic acids (in the cheese extract) may comprise one or more organic acids selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, lactic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, particularly one or more of butyric acid and propionic acid. In particular, in embodiments, the organic acids may comprise propionic acid at a concentration of ≦15 wt %, e.g., ≦10 wt %, particularly ≦8 wt % (relative to the total weight of the organic acids), although higher concentrations are not excluded herein. Furthermore, the organic acids may comprise propionic acid at a concentration of ≧1 wt %, e.g., ≧2 wt %, particularly ≧5 wt %. Additionally or alternatively, the organic acids (in the cheese extract) may comprise butyric acid at a concentration of ≦20 wt %, e.g., ≦15 wt %, particularly ≦10 wt % (relative to the total weight of the organic acids), although higher concentrations are not excluded herein. Furthermore, the organic acids (of the cheese extract) may comprise butyric acid at a concentration of ≧2 wt %, such as ≧5 wt %, in particular ≧7.5 wt %.

[0174] In a further aspect, the present invention may provide a computer program product comprising instructions for execution on a control system operatively coupled to the system, the instructions which, when executed by the control system, cause the system to perform the method of the present invention.In a further aspect, the present invention may provide a data carrier having program instructions carried thereon which, when executed by a control system operatively coupled to the system, cause the system to perform the method of the present invention.

[0175] In particular, the present invention may provide a computer program product comprising instructions for execution on a control system operatively associated with a system of the present invention (as defined above), the instructions, when executed by the control system, causing the system to perform a method of the present invention. In a further aspect, the present invention may provide a data carrier having program instructions carried thereon which, when executed by a control system operatively associated with a system of the present invention (as defined above), causes the system to perform a method of the present invention.

[0176] (Thus) in a further aspect, the present invention provides a software product which, when executed on a computer, is capable of producing (one or more implementations of) the methods described herein.

[0177] The embodiments described herein are not limited to a single aspect of the present invention. For example, an embodiment describing a method may further relate to, for example, a system, particularly an operating mode of the system, or particularly a control system. Similarly, an embodiment of a system describing the operation of the system may further relate to an embodiment of the method. In particular, an embodiment of the method describing the operation of (a system) may indicate that the system may be configured for and / or suitable for operation in the embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0178] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts and in which the schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale. [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0179] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the method of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a process for converting a solid mixture 200 into an undissolved portion 310, a precipitate portion 320, and a supernatant portion 330. The solid mixture 200 may include a first compound 110, a second compound 120, and a third compound 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the method includes an extraction stage 10, a first separation stage 20, a precipitation stage 30, a first compound recovery stage 41, a second compound recovery stage 42, a third compound recovery stage 43, and an organic extraction material recovery stage 50.

[0180] In certain embodiments, the solid mixture 200 may include one or more of plant biomass, fungal biomass, microbial biomass, animal biomass, and food. In embodiments, the solid mixture may include 5-85 wt% water 800. On a dry weight basis, the solid mixture may include 0.1-55 wt% free amino acids, 0.5-65 wt% polypeptides, 0-55 wt% fat, 0-40 wt% soluble fiber, 0-75 wt% insoluble fiber, 0.1-15 wt% monosaccharides / disaccharides, 0-20 wt% organic acids, and 0-50 wt% salts.

[0181] The extraction step 10 may include dissolving at least a portion of the solid mixture 200 in an extraction liquid 400, thereby providing a liquid mixture 500 and an undissolved portion 310. The extraction liquid 400 comprises (a) an organic extraction material 410 selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohol, (b) at least 0.01 M anions 420, particularly OH. -, (c)Na + , K. + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and NH 4+ and (d) water 700.

[0182] The extraction step 10 may include controlling (a) an extraction time selected from the range of 5 to 30 minutes, and (b) an extraction temperature of the extraction liquid 400 selected from the range of 15 to 100°C.

[0183] Additionally, the organic extraction material 410 may be selected from the group consisting of acetone, methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol. The cations may be, among others, Na + The extraction liquid 400 may contain 20 to 90 vol % of the organic extraction material 410 and 10 to 80 vol % of water 700.

[0184] A first separation stage 20 may follow the extraction stage 10. The first separation stage 20 may include separating the liquid mixture 500 from the undissolved portion 310.

