U.S. patent application number 13/146082 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-16 for production of soluble soy protein product from soy protein micellar mass ("s200ca").
Invention is credited to Brandy Gosnell, Brent E. Green, Sarah Medina, Martin Schweizer, Kevin I. Segall.
Application Number | 20120040082 13/146082 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42354360 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120040082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Segall; Kevin I. ; et
al. |
February 16, 2012 |
PRODUCTION OF SOLUBLE SOY PROTEIN PRODUCT FROM SOY PROTEIN MICELLAR
MASS ("S200Ca")
Abstract
A soy protein product having a protein content of at least 60 wt
% (N.times.6.25) d.b., preferably an isolate having a protein
content of at least about 90 wt % (N.times.6.25) d.b., is formed
from the supernatant from the precipitation of a soy protein
micellar mass. A calcium salt or other divalent salt is added to
the supernatant, before concentration, after initial concentration
or after final concentration, to provide a conductivity of about 2
to about 30 mS. Precipitate is removed from the resulting solution
and the pH of the clear soy protein solution is optionally adjusted
to about 1.5 to about 4.4. The optionally pH-adjusted clear
solution is concentrated to a concentration of about 50 to about
400 g/L and the clear concentrated protein solution is optionally
diafiltered prior to drying. The soy protein product is soluble in
acidic media and produces transparent, heat stable solutions at low
pH values and, therefore, may be used for protein fortification of
soft drinks and sports drinks.
Inventors: |
Segall; Kevin I.; (Manitoba,
CA) ; Schweizer; Martin; (Manitoba, CA) ;
Green; Brent E.; (Manitoba, CA) ; Medina; Sarah;
(Manitoba, CA) ; Gosnell; Brandy; (Manitoba,
CA) |
Family ID: |
42354360 |
Appl. No.: |
13/146082 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
January 25, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2010/000109 |
371 Date: |
November 1, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61202055 |
Jan 26, 2009 |
|
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61272289 |
Sep 8, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/656 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23V 2002/00 20130101;
A23L 2/66 20130101; A23J 1/14 20130101; A23L 33/185 20160801; A23L
2/39 20130101; A23L 2/52 20130101; A23L 33/18 20160801; A23V
2002/00 20130101; A23V 2300/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/656 |
International
Class: |
A23J 3/16 20060101
A23J003/16; A23L 3/40 20060101 A23L003/40; A23L 3/16 20060101
A23L003/16 |
Claims
1. A process of preparing a soy protein product having a protein
content of at least about 60 wt % (N.times.6.25) on a dry weight
basis, which comprises: adding calcium salt or other divalent salt
to supernatant from the precipitation of a soy protein micellar
mass to provide a conductivity of about 2 mS to about 30 mS,
removing precipitate from the resulting solution to leave a clear
solution, optionally adjusting the pH of the clear solution to
about 1.5 to about 4.4, concentrating the optionally pH-adjusted
clear solution to a protein content of about 50 to about 400 g/L to
provide a clear concentrated soy protein solution, optionally
diafiltering the clear concentrated protein solution, and drying
the concentrated solution.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein said calcium salt is calcium
chloride.
3. The process of claim 1 wherein said calcium salt is added to the
supernatant to provide a conductivity of about 8 to about 15
mS.
4. The process of claim 1 wherein the optionally pH adjusted clear
solution is concentrated to a protein concentration of about 100 to
about 250 g/L.
5. The process of claim 1 wherein the optionally pH adjusted clear
solution is concentrated using a membrane having a molecular weight
cut-off of about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 Daltons.
6. The process of claim 5 wherein the optionally pH adjusted clear
solution is concentrated using a membrane having a molecular weight
cut-off of about 5,000 to about 100,000 Daltons.
7. The process of claim 1 wherein a diafiltration step is effected
using water, acidified water, dilute salt solution or an acidified,
dilute salt solution on the soy protein solution before or after
complete concentration thereof.
8. The process of claim 7 wherein said diafiltration step is
effected using about 2 to about 40 volumes of diafiltration
solution.
9. The process of claim 8 wherein said diafiltration step is
effected using about 5 to about 25 volumes of diafiltration
solution.
10. The process of claim 7 wherein said diafiltration step is
effected using a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of
about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 Daltons.
11. The process of claim 10 wherein said diafiltration step is
effected using a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of
about 5,000 to about 100,000 Daltons.
12. The process of claim 7 wherein an antioxidant is present during
at least part of the diafiltration step.
13. The process of claim 1 wherein the concentrated and optionally
diafiltered soy protein solution is treated with an adsorbent to
remove colour and/or odour compounds prior to said drying step.
14. The process of claim 1 wherein said soy protein product has a
protein content of about 60 to about 90 wt % (N.times.6.25)
d.b.
15. The process of claim 1 wherein said soy protein product is an
isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt %
(N.times.6.25) d.b.
16. The process of claim 1 wherein said soy protein product is an
isolate having a protein content of at least about 100 wt %
(N.times.6.25) d.b.
17. The process of claim 1 wherein the pH of the clear solution is
adjusted to about 2.0 to about 4.0.
18. The process of claim 1 wherein the concentrated and optionally
diafiltered soy protein solution, if not already acidified, is
acidified to a pH of about 2.0 to about 4.0 prior to drying.
19. The process of claim 1 wherein said clear acidified soy protein
solution is subjected to a heat treatment step to inactivate
heat-labile anti-nutritional factors.
20. The process of claim 19 wherein the anti-nutritional factors
are heat-labile trypsin inhibitors.
21. The process of claim 19 wherein the heat treatment step also
pasteurizes the acidified clear aqueous protein solution.
22. The process of claim 19 wherein said heat-treatment is effected
at a temperature of about 70.degree. to about 100.degree. C. for
about 10 seconds to about sixty minutes.
23. The process of claim 22 wherein said heat-treatment is effected
at a temperature of about 85.degree. to about 95.degree. C. for
about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes.
24. The process of claim 19 wherein the heat-treated clear
acidified soy protein solution is cooled to a temperature of about
2.degree. to about 60.degree. C. for further processing.
25. The process of claim 24 wherein the heat-treated clear
acidified soy protein solution is cooled to a temperature of about
20.degree. to about 35.degree. C. for further processing.
26. The process of claim 7 wherein the concentration and/or
optional diafiltration step are operated in a manner favourable to
the removal of trypsin inhibitors.
