Sweet protein compositions

Abstract

Sweet protein compositions and methods for manufacturing sweet protein compositions are disclosed. An example sweet protein composition may include a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins extracted from sunflower seeds and chlorogenic acid. A ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid may be 500:1 or greater.

Description

SWEET PROTEIN COMPOSITIONSCross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 555,312, filed on February 19, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to sweet protein compositions.Background

[0003] A number of methods for processing oil seeds are known as well as compositions made via such processing methods. Of the known methods and compositions, each has certain advantages and disadvantages. There is an ongoing need for new and different processing methods and compositions.Brief Summary

[0004] This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for sweet protein compositions. A composition is disclosed. The composition comprises: one or more soluble proteins; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the one or more soluble proteins to chlorogenic acid is 500: 1 or greater.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more soluble proteins include sunflower albumins.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more soluble proteins are extracted from sunflower seeds.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

[0009] A sweet protein composition derived from sunflower seeds is disclosed. The composition comprises: a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albuminsextracted from sunflower seeds; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 500: 1 or greater.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

[0012] A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 500: 1 or greater.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, fdtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, fdtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate prior to passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material, and wherein passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material includes passing the third retentate through the ion exchange column.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

[0024] A composition is disclosed. The composition comprises: one or more soluble proteins; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the one or more soluble proteins to chlorogenic acid is 150: 1 or greater.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more soluble proteins include sunflower albumins.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more soluble proteins are extracted from sunflower seeds.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

[0029] A composition is disclosed. The composition comprises: one or more soluble proteins; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the one or more soluble proteins to chlorogenic acid is 200: 1 or greater.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more soluble proteins include sunflower albumins.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more soluble proteins are extracted from sunflower seeds.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

[0034] A composition is disclosed. The composition comprises: one or more soluble proteins; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the one or more soluble proteins to chlorogenic acid is 300: 1 or greater.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more soluble proteins include sunflower albumins.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more soluble proteins are extracted from sunflower seeds.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

[0039] A composition is disclosed. The composition comprises: one or more soluble proteins; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the one or more soluble proteins to chlorogenic acid is 400: 1 or greater.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more soluble proteins include sunflower albumins.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the one or more soluble proteins are extracted from sunflower seeds.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

[0044] A sweet protein composition derived from sunflower seeds is disclosed. The composition comprises: a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins extracted from sunflower seeds; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 150: 1 or greater.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

[0047] A sweet protein composition derived from sunflower seeds is disclosed. The composition comprises: a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins extracted from sunflower seeds; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 200: 1 or greater.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

[0050] A sweet protein composition derived from sunflower seeds is disclosed. The composition comprises: a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins extracted from sunflower seeds; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 300: 1 or greater.

[0051] A sweet protein composition derived from sunflower seeds is disclosed. The composition comprises: a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins extracted from sunflower seeds; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 400: 1 or greater.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

[0054] A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and afirst permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 150: 1 or greater.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a thirdretentate prior to passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material, and wherein passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material includes passing the third retentate through the ion exchange column.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

[0066] A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 200: 1 or greater.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, fdtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate prior to passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material, and wherein passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material includes passing the third retentate through the ion exchange column.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

[0078] A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 300: 1 or greater.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

[0086] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane.

[0088] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate prior to passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material, and wherein passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material includes passing a third retentate through the ion exchange column.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

[0090] A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate;passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 400: 1 or greater.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

[0098] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane.

[0100] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate prior to passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form anoutput material, and wherein passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material includes passing the third retentate through the ion exchange column.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

[0102] A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate; passing the third retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 150: 1 or greater.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

[0104] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

[0105] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

[0106] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

[0107] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

[0108] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

[0109] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

[0110] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, fdtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

[0111] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane.

[0112] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

[0113] A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate; passing the third retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 200: 1 or greater.

[0114] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

[0116] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

[0118] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

[0119] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

[0120] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

[0121] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

[0124] A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate; passing the third retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 300: 1 or greater.

[0125] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

[0126] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

[0128] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

[0129] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

[0130] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

[0131] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

[0132] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

[0133] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane.

[0134] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

[0135] A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate; passing the third retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 400: 1 or greater.

[0136] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

[0137] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

[0138] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

[0139] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

[0140] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

[0142] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

[0143] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

[0144] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane.

[0145] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

[0146] A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate; passing the third retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material;drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 500: 1 or greater.