[0185] A precipitation step 30 may follow the first separation step 30. The precipitation step 30 may include providing an acid 600, in particular CO2 610, to the liquid mixture 500, thereby providing a precipitate portion 320 and a supernatant portion 330.

[0186] In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid mixture 500 contains a second OH - Concentration C N , e.g., OH - Concentration is 10 -7 The second compound 120 is electrically neutral at M. The precipitation step 30 is performed by adding OH to the second compound 120 so that the second compound 120 precipitates. - Concentration of the first OH - Concentration C E From C N A value close to, for example, 0.01×10 in the above example -7 M~100×10-7 The method may include providing CO2 610 to the liquid mixture 500 to reduce M to a value selected from the range of M, such that the precipitate portion 320 includes the second compound 120.

[0187] 1, the precipitation step 30 may include providing CO 2610 to the liquid mixture 500 such that the CO 2610 and the cations 430 form carbonates 440. The carbonates 440 may precipitate, such that the precipitate portion 320 includes the carbonates 440.

[0188] A first compound recovery step 41 may follow the first separation step 20. The first compound recovery step 41 may comprise separating or enriching the first compound 110 from the non-dissolved portion 310, in particular separating the first compound 110 from the components of the extract 400. The first compound 110 may in particular be selected from the group comprising free amino acids, polypeptides, fats, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber.

[0189] A second compound recovery step 42 may follow the precipitation step 30. The second compound recovery step 42 may comprise separating or enriching the second compound 120 from the precipitated portion 320, in particular separating the compound 120 from the components of the extract 400. The second compound 120 may in particular be selected from the group comprising free amino acids, polypeptides, and salts.

[0190] A third compound recovery step 43 may follow the precipitation step 30. The third compound recovery step 43 may comprise separating the third compound 130 from the supernatant portion 330 or enriching the third compound 130 in the supernatant portion 330, in particular separating the third compound 130 from the components of the extract 400. The third compound 130 may in particular be selected from the group comprising free amino acids, polypeptides, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, organic acids and salts.

[0191] The precipitation stage 30 may be followed by an organic extraction material recovery stage 50. The organic extraction material recovery stage 50 may comprise subjecting the supernatant portion 330 to an organic extraction material recovery step, in particular a distillation, to separate at least a portion of the organic extraction material 410 from the supernatant portion 330.

[0192] In certain embodiments, the method may further include subjecting the liquid mixture 500 to a liquid removal step, which includes separating at least a portion of the organic extraction material 410 or water 700 from the liquid mixture 500.

[0193] In further embodiments, one or more of the plurality of portions 300, including the undissolved portion 310, the precipitate portion 320, and the supernatant portion 330, may be subjected to a purification step, which may include removing organic extractant 410, OH, and / or other organic compounds from one or more of the plurality of portions 300. - 420, cations 430, or water 700.

[0194] 2 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a system 2000 for converting a solid mixture 200 into an undissolved portion 310, a precipitated portion 320, and a supernatant portion 330. In the illustrated embodiment, system 2000 includes an inlet 2100, a liquid supply 2200, an extraction unit 2300, a precipitation unit 2400, and an acid supply 2500. In further embodiments, system 2000 may include a control system 3000 configured to control system 2000, particularly one or more of inlet 2100, liquid supply 2200, extraction unit 2300, precipitation unit 2400, and acid supply 2500.

[0195] In an embodiment, system 2000, and particularly control system 3000, may have modes of operation that may include carrying out the methods of the present invention in continuous, batch, or countercurrent operation.

[0196] In an embodiment, in an operational mode, the inlet 2100 may supply (or be configured to supply) the solid mixture 200 to the extraction unit 2300. The liquid supply may supply (or be configured to supply) the extraction unit 2300 with an extraction liquid 400. The extraction liquid 400 may comprise (a) an organic extraction material 410 selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohol; (b) OH; - 420, (c) Na + , K. + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and NH 4+ and (d) water 700.

[0197] In a further embodiment, in an operational mode, the extraction unit 2300 may dissolve (or be configured to dissolve) at least a portion of the solid mixture 200 in the extraction liquid 400. The extraction unit 2300 may thereby provide a liquid mixture 500 and an undissolved portion 310. The liquid mixture 500 may be provided to the precipitation unit 2400. The undissolved portion 310 may provide a first portion of the plurality of portions 300 comprising the first compound 110.