27. The process of claim 1 wherein a reducing agent is added to the
supernatant to disrupt or rearrange the disulfide bonds of trypsin
inhibitors to achieve a reduction in trypsin inhibitor
activity.
28. The process of claim 7 wherein a reducing agent is present
during the concentration and/or optional diafiltration step to
disrupt or rearrange the disulfide bonds of trypsin inhibitors to
achieve a reduction in trypsin inhibitor activity.
29. The process of claim 1 wherein a reducing agent is added to the
concentrated and optionally diafiltered soy protein solution prior
to drying and/or the dried soy protein product to disrupt or
rearrange the disulfide bonds of trypsin inhibitors to achieve a
reduction in trypsin inhibitor activity.
30. A process of preparing a soy protein product having a protein
content of at least about 60 wt % (N.times.6.25) on a dry weight
basis, which comprises: partially concentrating the supernatant
from the precipitation of a soy protein micellar mass to a protein
concentration of less than about 50 g/L, adding calcium salt or
other divalent salt to the partially concentrated supernatant to
provide a conductivity of about 2 mS to about 30 mS, removing
precipitate from the resulting solution to leave a clear solution,
optionally adjusting the pH of the clear solution to about 1.5 to
about 4.4, further concentrating the optionally pH-adjusted clear
solution to a protein content of about 50 to about 400 g/L to
provide a clear concentrated soy protein solution, optionally
diafiltering the clear concentrated protein solution, and drying
the concentrated solution.
31. The process of claim 30 wherein said calcium salt is calcium
chloride.
32. The process of claim 30 wherein said calcium salt is added to
the partially concentrated supernatant to provide a conductivity of
about 8 to about 15 mS.
33. The process of claim 30 wherein said optionally pH adjusted
clear solution is further concentrated to a protein concentration
of about 100 to about 250 g/L.
34. The process of claim 30 wherein said concentration steps are
effected using a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of
about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 Daltons.
35. The process of claim 34 wherein said concentration steps are
effected using a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of
about 5,000 to about 100,000 Daltons.
36. The process of claim 30 wherein a diafiltration step is
effected using water, acidified water, dilute salt solution or an
acidified, dilute salt solution on the soy protein solution before
or after partial or complete concentration thereof.
37. The process of claim 36 wherein said diafiltration step is
effected using about 2 to about 40 volumes of diafiltration
solution.
38. The process of claim 37 wherein said diafiltration step is
effected using about 5 to about 25 volumes of diafiltration
solution.
39. The process of claim 36 wherein said diafiltration step is
effected using a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of
about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 Daltons.
40. The process of claim 39 wherein said diafiltration step is
effected using a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of
about 5,000 to about 100,000 Daltons.
41. The process of claim 36 wherein an antioxidant is present
during at least part of the diafiltration step.
42. The process of claim 30 wherein the concentrated and optionally
diafiltered soy protein solution is treated with an adsorbent to
remove colour and/or odour compounds prior to said drying step.
43. The process of claim 30 wherein said soy protein product has a
protein content of about 60 to about 90 wt % (N.times.6.25)
d.b.
44. The process of claim 30 wherein said soy protein product is an
isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt %
(N.times.6.25) d.b.
45. The process of claim 30 wherein said soy protein product is an
isolate having a protein content of at least about 100 wt %
(N.times.6.25) d.b.
46. The process of claim 30 wherein the pH of the clear solution is
adjusted to about 2.0 to about 4.0.
47. The process of claim 30 wherein the concentrated and optionally
diafiltered soy protein solution, if not already acidified, is
acidified to a pH of about 2.0 to about 4.0 prior to drying.
48. The process of claim 30 wherein said clear acidified soy
protein solution is subjected to a heat treatment step to
inactivate heat-labile anti-nutritional factors.
49. The process of claim 48 wherein the anti-nutritional factors
are heat-labile trypsin inhibitors.
50. The process of claim 48 wherein the heat treatment step also
pasteurizes the acidified clear aqueous protein solution.
51. The process of claim 48 wherein said heat-treatment is effected
at a temperature of about 70.degree. to about 100.degree. C. for
about 10 seconds to about sixty minutes.
52. The process of claim 51 wherein said heat-treatment is effected
at a temperature of about 85.degree. to about 95.degree. C. for
about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes.
53. The process of claim 48 wherein the heat-treated clear
acidified soy protein solution is cooled to a temperature of about
2.degree. to about 60.degree. C. for further processing.
54. The process of claim 53 wherein the heat-treated clear
acidified soy protein solution is cooled to a temperature of about
20.degree. to about 35.degree. C. for further processing.
55. The process of claim 36 wherein the concentration and/or
optional diafiltration step are operated in a manner favourable to
the removal of trypsin inhibitors.
56. The process of claim 30 wherein a reducing agent is added to
the supernatant to disrupt or rearrange the disulfide bonds of
trypsin inhibitors to achieve a reduction in trypsin inhibitor
activity.
57. The process of claim 36 wherein a reducing agent is present
during the concentration and/or optional diafiltration step to
disrupt or rearrange the disulfide bonds of trypsin inhibitors to
achieve a reduction in trypsin inhibitor activity.
58. The process of claim 30 wherein a reducing agent is added to
the concentrated and optionally diafiltered soy protein solution
prior to drying and/or the dried soy protein product to disrupt or
rearrange the disulfide bonds of trypsin inhibitors to achieve a
reduction in trypsin inhibitor activity.
59.-207. (canceled)
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/202,055 filed Jan. 26,
2009 and 61/272,289 filed Sep. 8, 2009.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the production of soybean protein
products.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0003] In U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 61/107,112
(7865-373) filed Oct. 21, 2008, 61/193,457 (7865-374) filed Dec. 2,
2008, 61/202,070 (7865-376) filed Jan. 26, 2009, 61/202,553 filed
Mar. 12, 2009 (7865-383), 61/213,717 (7865-389) filed Jul. 7, 2009,
61/272,241 filed Sep. 3, 2009 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/603,087 filed Oct. 21, 2009 the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference, there is described the
preparation of a soy protein product, preferably a soy protein
isolate, which is completely soluble and is capable of providing
transparent and heat stable solutions at low pH values. This soy
protein product may be used for protein fortification of, in
particular, soft drinks and sports drinks, as well as other acidic
aqueous systems, without precipitation of protein. The soy protein
product is produced by extracting a soy protein source with aqueous
calcium chloride solution at natural pH, optionally diluting the
resulting aqueous soy protein solution, adjusting the pH of the
aqueous soy protein solution to a pH of about 1.5 to about 4.4,
preferably about 2.0 to about 4.0, to produce an acidified clear
soy protein solution, which may be optionally concentrated and/or
diafiltered before drying.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It has now been found that process streams derived from the
precipitation of a soy protein micellar mass may be further
processed to provide soy protein products having a protein content
of at least about 60 wt % (N.times.6.25) d.b. that are soluble in
acidic media and produce transparent, heat stable solutions at low
pH values, and, therefore which may be used for protein
fortification of, in particular, soft drinks and sports drinks, as
well as other aqueous systems, without precipitation of protein.