[0147] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

[0148] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

[0149] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

[0150] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

[0151] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

[0152] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

[0153] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

[0154] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

[0155] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane.

[0156] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

[0157] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.Detailed Description

[0158] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

[0159] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0160] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0161] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0162] It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include one or more particular features, structures, and / or characteristics. However, such recitations do not necessarily mean that all embodiments include the particular features, structures, and / or characteristics. Additionally, when particular features, structures, and / or characteristics are described in connection with one embodiment, it should be understood that such features, structures, and / or characteristics may also be used connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described unless clearly stated to the contrary.

[0163] A number of processes have been developed to extract, isolate, and / or otherwise remove materials of interest from oil seeds, for example sunflower seeds. Some of the materials of interest may include chlorogenic acid (CGA), phytic acid (PA), meals, and proteins. While not intending to be limiting, sunflower proteins (e.g., proteins extracted and / or isolated from sunflower seeds) can be classified generally into at least two groups:(a) group / class 001, corresponding generally to soluble proteins, low molecular weight proteins, albumins (e.g., soluble albumins), combinations thereof, and / or the like and (b) group / class 002 corresponding generally to insoluble proteins, high molecular weight proteins, helianthinins, globulins, albumins (e.g., residual albumins and / or insoluble albumins), combinations thereof, and / or the like. For the purposes of this disclosure, the sunflower proteins of group 001 may be labeled in the disclosure as soluble proteins (e.g., one or more soluble proteins and / or a mixture of one or more soluble proteins) or albumins (e.g., soluble albumins) and the sunflower proteins of group 002 may be labeled in this disclosure as insoluble proteins (e.g., one or more insoluble proteins and / or a mixture of one or more insoluble proteins) or helianthinins.

[0164] Plant-based proteins have a growing utility in a variety of industries including the food industry and / or the manufacturing of food products. One aspect of sunflower proteins, for example group 001 soluble proteins, is that the proteins can have a sweetness or sweet flavor, which may be desirable for a number of different applications. Disclosed herein are compositions that include a desirably sweet protein, for example a desirably sweet sunflower protein. In at least some instances, the compositions include materials that are extracted and / or isolated from sunflower seeds. The compositions have a closely regulated ratio of protein (e.g., group 001 soluble proteins) to CGA. It has been discovered that relatively high ratios of protein (e.g., group 001 soluble proteins) to CGA provides the composition with desirable sweetness characteristics. Processes have been developed for extracting the desired protein (e.g., e.g., group 001 soluble proteins) from sunflower seeds in a manner that maximizes the yield of sunflower protein for use in the compositions disclosed herein. These processes also help to keep the levels of CGA in the composition (e.g., the ratio of group 001 soluble proteins to CGA) at a desired level so that the desired sweetness characteristics can be achieved in a consistent manner while having a minimal effect on yield. Some further details of the contemplated compositions and processes are disclosed herein.

[0165] A number of processes are contemplated for extracting and / or isolating one or more materials from oil seeds. Example plants that produce oil seeds may include almond, argan, borage, canola, castor, cherry, coconut, com, cotton, flax, grape, hemp, jojoba, macadamia, mango, mustard, neem, oil palm, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, shea,sunflower, tonka bean, moringa, rice (and / or rice bran), and tung. At least some of the following description refers to processes for extracting and / or isolating one or more materials from sunflower seeds. This, however, is not intended to be limiting. Other processes are contemplated that may use different oils seeds and / or combinations of oil seeds.

[0166] An example method for producing a sweet protein composition may include processing oil seeds, for example sunflower seeds. For example, sunflower seeds can be harvested and transported to a suitable processing facility. The seeds can be dehulled and cold pressed in a conventional manner, which may remove at least some of the oil from the sunflower seeds. For example, cold pressing (e.g., cold pressing at a temperature less than or equal to 140°F) may remove about 85% or so of the sunflower oil from the seed. After pressing, the resulting meal can be further processed.

[0167] The meal from the cold press can be subjected to one or more extractions. To extract the meal, the meal may be mixed with an aqueous solution, for example a saline solution. The amount of liquid added to the meal may include adding liquid at a ratio of about 5: 1-20: 1 liquid (and / or the water component of the saline solution) to the dry weight of the meal. In some instances, the saline solution may include a NaCl solution (e.g., 0.5M NaCl). Other salts and / or concentrations are contemplated. In some instances, the saline solution may include an additive. For example, the saline solution may include ascorbic acid (e.g., about 0.1 wt-% ascorbic acid). In at least some instances, the use of an aqueous solution for the extraction(s) may be desirable because, for example, the use of organic solvents during extraction can adversely impact the proteins and / or other materials that may be extracted from the meal.