[0198] In a further embodiment, in an operating mode, the acid supply 2500 may be configured to supply an acid 600 to the precipitation unit 2400. In particular, the acid 600 may be supplied to the liquid mixture 500 contained in the precipitation unit 2400, thereby providing a precipitation portion 320 and a supernatant portion 330. The precipitation portion 320 may provide a second portion of the plurality of portions 300 that includes the second compound 120. The supernatant portion 330 may provide a third portion of the plurality of portions 300 that includes the third compound 130.

[0199] In certain embodiments, in an operational mode, the precipitation unit 2400 may subject the supernatant portion 330 to an organic extract recovery step that includes distillation to provide the organic extract 410 .

[0200] [Example] Embodiments of the method of the present invention were experimentally evaluated using different solid mixtures 200, extraction solutions 400 and in-stage conditions. These experiments are briefly described herein.

[0201] Unless otherwise stated, experiments were performed using the following conditions:

[0202] Chemicals—A variety of chemicals were used to carry out the method of the present invention in the experiments, including absolute ethanol (Merck), ethanol 70 vol% (VWR), and ethanol 96 vol% (VWR), sodium hydroxide (98%, Sigma-Aldrich), L-leucine (>98%, Sigma-Aldrich), and monosodium L-glutamate monohydrate (>99%, Scharlau). Solutions were prepared by diluting the chemicals with Milli-Q water, and all solutions were subsequently filtered using a 0.2 μm filter.

[0203] Carbon dioxide - CO2 (>99.7%) was provided by Linde in pressurized bottles.

[0204] Analysis—Amino acid analysis was performed using an Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC system equipped with a UV / Visible detector. Separation was performed on an ACQUITY BEH Cl 8 1.7 μM column. The free amino acid content of different samples was analyzed by UHPLC according to the protocol described in Meussen et al., “A Fast and Accurate UPLC Method for Analysis of Proteinogenic Amino Acids,” Food Analytical Methods, 2014, incorporated herein by reference. Total nitrogen content was measured using the Hach kit LCK 238, and this value was multiplied by 6.25 to obtain the polypeptide content using the TN kit. The polypeptide extraction yield (relative to the total amount of polypeptide in 200 ml of solid mixture) during extraction step 10, the polypeptide precipitation yield (relative to the total amount of polypeptide in 500 ml of liquid mixture) during precipitation step 30, and the total amount of polypeptide recovered (relative to the total amount of polypeptide in 200 ml of solid mixture) during the extraction and precipitation steps were calculated based on the polypeptide content determination. Fat content was determined gravimetrically by extracting the solid sample with hexane. [Example]

[0205] Solubilization of pure amino acids and precipitation with CO2. A solid mixture 200 containing a specified amount of free amino acids was suspended in a container with 15 mL of extraction solution 400. The extraction solution 400 consisted of ethanol (as the organic extraction material 410), NaOH (as the anion 420), and - and cation 430 Na + The extract consisted of a mixture of ethanol (to provide ethanol) and water 700. After an extraction step 10 of 30 minutes to 1 hour, the undissolved portion 310 and the liquid mixture 500 were separated. The free amino acid composition of the liquid mixture 500 was determined using UHPLC.

[0206] [Table 1]

[0207] The liquid mixture 500 is then added to the OH - The liquid mixture 500 was subjected to a precipitation step 30, which involved sparging with CO2 610 as the acid 600 until (most of) was neutralized, to provide a precipitate portion 320 and a supernatant portion 330. The amino acid compositions of the undissolved portion 310, precipitate portion 320, and supernatant portion 330 were determined using UHPLC.

[0208] [Table 2]

[0209] [Table 3]

[0210] By varying the concentration of organic extraction material 410 and the concentration of anions 420 in the extract 400, different free amino acids are likely to be enriched in the multiple portions 300 for a particular amino acid or group of amino acids. Thus, the enrichment of free amino acids in the multiple different portions 300 can be relatively easily adjusted by one skilled in the art. The higher the concentration of anions 420, the greater the amount of free amino acid that will be dissolved. The higher the concentration of organic extraction material 410, the less free amino acid that will be dissolved. For example, tyrosine may be one of the most insoluble amino acids, so it is likely to remain (at least partially) in the undissolved portion 310 unless a high NaOH concentration is used. If tyrosine dissolves, it may be concentrated in the precipitate portion 320 (due to its low solubility in the absence of anions 420). Because glutamic acid has a high solubility in water, it is likely to dissolve at medium to low ethanol concentrations (less than 90%) and then only partially precipitate. [Example]