The soy protein product is preferably an isolate having a protein
content of at least about 90 wt %, preferably at least about 100 wt
% (N.times.6.25) d.b.
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a process of preparing a soy protein product
having a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N.times.6.25)
on a dry weight basis, which comprises:
[0006] adding calcium salt or other divalent salt, preferably
calcium chloride, to supernatant from the precipitation of a soy
protein micellar mass to provide a conductivity of about 2 mS to
about 30 mS, preferably about 8 to about 15 mS,
[0007] removing precipitated phytate material from the resulting
solution to leave a clear solution,
[0008] optionally adjusting the pH of the clear solution to about
1.5 to about 4.4, preferably about 2.0 to about 4.0, such as by the
addition of hydrochloric acid,
[0009] concentrating the optionally pH-adjusted clear solution to a
protein content of about 50 to about 400 g/L, preferably about 100
to about 250 g/L to produce a clear concentrated soy protein
solution,
[0010] optionally diafiltering the clear soy protein solution,
before or after complete concentration, such as with about 2 to
about 40 volumes of water, preferably about 5 to about 25 volumes
of water,
[0011] optionally effecting a colour removal step, such as a
granular activated carbon treatment, and
[0012] drying the concentrated protein solution.
[0013] The supernatant may be partially concentrated to an
intermediate concentration prior to addition of the calcium salt.
The precipitate which forms is removed and the resulting solution
is optionally acidified as described above, further concentrated to
the final concentration and then optionally diafiltered and
dried.
[0014] Alternatively, the supernatant first may be concentrated to
the final concentration, the calcium salt is added to the
concentrated supernatant, the resulting precipitate is removed and
the solution is optionally acidified and then optionally
diafiltered and dried.
[0015] It is an option in the above-described procedures to omit
the acidification and effect processing of the solution at natural
pH. In this option calcium salt is added to supernatant, partially
concentrated supernatant or concentrated supernatant to form a
precipitate which is removed. The resulting solution then is
processed as described above without the acidification step.
[0016] Where the supernatant is partially concentrated prior to the
addition of the calcium salt and fully concentrated after removal
of the precipitate, the supernatant is first concentrated to a
protein concentration of about 50 g/L or less, and, after removal
of the precipitate, then is concentrated to a concentration of
about 50 to about 400 g/L, preferably about 100 to about 250
g/L.
[0017] The soy protein product preferably is an isolate having a
protein content of at least about 90 wt %, preferably at least
about 100 wt % (N.times.6.25) d.b.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, we have found that an
equivalent product may be produced from soy by the processing of
soy protein solution from sodium salt extraction of the soy protein
source material, by concentrating the soy protein solution,
optionally diafiltering the concentrated soy protein solution,
optionally adjusting the pH of the solution to about 2 to about 4,
and drying the acidified solution. According to this aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a process of preparing a soy
protein product having a protein content of at least about 60 wt %
(N.times.6.25) dry weight, which comprises:
[0019] extracting a soy protein source to solubilize soy protein in
the source material and to form an aqueous soy protein solution
having a pH of about 5 to about 7,
[0020] concentrating the aqueous soy protein solution to a
concentration of about 50 to about 400 g/L to form a concentrated
soy protein isolate,
[0021] optionally diafiltering the soy protein solution, before or
after complete concentration thereof,
[0022] optionally adjusting the pH of the concentrated and
diafiltered soy protein solution to about 2 to about 4 to provide a
clear acidified soy protein solution, and
[0023] drying the soy protein solution.
[0024] The soy protein product preferably is an isolate having a
protein content of at least about 90 wt %, preferably at least
about 100 wt % (N.times.6.25) d.b.
[0025] It has also been found that soy protein isolate formed as a
protein micellar mass and soy protein isolate derived from
supernatant from protein micellar mass precipitation are soluble in
acidic media and may be used to provide aqueous solutions of
acceptable clarity.
[0026] While the present invention refers mainly to the production
of soy protein isolates, it is contemplated that soy protein
products of lesser purity may be provided having similar properties
to the soy protein isolates. Such lesser purity products may have a
protein concentration of at least about 60% by weight
(N.times.6.25) d.b.
[0027] The novel soy protein products of the invention can be
blended with powdered drinks for the formation of aqueous soft
drinks or sports drinks by dissolving the same in water. Such blend
may be a powdered beverage.
[0028] The soy protein products provided herein may be provided as
an aqueous solution thereof having a high degree of clarity at acid
pH values and which is heat stable at these pH values.
[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an aqueous solution of the soy product provided herein
which is heat stable at low pH. The aqueous solution may be a
beverage, which may be a clear beverage in which the soy protein
product is completely soluble and transparent or an opaque beverage
in which the soy protein product does not increase the opacity.
[0030] The soy protein products produced according to the processes
herein lack the characteristic beany flavour of soy protein isolate
and are suitable, not only for protein fortification of acidic
media, but may be used in a wide variety of conventional
applications of protein isolates, including but not limited to
protein fortification of processed foods and beverages,
emulsification of oils, as a body former in baked goods and foaming
agent in products which entrap gases. In addition, the soy protein
product may be formed into protein fibres, useful in meat analogs,
and may be used as an egg white substitute or extender in food
products where egg white is used as a binder. The soy protein
product may be used in nutritional supplements. Other uses of the
soy protein product are in pet foods, animal feed and in industrial
and cosmetic applications and in personal care products.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The initial step of the process of providing the soy protein
product involves solubilizing soy protein from a soy protein
source. The soy protein source may be soybeans or any soy product
or by-product derived from the processing of soybeans including but
not limited to soy meal, soy flakes, soy grits and soy flour. The
soy protein source may be used in the full fat form, partially
defatted form or fully defatted form. Where the soy protein source
contains an appreciable amount of fat, an oil-removal step
generally is required during the process. The soy protein recovered
from the soy protein source may be the protein naturally occurring
in soybean or the proteinaceous material may be a protein modified
by genetic manipulation but possessing characteristic hydrophobic
and polar properties of the natural protein.