[0168] Adding the aqueous solution to the meal may form a mixture. The pH of the mixture may be adjusted to about pH of 5-5.5 or about 5.1-5.2 using a suitable acid (e.g., HC1). The pH adjusted mixture can be heated to a target temperature (e.g., about 120- 160°F, or about 135-145°F, or about 138°F) and mixed for a suitable time (e.g., about 1-4 hours, or about 1-3 hours, or about 2 hours). Heating and mixing the pH adjusted mixture may form a slurry.

[0169] The slurry may be separated using a suitable separating apparatus such as a decanting centrifuge. Separating the slurry may include multiple rounds of decanting (e.g.,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more decanting steps). For example, the slurry may undergo a first decanting step (e.g., using a decanting centrifuge) in order to be separated into a solid stream and a liquid stream. A liquid or solution may be added back to the solid stream and the solid stream may be decanted again (e.g., a second decanting step). For example, the solid stream may be mixed with a solution (e.g., a 0.25M NaCl saline solution) at a suitable ratio of liquid to the dry weight and be decanted (e.g., using a decanting centrifuge). For example, the ratio of liquid to dry weight of the solids may be about 5 : 1-20: 1 or about 10: 1. In some instances, the solid stream from the second decanting step may be decanted again (e.g., a third decanting step). The third decanting step may include mixing the solid stream from the second decanting step with a saline solution similar to the first and second decanting steps, with water, or the like and decanting (e.g., using a decanting centrifuge). The solid stream from the third decanting step may be dried to form a sunflower meal. The liquid stream from the third decanting step may be sent to a reverse osmosis system to recover clean water that can be re-used.

[0170] The liquid streams from the first and second decanting steps may be combined. In some instances, CaCb may be added to the combined liquid streams. The amount of CaCk added may be about 1-5 wt-% or about 2.5 wt-% of the incoming meal (e.g., the meal coming off of the cold press). The pH may also be raised, for example using NaOH. For example, the pH may be raised to about 5-6 or about 5.6-5.8. The addition of CaCh and the increase in the pH may precipitate phytic acid present in the liquid streams. The phytic acid can be removed / recovered by sending the liquid to a decanter (e.g., a decanting centrifuge). The phytic acid decanting step may produce a solid stream (e.g., the phytic acid) and a liquid stream.

[0171] The liquid stream from the phytic acid decanting step may undergo one or more filtrations. This may include a microfiltration process. For example, the liquid stream from the phytic acid decanting step may be filtered using a microfiltration membrane (e.g., a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane). This may include concentrating the liquid stream to a factor of about 10-30 or to a factor of about 20. The concentration factor, as used herein, may be understood as referring to how much the volume on the retentate side (e.g., what is retained on the filter, rather than passing through) has been concentrated by due to liquid passing through the filter. Diafiltration water may be added to the concentratedstream at up to about 0.15 times the volume of the initial volume of the concentrated stream. The retentate captured on the microfiltration membrane may include materials such as sunflower meal and any remaining oil, which may be discarded as waste. The permeate may include a number of other / additional target materials such as proteins, CGA, and salts.

[0172] The permeate from the microfiltration may be further processed. For example, the pH may be lowered in the permeate using an acid such as HC1. For example, the pH may be lowered to about 4.0-4.1. The temperature of the permeate may also be adjusted (e.g., cooled) to a temperature less than or equal to about 60°F. The adjustments to pH and temperature may precipitate the insoluble proteins / helianthinins. In at least some instances, the pH-adjusted and cooled permeate may be filtered, for example using another microfiltration membrane (e.g., a second microfiltration step using, for example, a 0.1- micron microfiltration membrane) which may be the same or different from the microfiltration membrane used in prior microfiltration. When doing so, the retentate may be concentrated to a factor of about 8-15 or to a factor of about 11 of the starting volume. Diafiltration water may be added to the concentrated retentate at up to about 0.7 times the volume of material sent to the microfiltration membrane. This may help to de-salt the insoluble proteins / helianthinins in the retentate. The pH may be raised in the retentate to a pH of about 5.6-6.0 with a base (e.g., NaOH) and then be sent to an evaporator to concentrate the solids (e.g., up to about 20%). The concentrated solids can be sent to a flash dryer to create a dry, insoluble sunflower protein powder that is about 90 wt-% protein (Nx5.6).