[0211] Extraction of umami flavor from cheese. A solid mixture 200 comprising biomass obtained from cheese rinds was chopped and pulverized using a kitchen blender. The solid mixture 200 was subjected to extraction step 10 using an extraction solution 400 comprising 70% ethanol as organic extraction material 410 and 0.1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to provide anions 420 and cations 430, with a loading of 70 g / L of the solid mixture 200. Extraction step 10 was carried out at room temperature with stirring for 1.5 hours.

[0212] After extraction, the undissolved portion 310 and the liquid mixture 500 were separated by filtration. Both portions were neutralized during precipitation step 30 by sparging with acid 600 containing CO 610. After neutralization, a portion of the liquid mixture 500 was precipitated, thereby providing a precipitate portion 320 and a supernatant portion 330. The three portions were analyzed for total nitrogen content (to estimate polypeptide content), free amino acid content, and fat content.

[0213] The extraction efficiency of extraction step 10 was determined to be 64% on a dry weight basis. That is, 64% of the total mass of solid mixture 200 was extracted into liquid mixture 500 on a dry weight basis. Furthermore, liquid mixture 500 contained 91% of the total polypeptide content of solid mixture 200 on a dry weight basis. The precipitation efficiency of precipitation step 30 was determined to be 48% on a dry weight basis. That is, 48% of the total mass from solid mixture 200 was precipitated from liquid mixture 500 into precipitate portion 320 on a dry weight basis. Furthermore, precipitate portion 320 contained 64% of the total polypeptide content contained in liquid mixture 500 on a dry weight basis.

[0214] [Table 4]

[0215] The extract portions 320, 330 appear to have a lower fat content relative to the solid mixture 200. The supernatant portion 330 appears to contain the majority of free amino acids. The polypeptide content appears to be comparable between the precipitate portion 320 and the supernatant portion 330.

[0216] The undissolved portion 310 was composed mainly of fat (74 wt%).

[0217] The supernatant portion 330 contained 4-10 wt% of organic acids. The composition of the organic acids is presented in Table 5, where wt% indicates the weight percentage of the total weight of the organic acids.

[0218] [Table 5] [Example]

[0219] Solubilization of pure soy protein and precipitation with CO2. A solid mixture 200 containing a known amount of commercially available soy protein isolate was suspended in 15 mL of extraction solution 400 containing different components. The organic extraction material consisted of a mixture of ethanol EtOH (as organic extraction material 410), NaOH (to provide anions 420 and cations 430), and water 700. Different solid / liquid ratios, temperatures, and times were evaluated in the extraction step 10.

[0220] [Table 6]

[0221] After extraction step 10, the undissolved portion 310 was separated and the polypeptide content of liquid mixture 500 was determined. Liquid mixture 500 was then purified by filtration using OH as anions 420. - The mixture was sparged with CO 610 as acid 600 until most of the filtrate was neutralized, yielding a precipitated portion 320 and a supernatant portion 330. The polypeptide content of the supernatant portion 330 was determined, from which the polypeptide extraction yield and polypeptide precipitation yield were calculated.

[0222] [Table 7]

[0223] Varying the concentrations of solid mixture 200, organic extraction material 410, anions 420, and cations 430 in extraction solution 400, as well as the time and temperature conditions of extraction step 10, resulted in different polypeptide extraction and polypeptide precipitation yields. Higher concentrations of organic extraction material 410 appear to decrease polypeptide extraction yields and increase polypeptide precipitation yields. Higher extraction temperatures appear to increase polypeptide extraction yields but decrease polypeptide precipitation yields. The different extraction times tested (from 30 minutes to 1 hour) appear to have limited effect. [Example]

[0224] Hydrolysis of pure soy protein, solubilization and precipitation with CO2610. A solid mixture 200 containing a known amount of commercially available soy protein isolate was subjected to a solid mixture preparation step involving hydrolysis. To accomplish this, the solid mixture 200 was exposed to 120°C for a predetermined period of time (see Table 6). During this pretreatment period, the sample was stirred (via a magnetic stirrer) in Examples 4.1-4.6. The solid mixture 200 was then subjected to an extraction step 10 with varying extraction liquid 400 components (including at least ethanol and water 700 as organic extraction material 410) for 1 hour, resulting in a liquid mixture 500 and an undissolved portion 310.