[0032] Protein solubilization may be effected by using a food grade
sodium salt solution such as a solution of food grade sodium
chloride. Where the soy protein isolate is intended for non-food
uses, non-food-grade chemicals may be used. Other monovalent salts
also may be used, such as potassium chloride. As the concentration
of the salt solution increases, the degree of solubilization of
protein from the soy protein source initially increases until a
maximum value is achieved. Any subsequent increase in salt
concentration does not increase the total protein solubilized. The
concentration of the salt solution which causes maximum protein
solubilization varies depending on the salt concerned. The choice
of concentration of the sodium salt solution is also influenced by
the proportion of protein desired to be obtained by the micellar
route. Higher salt concentrations, preferably about 0.5 M to about
1.0 M, generally result in more protein micellar mass upon dilution
of the concentrated soy protein solution into cold water. The
extraction may be carried out with a sodium chloride solution of
higher concentration, or alternatively, the extraction can be
carried out with a solution of less than 0.5 M sodium chloride, for
example, 0.10 M or 0.15 M sodium chloride, and then additional salt
may be added to the soy protein solution after removal of the soy
protein source.
[0033] In a batch process, the salt solubilization of the protein
is effected at a temperature of from about 1.degree. C. to about
100.degree. C., preferably about 15.degree. C. to about 35.degree.
C., preferably accompanied by agitation to decrease the
solubilization time, which is usually about 1 to about 60 minutes.
It is preferred to effect the solubilization to extract
substantially as much protein from the soy protein source as is
practicable, so as to provide an overall high product yield.
[0034] In a continuous process, the extraction of the protein from
the soy protein source is carried out in any manner consistent with
effecting a continuous extraction of protein from the soy protein
source. In one embodiment, the soy protein source is continuously
mixed with a food grade salt solution and the mixture is conveyed
through a pipe or conduit having a length and at a flow rate for a
residence time sufficient to effect the desired extraction in
accordance with the parameters described herein. In such continuous
procedure, the salt solubilization step is effected rapidly, in a
time of up to about 10 minutes, preferably to effect solubilization
to extract substantially as much protein from the soy protein
source as is practicable. The solubilization in the continuous
procedure is effected at temperatures between about 1.degree. C.
and about 100.degree. C., preferably between about 15.degree. C.
and about 35.degree. C.
[0035] The extraction may be carried out at the natural pH of the
soy protein source/salt solution system, generally about 5 to about
7. Alternatively, the pH of the extraction may be adjusted to any
desired value within the range of about 5 to about 7 for use in the
extraction step by the use of any convenient acid, usually
hydrochloric acid, or alkali, usually sodium hydroxide, as
required.
[0036] The concentration of the soy protein source in the food
grade salt solution during the solubilization step may vary widely.
Typical concentration values are about 5 to about 15% w/v.
[0037] The protein extraction step with the aqueous salt solution
has the additional effect of solubilizing fats which may be present
in the soy protein source, which then results in the fats being
present in the aqueous phase.
[0038] The protein solution resulting from the extraction step
generally has a protein concentration of about 5 to about 50 g/L,
preferably about 10 to about 50 g/L.
[0039] The aqueous salt solution may contain an antioxidant. The
antioxidant may be any convenient antioxidant, such as sodium
sulfite or ascorbic acid. The quantity of antioxidant employed may
vary from about 0.01 to about 1 wt % of the solution, preferably
about 0.05 wt %. The antioxidant serves to inhibit the oxidation of
any phenolics in the protein solution.
[0040] The aqueous phase resulting from the extraction step then
may be separated from the residual soy protein source, in any
convenient manner, such as by employing a decanter centrifuge,
followed by disc centrifugation and/or filtration to remove
residual soy protein source material. The separated residual soy
protein source may be dried for disposal. Alternatively, the
separated residual soy protein source may be processed to recover
some residual protein, such as by a conventional isoelectric
precipitation procedure or any other convenient procedure to
recover such residual protein.
[0041] Where the soy protein source contains significant quantities
of fat, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,844,086 and 6,005,076,
assigned to the assignee hereof and the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference, then the defatting steps
described therein may be effected on the separated aqueous protein
solution. Alternatively, defatting of the separated aqueous protein
solution may be achieved by any other convenient procedure.
[0042] The aqueous soy protein solution may be treated with an
adsorbent, such as powdered activated carbon or granulated
activated carbon, to remove colour and/or odour compounds. Such
adsorbent treatment may be carried out under any convenient
conditions, generally at the ambient temperature of the separated
aqueous protein solution. For powdered activated carbon, an amount
of about 0.025% to about 5% w/v, preferably about 0.05% to about 2%
w/v, is employed. The adsorbing agent may be removed from the soy
protein solution by any convenient means, such as by
filtration.
[0043] As an alternative to extracting the soy protein source with
an aqueous salt solution, such extraction may be made using water
alone. Where such alternative is employed, then the salt, in the
concentrations discussed above, may be added to the protein
solution after separation from the residual soy protein source.
When a first fat removal step is carried out, the salt generally is
added after completion of such operations.
[0044] Another alternative procedure is to extract the soy protein
source with the food grade salt solution at a relatively high pH
value above about 7, generally up to about 11. The pH of the
extraction system may be adjusted to the desired alkaline value by
the use of any convenient food-grade alkali, such as aqueous sodium
hydroxide solution. Alternatively, the soy protein source may be
extracted with the salt solution at a relatively low pH below about
pH 5, generally down to about pH 3. The pH of the extraction system
may be adjusted to the desired acidic value by the use of any
convenient food grade acid such as hydrochloric or phosphoric acid.
Where such alternative is employed, the aqueous phase resulting
from the soy protein source extraction step then is separated from
the residual soy protein source, in any convenient manner, such as
by employing decanter centrifugation, followed by disc
centrifugation and/or filtration to remove residual soy protein
source. The separated residual soy protein source may be dried for
disposal or further processed to recover residual protein, as
discussed above.