[0173] The permeate (e.g., the permeate from the second microfiltration step, which may include soluble proteins / albumins, CGA, and salts) may be sent to a nanofiltration membrane (e.g., an 800 Da nanofiltration membrane). When doing so, the permeate may be adjusted, as needed, to a temperature at or below about 90°F and to a pH at or below 5.0 and filtered using the nanofiltration membrane. The retentate may be concentrated to a factor of about 50-100 or to a factor of about 75 of the starting volume and diafiltration water may be added at about 0.3-0.4, or about 0.36 times the volume of the material sent to the membrane. This may de-salt the soluble proteins / albumins. The retentate may include the soluble proteins / albumins along with some CGA whereas the permeatecontained the remaining (e.g., majority) of the CGA and salts. The ratio (w / w) of protein to CGA in the retentate may be about 20: 1 to about 40: 1.

[0174] In some instances, the permeate (e.g., the permeate from the second microfiltration step) can be sent to an adsorption column, which may allow the proteins, salt, and some of the CGA to pass through while adsorbing a majority of the CGA. This may allow the CGA to be eluted, sent to an evaporator before going to a spray dray to produce a dry, CGA powder. This may be desirable for a number of reasons. For example, this may allow a substantial portion of the CGA to be removed (e.g., about 75%), which may help with product properties such as color. In addition, removing CGA at an earlier stage may allow for the nanofiltration (discussed below) to be more efficient. In other instances (e.g., instead of sending the permeate from the second microfiltration step to the adsorption column), the permeate from the nanofiltration step may be sent to an adsorption column, which may allow the saltwater to pass through while adsorbing the CGA. The CGA can be eluted and sent to an evaporator to concentrate to 10% solids before going to a spray dryer where a dry, CGA powder as produced that was 60 wt% CGA.

[0175] It can be appreciated that other processes / steps may be utilized to remove CGA from the permeate (e.g., the permeate from the second microfiltration step and / or other permeates, retentates, etc.). For example, CGA can be hydrolyzed into quinic acid and caffeic acid using an appropriate enzyme such as an esterase (e.g., a general esterase), lipase, or a specific CGA esterase. This hydrolysis can be done at any point in the process prior to the nanofiltration step and will allow the CGA (or rather its component acids) to be more easily removed via nanofiltration.

[0176] The retentate (e.g., from the nanofiltration step) may be adjusted to raise the pH to about 5.6-6.0 with a base (e.g., NaOH) and be sent to an ion exchange column to remove additional CGA. When doing so, the output of the ion exchange column may be tuned to hit a target protein to CGA ratio (w / w) that is greater than or equal to about 40: 1, or greater than or equal to about 50: 1, or greater than or equal to about 60: 1, or greater than or equal to about 70: 1, or greater than or equal to about 80: 1, or greater than or equal to about 90: 1, or greater than or equal to about 100:1, or greater than or equal to about 150: 1, or greater than or equal to about 200: 1, or greater than or equal to about 250: 1, or greater than or equal to about 300: 1, or greater than or equal to about 350:1, or greater than or equal toabout 400: 1 , or greater than or equal to about 450: 1 , or greater than or equal to about 500: 1 . In other instances, the retentate (e.g., from the nanofiltration step) may be sent to an adsorption column (e.g., instead of an ion exchange column) to remove CGA.

[0177] In at least some instances, it may be desirable to produce a product / composition that has a consistent ratio of protein to CGA. This allows for the resultant product / composition to have the desired sweetness and so that the product / composition can be produced in a manner that allows for consistent, repeatable results. In order to tune the protein to CGA ratio to a desired level, the output of the ion exchange column can be blended with some of the input. In other words, some of the input can be diverted around the ion exchange column and blended with the output to achieve a desired protein to CGA ratio. It has been determined that doing so helps to balance the level of CGA in the output. For example, if the desired target composition has a protein to CGA ratio (w / w) of 500: 1, a suitable amount of the input material can be diverted around and blended with the output from the column. Knowing the ratio of protein to CGA prior to going to the column (e.g., in the range of about 20: 1 to about 40: 1), the expected ratio of protein to CGA coming off of the column (e g., in the range of about 500:1 to about 1000: 1), and the target ratio (e.g., 500: 1), the amount of input material to be blended with the output material can be calculated in order to achieve the desired result. The final output of the ion exchange column may be sent to an evaporator to concentrate the solids up to about 40 wt-% before going to a spray dyer to create a dry, soluble protein powder that is about 90 wt-% protein (Nx5.6).