[0225] [Table 8]

[0226] After extraction step 10, the undissolved portion 310 was separated, and the polypeptide content of liquid mixture 500 was determined using a TN kit. Liquid mixture 500 was then subjected to precipitation step 30, which involved sparging with CO2 610 as acid 600, to obtain precipitated portion 320 and supernatant portion 330. The polypeptide content of supernatant portion 330 was determined, allowing the polypeptide extraction yield and polypeptide precipitation yield to be calculated.

[0227] [Table 9]

[0228] Varying the hydrolysis conditions and water content resulted in different polypeptide extraction and precipitation yields. Increasing the hydrolysis time appears to result in increased solubilization (of the polypeptide) during the extraction step and increased precipitation (of the polypeptide) during the precipitation step. This allows the solid mixture preparation step to facilitate obtaining different desired compounds in different portions of the plurality of portions 300. [Example]

[0229] Solubilization of Brewer's Spent Grain Protein and Precipitation with CO2610 and HCl A solid mixture 200 obtained from brewer spent grain from beer production was suspended in an extraction solution 400 of varying composition. The solid mixture 200 had a polypeptide content of 25 wt% and a moisture content of 77% on a dry weight basis. The extraction solution 400 consisted of a mixture of ethanol (EtOH) as the organic extraction material 410, NaOH to provide anions 420 and cations 430, and water 700. Different solid / liquid ratios were evaluated. The extraction time was 24 hours at room extraction temperature. After the extraction step 10, the undissolved portion 310 was separated.

[0230] During the precipitation step 30, OH - was partially or completely neutralized with HCl or CO 2 610 to obtain a precipitate portion 320 and a supernatant portion 330.

[0231] [Table 10]

[0232] The polypeptide contents of the liquid mixture 500 after the extraction step 10 and the supernatant portion 330 after the precipitation step 30 were determined. The polypeptide extraction yield, polypeptide precipitation yield, and total amount of recovered polypeptide were calculated. This method can enrich the undissolved portion 310 in soluble and insoluble fiber, while further enriching the precipitated portion 320 in polypeptides, facilitating the transfer of organic acids to the supernatant portion 330.

[0233] [Table 11]

[0234] Varying the concentrations of anions 420 and cations 430 in solid mixture 200, organic extraction material 410, and extraction solution 400, as well as varying the concentration of acid 600 used in precipitation step 30, resulted in different polypeptide extraction yields, polypeptide precipitation yields, and total polypeptide recovery. Increasing the concentration of anions 420 appears to increase polypeptide extraction yields but decrease polypeptide precipitation yields. Due to the high moisture content of brewer spent grain, the concentration of organic extraction material 410 had little effect on polypeptide extraction yields. [Example]

[0235] Solubilization of polypeptides from oil press cake and precipitation with CO2610. A solid mixture 200 obtained from press cake from different vegetable oil manufacturing processes was subjected to extraction step 10 for 1 hour. The solid mixture 200 was suspended in extraction liquor 400 at a ratio of 8.7 g of press cake per 100 g of extraction liquor 400. Extraction liquor 400 consists of 30 wt % ethanol EtOH to provide organic extraction material 410, 0.1 M NaOH to provide anions 420 and cations 430, and water 700.

[0236] [Table 12]

[0237] The polypeptide contents of the liquid mixture 500 after the extraction step 10 and the supernatant portion 330 after the precipitation step 30 were determined. The polypeptide extraction yield, polypeptide precipitation yield, and total amount of recovered polypeptide were calculated. This method can enrich the non-dissolved portion 310 in soluble and insoluble fiber, while further enriching the precipitated portion 320 in polypeptides and facilitating the transfer of organic acids to the supernatant portion 330.

[0238] [Table 13]

[0239] Polypeptide extraction from rapeseed and flaxseed appears to be higher than extraction from sunflower, despite similar initial polypeptide concentrations. Polypeptide precipitation yields appear to be independent of polypeptide extraction yields. Polypeptide precipitation yields appear to depend on the polypeptide concentration of solid mixture 200.