[0045] The aqueous soy protein solution resulting from the high or
low pH extraction step then is pH adjusted to the range of about 5
to about 7, as discussed above, prior to further processing as
discussed below. Such pH adjustment may be effected using any
convenient acid, such as hydrochloric acid, or alkali, such as
sodium hydroxide, as appropriate. If necessary, the protein
solution may be clarified by any convenient procedure such as
centrifugation or filtration after the pH adjustment and prior to
further processing.
[0046] If of adequate purity, the resulting aqueous soy protein
solution may be directly dried to produce a soy protein product. To
decrease the impurities content, the aqueous soy protein solution
may be processed prior to drying.
[0047] The aqueous soy protein solution may be concentrated to
increase the protein concentration thereof while maintaining the
ionic strength thereof substantially constant. Such concentration
generally is effected to provide a concentrated protein solution
having a protein concentration of about 50 g/L to about 400 g/L,
preferably about 100 to about 250 g/L.
[0048] The concentration step may be effected in any convenient
manner consistent with batch or continuous operation, such as by
employing any convenient selective membrane technique, such as
ultrafiltration or diafiltration, using membranes, such as
hollow-fibre membranes or spiral-wound membranes, with a suitable
molecular weight cut-off, such as about 3,000 to about 1,000,000
daltons, preferably about 5,000 to about 100,000 daltons, having
regard to differing membrane materials and configurations, and, for
continuous operation, dimensioned to permit the desired degree of
concentration as the aqueous protein solution passes through the
membranes.
[0049] As is well known, ultrafiltration and similar selective
membrane techniques permit low molecular weight species to pass
through the membrane while preventing higher molecular weight
species from so doing. The low molecular weight species include not
only the ionic species of the food grade salt but also low
molecular weight materials extracted from the source material, such
as, carbohydrates, pigments, low molecular weight proteins and
anti-nutritional factors, such as trypsin inhibitors, which are
themselves low molecular weight proteins. The molecular weight
cut-off of the membrane is usually chosen to ensure retention of a
significant proportion of the protein in the solution, while
permitting contaminants to pass through having regard to the
different membrane materials and configurations.
[0050] The protein solution may be subjected to a diafiltration
step, before or after complete concentration, preferably using an
aqueous salt solution of the same molarity and pH as the extraction
solution. If a reduction in the salt content of the retentate is
desired, the diafiltration solution employed may be an aqueous salt
solution at the same pH but lower salt concentration than the
extraction solution. However, the salt concentration of the
diafiltration solution must be chosen so that the salt level in the
retentate remains sufficiently high to maintain the desired protein
solubility. Diafiltration may be effected using from about 2 to
about 40 volumes of diafiltration solution, preferably about 5 to
about 25 volumes of diafiltration solution. In the diafiltration
operation, further quantities of contaminants are removed from the
aqueous protein solution by passage through the membrane with the
permeate. The diafiltration operation may be effected until no
significant further quantities of contaminants or visible colour
are present in the permeate. If the retentate is to be dried
without further processing, according to one aspect of the present
invention, then diafiltration may be conducted until the retentate
has been sufficiently purified so as, when dried, to provide the
desired protein concentration, preferably to provide an isolate
with a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N.times.6.25) on
a dry basis. Such diafiltration may be effected using the same
membrane as for the concentration step. However, if desired, the
diafiltration step may be effected using a separate membrane with a
different molecular weight cut-off, such as a membrane having a
molecular weight cut-off in the range of about 3,000 to about
1,000,000 daltons, preferably about 5,000 to about 100,000 daltons,
having regard to different membrane materials and
configuration.
[0051] The concentration step and the diafiltration step may be
effected herein in such a manner that the soy protein product
subsequently recovered by drying the concentrated and diafiltered
retentate contains less than about 90 wt % protein (N.times.6.25)
d.b., such as at least about 60 wt % protein (N.times.6.25) d.b. By
partially concentrating and/or partially diafiltering the aqueous
soy protein solution, it is possible to only partially remove
contaminants. This protein solution may then be dried to provide a
soy protein product with lower levels of purity. The soy protein
product is still able to produce clear protein solutions under
acidic conditions.
[0052] An antioxidant may be present in the diafiltration medium
during at least part of the diafiltration step. The antioxidant may
be any convenient antioxidant, such as sodium sulfite or ascorbic
acid. The quantity of antioxidant employed in the diafiltration
medium depends on the materials employed and may vary from about
0.01 to about 1 wt %, preferably about 0.05 wt %. The antioxidant
serves to inhibit the oxidation of any phenolics present in the
concentrated soy protein solution.
[0053] The concentration step and the optional diafiltration step
may be effected at any convenient temperature, generally about
2.degree. to about 60.degree. C., preferably about 20.degree. to
about 35.degree. C., and for the period of time to effect the
desired degree of concentration and diafiltration. The temperature
and other conditions used to some degree depend upon the membrane
equipment used to effect the membrane processing, the desired
protein concentration of the solution and the efficiency of the
removal of contaminants to the permeate.
[0054] There are two main trypsin inhibitors in soy, namely the
Kunitz inhibitor, which is a heat-labile molecule with a molecular
weight of approximately 21,000 Daltons, and the Bowman-Birk
inhibitor, a more heat-stable molecule with a molecular weight of
about 8,000 Daltons. The level of trypsin inhibitor activity in the
final soy protein isolate can be controlled by manipulation of
various process variables.
[0055] For example, the concentration and/or diafiltration steps
may be operated in a manner favorable for removal of trypsin
inhibitors in the permeate along with the other contaminants.
Removal of the trypsin inhibitors is promoted by using a membrane
of larger pore size, such as about 30,000 to about 1,000,000 Da,
operating the membrane at elevated temperatures, such as about 30
to about 60.degree. C. and employing greater volumes of
diafiltration medium, such as about 20 to about 40 volumes.
[0056] Further, a reduction in trypsin inhibitor activity may be
achieved by exposing soy materials to reducing agents that disrupt
or rearrange the disulfide bonds of the inhibitors. Suitable
reducing agents include sodium sulfite, cysteine and
N-acetylcysteine.
[0057] The addition of such reducing agents may be effected at
various stages of the overall process. The reducing agent may be
added with the soy protein source material in the extraction step,
may be added to the clarified aqueous soy protein solution
following removal of residual soy protein source material, may be
added to the concentrated protein solution before or after
diafiltration or may be dry blended with the dried soy protein
product. The addition of the reducing agent may be combined with
the membrane processing steps, as described above.