[0178] As indicated herein, the soluble protein powder formed by the above process may have desirable characteristics including a desired level of sweetness. For example, in tests that determine a sweetness level, samples were tested by forming 2% solutions of manufactured compositions including soluble proteins / albumins. Compositions having ratios of protein to CGA on the order of about 52:1 and 129: 1 had a sweetness on the order of about equal to that of a similar sucrose solution. Compositions having ratios of protein to CGA on the order of about 159: 1 and 181 : 1 had a sweetness on the order of about 1.7 times that of a similar sucrose solution. Increasing the ratio of protein to CGA to about 500: 1 or more (e.g., 500: 1 or 764: 1) had a sweetness greater than 1.7 times that of a similar sucrose solution.

[0179] It can be appreciated that some processes may be utilized that can remove a significant amount of CGA, to nearly all CGA, from sunflower extracts, which may allow for a sweet protein composition to be produced. For example, activated carbon can remove nearly all CGA from sunflower extracts. Activated carbon, however, also removes a substantial amount of protein, thereby negatively impacting yield. Therefore, a need was identified for processes that would produce sunflower proteins with desirable characteristics (e.g., sweetness) without compromising on protein yield. It was determinized that using an ion exchange resin configured to remove polyphenols was able to bind with CGA in order to remove CGA from compositions while having a minimal impact on protein yield. The ion exchange columns consistently pulled a desirable level of CGA from the protein compositions in a highly consistent and reliable manner, thereby allowing for results that were highly repeatable. Moreover, the use of the ion exchange columns has little impact on the protein yield, thereby allowing efficient production of protein compositions from sunflower seeds not previously believed to be possible. Furthermore, the ion exchange columns used for the processes disclosed herein can be regenerated in a relatively fast and simple manner, thereby allowing for rapidly repeatable systems for scaling production of protein compositions in an efficient manner.

[0180] Examples

[0181] The disclosure may be further clarified by reference to the following Examples, some of which may be prophetic in nature, and serve to exemplify some embodiments, and not to limit the disclosure in any way.

[0182] Example 1 - Process for Preparing Sweet Protein Compositions

[0183] Sunflower seeds were brought into the facility, dehulled and cold pressed (<140F) to remove -85% of the oil from the seed. The meal from the press was conveyed to the extraction processed. The meal was mixed with a saline solution at a 10:1 water to dry weight ratio. The saline solution was 0.5M NaCl and 0.1 wt% ascorbic acid. The mixture was heated to 138F and mixed for 2 hours at a pH of 5.1-5.2, using HC1 to lower the pH. After 2 hours, the slurry was separated using a decanting centrifuge. The solids stream was mixed with a 0.25M NaCl saline solution at 10: 1 water to dry weight ratio and decanted again, with the liquid stream from the first and second decanter combined. The solids stream from the second decanter step was again mixed with water at a 10: 1 water todry weight ratio and decanted, with the liquid stream being sent to an RO system to recover clean water. The solids stream from the third decanting step was dried to form a sunflower meal. The liquid stream from decanter steps 1 and 2 was mixed with CaC12 at 2.5wt% of the incoming meal and the pH was raised to 5.6 to 5.8 using NaOH to raise the pH to precipitate phytic acid. This stream was then sent to a decanter to remove the precipitated phytic acid. The liquid stream from this decanter was sent to a 0.8-micron microfdtration membrane and diafiltration water was added after concentrating the stream to a factor of twenty. Diafiltration water was added at up to 0.15 times the volume of the initial volume of the stream sent to the membrane. The retentate was composed of large particles (primarily sunflower meal and the oil that did not get separated in the disk stack centrifuge) while the clarified permeate contained the proteins, the CGA, and salts. HC1 was added to the permeate to bring the pH to 4.0-4.1, and the temperature of the mixture brought to <60F. This precipitates the insoluble proteins. This mixture was subsequently sent to a 0.1 micron microfiltration membrane and the filtration was performed at <60F and a pH of 4.0- 4.1. The retentate was concentrated to a factor of 11 of the starting volume and diafiltration water was added at up to 0.7 times the volume of the material sent to the microfiltration membrane to desalt the insoluble proteins in the retentate. The retentate contained the insoluble proteins and the permeate contained the soluble proteins, the CGA, and salts. The retentate was raised to a pH of 5.6-6.0 with NaOH and was sent to an evaporator to concentrate the solids up to 20% before going to a flash dryer to create a dry, insoluble sunflower protein powder that is 90 wt% protein (Nx5.6). The permeate was sent to a 800 Da nanofiltration membrane and filtered at <90F and a pH of <5.0. The retentate was concentrated to a factor of 75 of the starting volume and diafiltration water was added at 0.36 times the volume of the material sent to the membrane to desalt the soluble proteins in the retentate. The retentate contained the soluble proteins and some CGA and the permeate contained the majority of the CGA and the salts. The retentate was raised to a pH of 5.6-6.0 with NaOH and was sent to an ion exchange column to more completely remove the CGA. The output of the ion exchange column was tuned to hit a target protein to CGA ratio of >200: 1. Different (i.e. lower) protein to CGA ratios can be achieved by blending the output of the ion exchange column with some of the input to achieve the desired ratio. This output was then sent to an evaporator to concentrate the solids up to 40wt% before going to a spray dryer to create a dry, soluble sunflower protein that was 90 wt% protein (Nx5.6). The permeate was sent to an adsorption column which allowed the saltwater to pass through while adsorbing the CGA. The CGA was eluted and sent to an evaporator to concentrate to 10% solids before going to a spray dryer where a dry, CGA powder as produced that was 60 wt% CGA.

