Pea Protein Isolate Neutralization for Reduced Sodium Functionality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pea protein isolate production methods result in high sodium content, compromising flavor and texture profiles and functionality, such as gelling and emulsifying capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A novel extraction process using a combination of NaOH and Mg(OH)2 to neutralize pea protein isolate, reducing sodium content while maintaining functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional isoelectric precipitation procedure using only NaOH to neutralize PPI is used, then the neutralization process is simple and quick, but the sodium content in the final PPI becomes notably high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesodium contentVSAvoidneutralization process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The neutralization process is segmented into two distinct stages: first using NaOH to reach pH 6.0-6.9, then using Mg(OH)2 to reach final pH 7.0-7.5. This segmentation allows control over sodium content by limiting NaOH addition while achieving complete neutralization through the combined action of both bases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Mg(OH)2 is introduced as an intermediary substance to perform part of the neutralization function. By using magnesium hydroxide as a mediator, the process achieves pH adjustment without proportionally increasing sodium content, since Mg(OH)2 does not contribute sodium ions to the final product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If high sodium content is present in PPI, then the neutralization is effective, but the flavor, texture profile and functionality (gelling, emulsifying, foaming) are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor and texture qualityVSAvoidsodium content
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The process changes the pH parameter progression through two-stage neutralization, first to 6.0-6.9 with NaOH, then to 7.0-7.5 with Mg(OH)2. This parameter control strategy achieves effective neutralization while limiting sodium accumulation, thereby preserving flavor, texture, and functional properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If only NaOH is used for neutralization, then the process is straightforward, but the functionality (gelling and emulsifying capabilities, foaming capacity and stability) is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidneutralization procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The neutralization procedure is divided into two sequential steps with distinct pH targets: Step 1 uses NaOH to reach pH 6.0-6.9, and Step 2 uses Mg(Oh)2 to reach pH 7.0-7.5. This segmentation enables optimization of functional properties by controlling the final pH more precisely while reducing sodium content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The neutralization system becomes a composite approach combining two different bases (NaOH and Mg(OH)2) with complementary properties. NaOH provides strong initial neutralization, while Mg(OH)2 provides gentle final adjustment without sodium contamination, creating a synergistic system that enhances functional capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The process produces a pea protein isolate with reduced sodium content, preserving good flavor and texture, and enhancing functional properties like foaming, emulsifying, and gelling abilities.

Implementation Method 1

neutralizing the PPI by adding NaOH and Mg(OH)2, thereby raising the pH of the PPI to about neutral

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeutralization:

Implementation Method 2

the separating is performed by centrifugation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 3

precipitating protein from the protein solution by lowering pH to produce a pea protein isolate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentUS20260013531A1Novel pea protein isolate composition and process for production thereof
Publication Date: 2026.01.15 LOUIS DREYFUS CO PLANT PROTEINS LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides processes for producing reduced sodium pea protein isolate (PPI), reduced sodium PPI produced by the processes and use of reduced sodium PPI. The processes for producing reduced sodium PPI comprise precipitating protein from a pea protein solution to produce a PPI and neutralizing the PPI with NaOH and Mg(OH)2, thereby producing a reduced sodium PPI.