[0058] If it is desired to retain active trypsin inhibitors in the
concentrated protein solution, this can be achieved by utilizing a
concentration and diafiltration membrane with a smaller pore size,
operating the membrane at lower temperatures, employing fewer
volumes of diafiltration medium and not employing a reducing
agent.
[0059] The concentrated and optionally diafiltered protein solution
may be subject to a further defatting operation, if required, as
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,844,086 and 6,005,076. Alternatively,
defatting of the concentrated and optionally diafiltered protein
solution may be achieved by any other convenient procedure.
[0060] The concentrated and diafiltered aqueous protein solution
may be treated with an adsorbent, such as powdered activated carbon
or granulated activated carbon, to remove colour and/or odour
compounds. Such adsorbent treatment may be carried out under any
convenient conditions, generally at the ambient temperature of the
concentrated protein solution. For powdered activated carbon, an
amount of about 0.025% to about 5% w/v, preferably about 0.05% to
about 2% w/v, is employed. The adsorbent may be removed from the
soy protein solution by any convenient means, such as by
filtration.
[0061] The concentrated and optionally diafiltered soy protein
solution resulting from the optional defatting and optional
adsorbent treatment step may be subjected to a pasteurization step
to reduce the microbial load. Such pasteurization may be effected
under any desired pasteurization conditions. Generally, the
concentrated and optionally diafiltered protein solution is heated
to a temperature of about 55.degree. to about 70.degree. C.,
preferably about 60.degree. to about 65.degree. C., for about 30
seconds to about 60 minutes, preferably about 10 minutes to about
15 minutes. The pasteurized, concentrated protein solution then may
be cooled for further processing as described below, preferably to
a temperature of about 25.degree. to about 40.degree. C.
[0062] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the
concentrated and diafiltered soy protein solution is dried to yield
the soy protein product. Alternatively, the concentrated and
diafiltered soy protein solution may be adjusted in pH to a pH of
about 2.0 to about 4.0, preferably about 2.9 to about 3.2. The pH
adjustment may be effected in any convenient manner, such as by
addition of hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid. The resulting
acidified soy protein solution then is dried. As a further
alternative, the pH adjusted soy protein solution may be subjected
to a heat treatment to inactivate heat labile anti-nutritional
factors, such as the trypsin inhibitors mentioned above. Such a
heating step also provides the additional benefit of reducing the
microbial load. Generally, the protein solution is heated to a
temperature of about 70.degree. to about 100.degree. C., preferably
about 85.degree. to about 95.degree. C., for about 10 seconds to
about 60 minutes, preferably about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes.
The heat treated acidified soy protein solution then may be cooled
to a temperature of about 2.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C.,
preferably about 20.degree. to about 35.degree. C. The resulting
acidified, heat treated soy protein solution then is dried.
[0063] The concentrated and optionally diafiltered protein solution
may be raised in ionic strength by salt addition, if desired, to
promote the formation of protein micellar mass upon dilution as an
alternative to the ionic strength adjustment operation described
above.
[0064] Depending on the temperature employed in the concentration
step and optional diafiltration step and whether or not a
pasteurization step is effected, the concentrated protein solution
may be warmed to a temperature of at least about 20.degree. C., and
up to about 60.degree. C., preferably about 25.degree. C. to about
40.degree. C., to decrease the viscosity of the concentrated
protein solution to facilitate performance of the subsequent
dilution step and micelle formation. The concentrated protein
solution should not be heated beyond a temperature above which
micelle formation does not occur on dilution by chilled water.
[0065] The concentrated protein solution resulting from the
concentration step, optional diafiltration step, optional ionic
strength adjustment step, optional defatting step, optional
adsorbent treatment step and optional pasteurization step, then is
diluted to effect micelle formation by mixing the concentrated
protein solution with chilled water having the volume required to
achieve the degree of dilution desired. Depending on the proportion
of soy protein desired to be obtained by the micelle route and the
proportion from the supernatant, the degree of dilution of the
concentrated protein solution may be varied. With lower dilution
levels, in general, a greater proportion of the soy protein remains
in the aqueous phase.
[0066] When it is desired to provide the greatest proportion of the
protein by the micelle route, the concentrated protein solution is
diluted by about 5 fold to about 25 fold, preferably by about 10
fold to about 20 fold.
[0067] The chilled water with which the concentrated protein
solution is mixed has a temperature of less than about 15.degree.
C., generally about 1.degree. to about 15.degree. C., preferably
less than about 10.degree. C., since improved yields of protein
isolate in the form of protein micellar mass are attained with
these colder temperatures at the dilution factors used.
[0068] In a batch operation, the batch of concentrated protein
solution is added to a static body of chilled water having the
desired volume, as discussed above. The dilution of the
concentrated protein solution and consequential decrease in ionic
strength causes the formation of a cloud-like mass of highly
associated protein molecules in the form of discrete protein
droplets in micellar form. In the batch procedure, the protein
micelles are allowed to settle in the body of chilled water to form
an aggregated, coalesced, dense, amorphous sticky gluten-like
protein micellar mass (PMM). The settling may be assisted, such as
by centrifugation. Such induced settling decreases the liquid
content of the protein micellar mass, thereby decreasing the
moisture content generally from about 70% by weight to about 95% by
weight to a value of generally about 50% by weight to about 80% by
weight of the total micellar mass. Decreasing the moisture content
of the micellar mass in this way also decreases the occluded salt
content of the micellar mass, and hence the salt content of the
dried protein product.
[0069] Alternatively, the dilution operation may be carried out
continuously by continuously passing the concentrated protein
solution to one inlet of a T-shaped pipe, while the diluting water
is fed to the other inlet of the T-shaped pipe, permitting mixing
in the pipe. The diluting water is fed into the T-shaped pipe at a
rate sufficient to achieve the desired degree of dilution of the
concentrated protein solution.
[0070] The mixing of the concentrated protein solution and the
diluting water in the pipe initiates the formation of protein
micelles and the mixture is continuously fed from the outlet of the
T-shaped pipe into a settling vessel, from which, when full,
supernatant is permitted to overflow. The mixture preferably is fed
into the body of liquid in the settling vessel in a manner which
minimizes turbulence within the body of liquid.