[0184] Example 2 - Example Sweet Protein Composition

[0185] An example sweet protein composition was prepared using the process described in Example 1, except that additional diafdtration at the nanofiltration step was used to remove CGA instead of an ion exchange column. A 2% solution made using the resultant composition had a sweetness approximately equivalent to that of a similar sucrose solution. The ratio (w / w) of soluble protein to CGA in the example solution was about 52: 1.

[0186] Example 3 - Example Sweet Protein Composition

[0187] An example sweet protein composition was prepared using the process described in Example 1, except that additional diafdtration at the nanofiltration step was used to remove CGA instead of an ion exchange column. A 2% solution made using the resultant composition had a sweetness approximately 1.7 time that of a similar sucrose solution. The ratio (w / w) of soluble protein to CGA in the example solution was about 159: 1. The relatively low ratio is believed to be due to decreased removal of CGA due to insufficient diafiltration.

[0188] Example 4 - Example Sweet Protein Composition

[0189] An example sweet protein composition was prepared using the process described in Example 1, except that additional diafiltration at the nanofiltration step was used to remove CGA instead of an ion exchange column. A 2% solution made using the resultant composition had a sweetness less than that of a similar sucrose solution. The ratio (w / w) of soluble protein to CGA in the example solution was about 48: 1. The relatively low ratio is believed to be due to decreased removal of CGA due to insufficient diafiltration.

[0190] Example 5 - Example Sweet Protein Composition

[0191] An example sweet protein composition was prepared using the process described in Example 1, except that additional diafiltration at the nanofiltration step wasused to remove CGA instead of an ion exchange column. A 2% solution made using the resultant composition had a sweetness about 1.3-1.5 times that of a similar sucrose solution. The ratio (w / w) of soluble protein to CGA in the example solution was about 129: 1. The relatively low ratio is believed to be due to decreased removal of CGA due to insufficient diafiltration.

[0192] Example 6 - Example Sweet Protein Composition

[0193] An example sweet protein composition was prepared using the process described in Example 1, except that activated carbon was used to remove CGA instead of an ion exchange column. A 2% solution made using the resultant composition had a sweetness greater than 1.7 times that of a similar sucrose solution. The ratio (w / w) of soluble protein to CGA in the example solution was about 764: 1. The protein yield, however, was greatly reduced due to the use of activated carbon.

[0194] Example 7 - Example Sweet Protein Composition

[0195] An example sweet protein composition was prepared using the process described in Example 1, except that additional diafiltration at the nanofiltration step was used to remove CGA instead of an ion exchange column. A 2% solution made using the resultant composition had a sweetness about 1.7 times that of a similar sucrose solution. The ratio (w / w) of soluble protein to CGA in the example solution was about 181: 1. The relatively low ratio is believed to be due to decreased removal of CGA due to insufficient diafiltration.

