GB900126A - Process for refining of vegetable protein - Google Patents

Abstract

Vegetable protein is refined from vegetable seeds from which at least some of the oil has been removed by treating the seeds with water in the presence of a cation exchange resin to extract the impurities therefrom. The protein residue may be further treated with a solution of an alkali to obtain a purified protein solution, the pH of the solution adjusted to that of the isoelectric point of the protein by addition of a neutralizing agent to precipitate the protein which is then separated from the solution. Examples of seeds are soybeans, peanuts, cotton seeds, rape seeds, sesame seeds, kapok seeds and safflower seeds. Oil may be removed from the seeds by compressor or by extraction with organic solvents. The alkaline solution of the protein may be treated with a cation exchange resin to neutralize the liquid to pH 7.0 prior to adjusting to the isoelectric point by addition of an acid e.g. hydrochloric, sulphuric, citric or acetic acid. Alternatively, after neutralization, the solution may be spray dried. Impurities are defined as being extractable substances other than protein and includes carbohydrates and ash (including sodium and potassium salts).