[0071] In the continuous procedure, the protein micelles are
allowed to settle in the settling vessel to form an aggregated,
coalesced, dense, amorphous, sticky, gluten-like protein micellar
mass (PMM) and the procedure is continued until a desired quantity
of the PMM has accumulated in the bottom of the settling vessel,
whereupon the accumulated PMM is removed from the settling vessel.
In lieu of settling by sedimentation, the PMM may be separated
continuously by centrifugation.
[0072] By the utilization of a continuous process for the recovery
of soy protein micellar mass as compared to the batch process, the
initial protein extraction step can be significantly reduced in
time for the same level of protein extraction and significantly
higher temperatures can be employed in the extraction step. In
addition, in a continuous operation, there is less chance of
contamination than in a batch procedure, leading to higher product
quality and the process can be carried out in more compact
equipment.
[0073] The settled micellar mass is separated from the residual
aqueous phase or supernatant, such as by decantation of the
residual aqueous phase from the settled mass or by centrifugation.
The PMM may be used in the wet form or may be dried, by any
convenient technique, such as spray drying or freeze drying, to a
dry form. The dry PMM has a high protein content, in excess of
about 90 wt % protein, preferably at least about 100 wt % protein
(calculated as N.times.6.25) d.b., and is substantially
undenatured. Alternatively, the wet PMM may be adjusted in pH to a
pH of about 2.0 to about 4.0, preferably about 2.9 to about 3.2.
The pH adjustment may be effected in any convenient manner, such as
by addition of hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid. The resulting
acidified soy protein solution then is dried. As a further
alternative, the pH adjusted soy protein solution may be subjected
to a heat treatment to inactivate heat labile anti-nutritional
factors, such as the trypsin inhibitors mentioned above. Such a
heating step also provides the additional benefit of reducing the
microbial load. Generally, the protein solution is heated to a
temperature of about 70.degree. to about 100.degree. C., preferably
about 85.degree. to about 95.degree. C., for about 10 seconds to
about 60 minutes, preferably about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes.
The heat treated acidified soy protein solution then may be cooled
to a temperature of about 2.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C.,
preferably about 20.degree. to about 35.degree. C. The resulting
acidified, heat treated soy protein solution then is dried.
[0074] In one aspect of the present invention, a calcium salt or
other divalent salt, preferably calcium chloride is added to the
supernatant, which may first be concentrated or partially
concentrated in the manner described below, to provide a
conductivity of about 2 mS to about 30 mS, preferably 8 mS to about
15 mS. The calcium chloride added to the supernatant may be in any
desired form, such as a concentrated aqueous solution thereof.
[0075] The addition of the calcium chloride has the effect of
depositing phytic acid from the supernatant in the form of calcium
phytate. The deposited phytate is recovered from the supernatant,
such as by centrifugation and/or filtration to leave a clear
solution.
[0076] The pH of the clear solution then may be adjusted to a value
of about 1.5 to about 4.4, preferably about 2.0 to about 4.0. The
pH adjustment may be effected in any convenient manner, such as by
the addition of hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid. If desired,
the acidification step may be omitted from the various options
described herein (other than the heat treatment mentioned below),
once the precipitated phytate material has been removed.
[0077] The pH adjusted clear acidified aqueous soy protein solution
may be subjected to a heat treatment to inactivate heat labile
anti-nutritional factors, such as the trypsin inhibitors mentioned
above. Such a heating step also provides the additional benefit of
reducing the microbial load. Generally, the protein solution is
heated to a temperature of about 70.degree. to about 100.degree.
C., preferably about 85.degree. to about 95.degree. C., for about
10 seconds to about 60 minutes, preferably about 30 seconds to
about 5 minutes. The heat treated acidified soy protein solution
then may be cooled for further processing as described below, to a
temperature of about 2.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C.,
preferably about 20.degree. to about 35.degree. C.
[0078] The optionally pH-adjusted and optionally heat treated clear
solution, if not already concentrated, is concentrated to increase
the protein concentration thereof. Such concentration is effected
using any convenient selective membrane technique, such as
ultrafiltration or diafiltration, using membranes with a suitable
molecular weight cut-off permitting low molecular weight species,
including salt, carbohydrates, pigments, trypsin inhibitors and
other low molecular weight materials extracted from the protein
source material, to pass through the membrane, while retaining a
significant proportion of the soy protein in the solution.
Ultrafiltration membranes having a molecular weight cut-off of
about 3,000 to 1,000,000 Daltons, preferably about 5,000 to about
100,000 Daltons, having regard to differing membrane materials and
configuration, may be used. Concentration of the protein solution
in this way also reduces the volume of liquid required to be dried
to recover the protein. The protein solution generally is
concentrated to a protein concentration of about 50 g/L to about
400 g/L, preferably about 100 to about 250 g/L, prior to drying.
Such concentration operation may be carried out in a batch mode or
in a continuous operation, as described above.
[0079] Where the supernatant is partially concentrated prior to the
addition of the calcium salt and fully concentrated after removal
of the precipitate, the supernatant is first concentrated to a
protein concentration of about 50 g/L or less, and, after removal
of the precipitate, then is concentrated to a protein concentration
of about 50 to about 400 g/L, preferably about 100 to about 250
g/L.
[0080] The protein solution may be subjected to a diafiltration
step, before or after partial or complete concentration, preferably
using water or a dilute saline solution. The diafiltration solution
may be at its natural pH, a pH equal to that of the protein
solution being diafiltered or any pH in between. Such diafiltration
may be effected using from about 2 to about 40 volumes of
diafiltration solution, preferably about 5 to about 25 volumes of
diafiltration solution. In the diafiltration operation, further
quantities of contaminants are removed from the aqueous solution by
passage through the membrane with the permeate. The diafiltration
operation may be effected until no significant further quantities
of contaminants or visible colour are present in the permeate or
until the protein solution has been sufficiently purified. Such
diafiltration may be effected using the same membrane as for the
concentration step. However, if desired, the diafiltration may be
effected using a separate membrane, such as a membrane having a
molecular weight cut-off in the range of about 3,000 to about
1,000,000 daltons, preferably about 5,000 to about 100,000 daltons,
having regard to different membrane materials and
configuration.