[0196] Example 8 - Example Sweet Protein Composition

[0197] An example sweet protein composition was prepared using the process described in Example 1. A 2% solution made using the resultant composition had a sweetness greater than about 1.7 times that of a similar sucrose solution. The ratio (w / w) of soluble protein to CGA in the example solution was about 500: 1.

[0198] U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 259, 677 is herein incorporated by reference.

[0199] WO 2022 / 115784 is herein incorporated by reference.

[0200] It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodimentbeing used in other embodiments. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A composition, comprising: one or more soluble proteins; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the one or more soluble proteins to chlorogenic acid is 500: 1 or greater.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more soluble proteins include sunflower albumins.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more soluble proteins are extracted from sunflower seeds.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

6. A sweet protein composition derived from sunflower seeds, the composition comprising: a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins extracted from sunflower seeds; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 500: 1 or greater.

7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition has a sweetness that is at least as sweet as sucrose.

8. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition has a sweetness that is at least 1.7 times as sweet as sucrose.

9. A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition, the method comprising: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 500: 1 or greater.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising adding CaCh to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

18. The method of claim 9, wherein filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1- micron microfiltration membrane.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate prior to passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material, and wherein passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material includes passing the third retentate through the ion exchange column.

20. The method of claim 9, wherein the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.

21. A composition, comprising: one or more soluble proteins; chlorogenic acid; andwherein a ratio (w / w) of the one or more soluble proteins to chlorogenic acid is 150: 1 or greater.

22. A composition, comprising: one or more soluble proteins; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the one or more soluble proteins to chlorogenic acid is 200: 1 or greater.

23. A composition, comprising: one or more soluble proteins; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the one or more soluble proteins to chlorogenic acid is 300: 1 or greater.

24. A composition, comprising: one or more soluble proteins; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the one or more soluble proteins to chlorogenic acid is 400: 1 or greater.

25. A sweet protein composition derived from sunflower seeds, the composition comprising: a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins extracted from sunflower seeds; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 150: 1 or greater.

26. A sweet protein composition derived from sunflower seeds, the composition comprising:a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins extracted from sunflower seeds; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 200: 1 or greater.

27. A sweet protein composition derived from sunflower seeds, the composition comprising: a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins extracted from sunflower seeds; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 300: 1 or greater.

28. A sweet protein composition derived from sunflower seeds, the composition comprising: a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins extracted from sunflower seeds; chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 400: 1 or greater.

29. A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition, the method comprising: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material;drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 150: 1 or greater.

30. A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition, the method comprising: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 200: 1 or greater.

31. A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition, the method comprising: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; andwherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 300: 1 or greater.

32. A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition, the method comprising: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; passing the second retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 400: 1 or greater.

33. A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition, the method comprising: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate; passing the third retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; andwherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 150: 1 or greater.

34. A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition, the method comprising: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate; passing the third retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 200: 1 or greater.

35. A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition, the method comprising: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate; passing the third retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material;drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 300: 1 or greater.

36. A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition, the method comprising: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate; passing the third retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 400: 1 or greater.

37. A method for manufacturing a sweet protein composition, the method comprising: extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry; separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream; filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate; filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate; filtering the second permeate with a nanofiltration membrane to form a third retentate;passing the third retentate through an ion exchange column to form an output material; drying the output material to form a sweet protein composition, wherein the sweet protein composition includes a mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins and chlorogenic acid; and wherein a ratio (w / w) of the mixture of one or more soluble proteins and / or albumins to chlorogenic acid is 500: 1 or greater.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting a sunflower seed meal.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein extracting an oil seed meal to form a slurry includes extracting the oil seed meal at a pH of 5.1 to 5.2.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes one or more decanting steps.

41. The method of claim 37, wherein separating the slurry into a solid stream and a liquid stream includes a plurality of decanting steps.

42. The method of claim 37, wherein fdtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a microfiltration membrane.

43. The method of claim 37, wherein filtering the liquid stream to form a first retentate and a first permeate includes passing the liquid stream through a 0.8-micron microfiltration membrane.

44. The method of claim 37, further comprising adding CaCk to the liquid stream to precipitate phytic acid from the liquid stream.

45. The method of claim 37, wherein filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a microfiltration membrane.

46. The method of claim 37, wherein filtering the first permeate to form a second retentate and a second permeate includes passing the first permeate through a 0.1- micron microfiltration membrane.

47. The method of claim 37, wherein the ion exchange column includes a column configured to remove polyphenols from a sample.