Native Tuber Protein Isolation via Diafiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating native potato protein from starch production side streams are inefficient, costly, and result in protein with off-tastes and excessive color, due to the labor-intensive and expensive processes required for purification, which limits the large-scale application of potato protein in food products.
Innovation Solution
A method involving diafiltration of tuber processing water against a salt solution with a conductivity of at least 5 mS/cm using a 5-300 kDa membrane, which allows for the efficient isolation of native potato protein with high solubility and purity, reducing protein loss and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If absorption or chromatography methods are used to isolate native potato protein, then protein purity and quality are improved, but process cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes specific components (starch, fats, carbohydrates, minerals) from tuber processing water through targeted separation steps, isolating the desired protein fraction without requiring complex chromatography or absorption processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pH adjustment (to pH 2.0-4.0 for coagulation) and temperature changes (heating to 60-90°C) to selectively precipitate and isolate protein from the processing water, simplifying the separation process through fundamental parameter modifications rather than complex equipment
2Productivity
If conventional coagulation methods are used to isolate potato protein, then isolation efficiency is improved, but protein functionality and solubility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary separation of starch and other components before protein coagulation, ensuring that the protein undergoes minimal processing and maintains its native structure and functionality while still achieving efficient isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention carefully controls coagulation parameters (pH 2.0-4.0, temperature 60-90°C) to achieve protein precipitation that preserves solubility and functionality, avoiding excessive denaturation while maintaining isolation efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If membrane processes are used to isolate native protein, then protein purity is improved, but membrane clogging occurs and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the separation process into multiple sequential stages (starch removal, fat removal, protein coagulation, mineral removal), with each stage targeting specific components and preventing membrane clogging by progressively simplifying the mixture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary removal of starch, fats, and other interfering substances before final protein isolation, preventing membrane clogging and enabling scalable production without compromising purity
4Manufacturing precision
If extensive pretreatment steps are applied to isolate high-quality protein, then protein quality is improved, but process cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple separation functions into integrated processing steps, where single operations achieve multiple separation objectives, reducing overall process time while maintaining protein quality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses straightforward parameter adjustments (pH, temperature) that can be implemented rapidly in continuous processing, achieving high-quality protein isolation without time-consuming complex procedures
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
This method enables the large-scale isolation of high-purity, high-solubility native potato protein with intact functional properties, reducing costs and environmental burden, and improving the accessibility of potato protein for food applications.
Implementation Method 1
c) a step of diafiltration of the pretreated tuber processing water against a salt solution having a conductivity of at least 5 mS•cm-1 using a 3 - 500 kDa membrane
Implementation Method 2
During diafiltration, protein tends to aggregate and precipitate... against a salt solution having a conductivity of at least 5 mS•cm-1
Implementation Method 3
diafiltration of the pretreated tuber processing water against a salt solution having a conductivity of at least 5 mS•cm-1 using a 3 - 500 kDa membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a native tuber protein isolate comprising as a percentage of dry matter at least 75 wt.% native tuber protein, at most 1.0 wt.% the total of glucose, fructose and sucrose, and at most 1 wt.% tuber free amino acids..