[0240] The term "plurality" refers to two or more. Furthermore, the terms "plurality" and "several" can be used interchangeably. The terms "substantially" or "essentially," and similar terms, as used herein, are understood by those skilled in the art. The terms "substantially" or "essentially" may also encompass embodiments that include "entirely," "completely," "all," and the like. Thus, embodiments may also exclude the contingent "substantially" or "essentially." Where applicable, the terms "substantially" or "essentially" may also relate to 90% or more, or, for example, 95% or more, or particularly 99% or more, or more particularly 99.5% or more, or 100%, etc. Furthermore, the terms "about" and "approximately" may also relate to 90% or more, or, for example, 95% or more, or particularly 99% or more, or more particularly 99.5% or more, or 100%, etc. With respect to numerical values, it is to be understood that the terms "substantially", "essentially", "about" and "approximately" may also relate to a range of 90% to 110%, for example 95% to 105%, particularly 99% to 101% of the value to which they refer.

[0241] The term "comprise" also includes embodiments in which the term "comprises" means "consists of." The term "and / or" specifically refers to one or more of the items listed before and after "and / or." For example, the phrase "item 1 and / or item 2" and similar phrases may refer to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term "comprising" may refer to "consisting of" in some embodiments, but may refer to "containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species" in other embodiments.

[0242] Furthermore, terms such as first, second, and third in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it is understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0243] As used herein, devices, equipment, or systems may be described, among other things, in operation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to methods of operation or to devices, equipment, or systems in operation.

[0244] The term "further embodiment" and similar terms may refer to an embodiment that includes features of a previously described embodiment, but may also refer to an alternative embodiment.

[0245] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments illustrate rather than limit the present invention, and that those skilled in the art can design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0246] The use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout this specification and claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," "include," "including," "contain," and "containing" are to be interpreted in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including, but not limited to," as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0247] The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device, apparatus or system claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0248] The present invention also provides a control system that may control a device, apparatus, or system or that may perform the methods or processes described herein. Additionally, the present invention also provides a computer program product that, when executed on a computer operatively coupled with or included in a device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0249] The present invention further applies to an apparatus, device, or system that includes one or more of the specific features described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention further applies to a method or process that includes one or more of the specific features described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings. Moreover, when a method, or an embodiment of that method, is described as being performed in an apparatus, device, or system, it is understood that the apparatus, device, or system is suitable for or configured for (to perform) the method or embodiment of the method, respectively.

[0250] Various aspects described in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that aspects of the embodiments can be combined, and that more than two aspects of the embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of these features may form the basis of one or more divisional applications.

Claims

1. A method for converting a solid mixture (200) into an undissolved portion (310), a precipitate portion (320) and a supernatant portion (330), comprising: an extraction stage (10) comprising dissolving at least a portion of said solid mixture (200) in an extraction liquid (400), thereby obtaining a liquid mixture (500) and a non-dissolved portion (310), said extraction liquid (400) containing: (a) an organic extraction material (410) selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohol; (b) at least 0.01 M OH; － , (c) Na ＋ , K. ＋ , Ca ２＋ , Mg ２＋ and N.H. ４＋ and (d) water (700), a first separation stage (20) comprising the step of separating said liquid mixture (500) from said non-dissolved portion (310), and - CO to said liquid mixture (500) ２ (610) to provide said precipitate portion (320) and said supernatant portion (330). The method comprising:

2. The solid mixture (200) comprises one or more of plant biomass, fungal biomass, microbial biomass, animal biomass, and food, the solid mixture (200) comprising 5 to 85 wt % water (700), and on a dry weight basis the solid mixture (200) comprises: - 0.5 to 25 wt. % of free amino acids, - 15 to 55 wt. % of polypeptides, - 0 to 45 wt. % fat, - 0 to 30 wt. % soluble fiber, 0 to 50 wt. % insoluble fiber, and - 1-8 wt% mono- / disaccharides The method of claim 1 , comprising:

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction stage (10) comprises controlling the extraction temperature of the liquid mixture (500) at a temperature selected from the range of 15 to 100°C.

4. The precipitation step (30) is ２ (610) and cation (430) to form carbonate (440). ２ (610) to the liquid mixture (500), whereby the carbonate (440) precipitates, and the precipitation stage (30) comprises: (a) a precipitation temperature selected from the range of 5 to 40°C; (b) a precipitation pressure selected from the range of 0.1 to 10 bar; and (c) a precipitation time selected from the range of 5 to 30 minutes, wherein the CO ２ The method of any of claims 1 to 3, comprising the step of providing (610).

5. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a first compound recovery step (41), said first compound recovery step (41) comprising separating first compounds (110) from the non-dissolved portion (310), said first compounds (110) being selected from the group comprising free amino acids, polypeptides, fats, soluble fibres, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and insoluble fibres.

6. The liquid mixture (500) comprises a second compound (120), said second compound (120) being capable of reacting with a second OH group in the liquid mixture (500). － Concentration C Ｎ and the precipitation step (30) is ２ (610) to provide the OH in the liquid mixture (500) － The concentration is adjusted to 0.1×C so that the second compound (120) precipitates. Ｎ ~1.5 x C Ｎ to a value selected from the range The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The method of any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second compound recovery step (42), wherein said second compound recovery step (42) comprises separating a second compound (120) from a precipitated portion (320), wherein said second compound (120) is selected from the group comprising free amino acids, polypeptides, and salts.

8. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a third compound recovery step (43), said third compound recovery step (43) comprising separating a third compound (130) from the supernatant portion (330), said third compound (130) being selected from the group comprising free amino acids, polypeptides, soluble fibers, monosaccharides, organic acids, and salts.

9. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising an organic extraction material recovery step (50) following the precipitation step (30), said organic extraction material recovery step (50) comprising subjecting the supernatant portion (330) to distillation to separate at least a portion of the organic extraction material (410) from the supernatant portion (330).

10. The organic extraction material (410) is selected from the group consisting of acetone, methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol, and the cation (430) is Na ＋ 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the extraction liquid (400) comprises 20-99 vol.% of the organic extraction material (410) and 1-80 vol.% of water (700).

11. 11. The method of any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising subjecting the liquid mixture (500) to a liquid removal step, wherein the liquid removal step comprises separating an organic extraction material (410) or water (700) from the liquid mixture (500).

12. One or more of the plurality of portions (300), including the non-dissolved portion (310), the precipitate portion (320), and the supernatant portion (330), are subjected to a purification step, which extracts organic extractant (410), OH, and / or OH-containing compounds from the one or more of the plurality of portions (300). － 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising separating the cations (430), or water (700).

13. 1. A system (2000) for converting a solid mixture (200) into a non-dissolved portion (310), a precipitated portion (320) and a supernatant portion (330), said system (2000) comprising an inlet (2100), a liquid supply (2200), an extraction unit (2300), a precipitation unit (2400) and an acid supply (2500), and having an operating mode, wherein: - said inlet (2100) is configured to feed said solid mixture (200) into said extraction unit (2300); the liquid supply (2200) is configured to supply an extraction liquid (400) to the extraction unit (2300), the extraction liquid (400) comprising: (a) an organic extraction material (410) selected from the group consisting of acetone and alcohol; (b) at least 0.01 M OH; － , (c) Na ＋ , K. ＋ , Ca ２＋ , Mg ２＋ and N.H. ４＋ and (d) water (700), said extraction unit (2300) is configured to dissolve at least a portion of said solid mixture (200) and (i) to provide a liquid mixture (500) to said precipitation unit (2400) and (ii) to provide said non-dissolved portion (310); the acid supply (2500) is configured to supply an acid (600) to the liquid mixture (500) contained in the precipitation unit (2400), thereby forming a precipitation portion (320) and a supernatant portion (330); said settling unit (2400) is adapted to provide said settling portion (320) and said supernatant portion (330); , the system (2000).

14. 1. A computer program product comprising instructions for execution on a control system (3000) operatively coupled to a system (2000), the instructions, when executed by the control system (3000), causing the system (2000) to: The computer program product causing the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. When executed by a control system (3000) operatively coupled to the system (2000) of claim 13, the system (2000) A data carrier carrying program instructions for causing the data carrier to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. A cheese extract obtainable using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least a portion of the supernatant (330), the cheese extract having a solubility in water selected from the range of ≥ 90%, on a dry weight basis ≥ 1 wt % glutamic acid, - 1 to 10 wt% fat 45 to 85 wt. % of polypeptides, - ≦5 wt. % carbohydrates, of which ≦2 wt. % lactose, and 5-20 wt % of organic acids, including one or more of acetic acid, lactic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid The cheese extract comprising:

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