[0081] The concentration step and the diafiltration step may be
effected herein in such a manner that the soy protein product
subsequently recovered by drying the concentrated and diafiltered
retentate contains less than about 90 wt % protein (N.times.6.25)
d.b., such as at least about 60 wt % protein (N.times.6.25) d.b. By
partially concentrating and/or partially diafiltering the aqueous
soy protein solution, it is possible to only partially remove
contaminants. This protein solution may then be dried to provide a
soy protein product with lower levels of purity. The soy protein
product is still able to produce clear protein solutions under
acidic conditions.
[0082] An antioxidant may be present in the diafiltration medium
during at least part of the diafiltration step. The antioxidant may
be any convenient antioxidant, such as sodium sulfite or ascorbic
acid. The quantity of antioxidant employed in the diafiltration
medium depends on the materials employed and may vary from about
0.01 to about 1 wt %, preferably about 0.05 wt %. The antioxidant
serves to inhibit the oxidation of any phenolics present in the
concentrated soy protein isolate solution.
[0083] The concentration step and the diafiltration step may be
effected at any convenient temperature, generally about 2.degree.
to about 60.degree. C., preferably about 20.degree. to about
35.degree. C., and for the period of time to effect the desired
degree of concentration and diafiltration. The temperature and
other conditions used to some degree depend upon the membrane
equipment used to effect the membrane processing, the desired
protein concentration of the solution and the efficiency of the
removal of contaminants to the permeate.
[0084] As mentioned above, the level of trypsin inhibitor activity
in the final soy protein product can be controlled by manipulation
of various process variables.
[0085] As previously noted, heat treatment of the acidified aqueous
soy protein solution may be used to inactivate heat-labile trypsin
inhibitors. The partially concentrated or fully concentrated
acidified soy protein solution may also be heat treated to
inactivate heat labile trypsin inhibitors.
[0086] In addition, the concentration and/or diafiltration steps
may be operated in a manner favorable for removal of trypsin
inhibitors in the permeate along with the other contaminants.
Removal of the trypsin inhibitors is promoted by using a membrane
of larger pore size, such as about 30,000 to 1,000,000 Da,
operating the membrane at elevated temperatures, such as about 30
to about 60.degree. C. and employing greater volumes of
diafiltration medium, such as about 20 to about 40 volumes.
[0087] Acidifying and membrane processing the diluted protein
solution at a lower pH, such as about 1.5 to about 3 may reduce the
trypsin inhibitor activity relative to processing the solution at a
higher pH, such as about 3 to about 4.4. When the protein solution
is concentrated and diafiltered at the low end of the pH range, it
may be desired to raise the pH of the retentate prior to drying.
The pH of the concentrated and diafiltered protein solution may be
raised to the desired value, for example pH 3, by the addition of
any convenient food grade alkali such as sodium hydroxide.
[0088] Further, a reduction in trypsin inhibitor activity may be
achieved by exposing soy materials to reducing agents that disrupt
or rearrange the disulfide bonds of the inhibitors. Suitable
reducing agents include sodium sulfite, cysteine and
N-acetylcysteine.
[0089] The addition of such reducing agents may be effected at
various stages of the overall process. The reducing agent may be
added with the soy protein source material in the extraction step,
may be added to the clarified aqueous soy protein solution
following removal of residual soy protein source material, may be
added to the diafiltered retentate before dilution, may be added to
the supernatant, may be added to the concentrated and diafiltered
calcium modified supernatant before drying or may be dry blended
with the dried soy protein product. The addition of the reducing
agent may be combined with a heat treatment step and the membrane
processing steps, as described above.
[0090] If it is desired to retain active trypsin inhibitors in the
concentrated protein solution, this can be achieved by eliminating
or reducing the intensity of the heat treatment step, not utilizing
reducing agents, operating the concentration and diafiltration
steps at the higher end of the pH range, such as about 3 to about
4.4, utilizing a concentration and diafiltration membrane with a
smaller pore size, operating the membrane at lower temperatures and
employing fewer volumes of diafiltration medium.
[0091] The concentrated and diafiltered aqueous protein solution
may be treated with an adsorbent, such as powdered activated carbon
or granulated activated carbon, to remove colour and/or odour
compounds. Such adsorbent treatment may be carried out under any
convenient conditions, generally at the ambient temperature of the
concentrated protein solution. For powdered activated carbon, an
amount of about 0.025% to about 5% w/v, preferably about 0.05% to
about 2% w/v, is employed. The adsorbent may be removed from the
soy protein solution by any convenient means, such as by
filtration.
[0092] The pH of the concentrated and optionally diafiltered and
optionally adsorbent treated protein solution may be adjusted to
about 2.0 to about 4.0, if a pH adjustment step has not already
been employed. The pH adjusted, concentrated and optionally
diafiltered and optionally adsorbent treated protein solution may
also be heat treated to reduce the level of trypsin inhibitor
activity as described above.
[0093] The concentrated and optionally diafiltered and optionally
adsorbent treated protein solution is dried by any convenient
technique, such as spray drying or freeze drying, to a dry form.
The dried soy protein product has a protein content of at least
about 60 wt % (N.times.6.25) d.b., preferably in excess of about 90
wt % (N.times.6.25) d.b., more preferably at least about 100 wt %.
The soy protein product is low in phytic acid content, generally
less than about 1.5% by weight.
[0094] In one embodiment of the present invention, the supernatant
from the formation of PMM may be processed directly to form a soy
protein product utilizing the steps described above while omitting
the addition of calcium chloride. The soy protein product so formed
has a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N.times.6.25)
d.b., preferably in excess of about 90 wt % (N.times.6.25) d.b.,
more preferably at least about 100 wt %.
[0095] The soy protein products produced herein are soluble in an
acidic aqueous environment, making the products ideal for
incorporation into beverages, both carbonated and uncarbonated, to
provide protein fortification thereto. Such beverages have a wide
range of acidic pH values, ranging from about 2.5 to about 5. The
soy protein products provided herein may be added to such beverages
in any convenient quantity to provide protein fortification to such
beverages, for example, to provide at least about 5 g of soy
protein per serving. The added soy protein product dissolves in the
beverage and does not impair the clarity of the beverage, even
after thermal processing. The soy protein product may be blended
with dried beverage prior to reconstitution of the beverage by
dissolution in water. In some case, modification of the normal
formulation of the beverage to tolerate the composition of the
invention may be necessary where components present in the beverage
may adversely affect the ability of the composition to remain
dissolved in the beverage.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0096] This Example illustrates the production of protein micellar
mass (S300), supernatant derived protein isolate (S200) and calcium
modified supernatant derived protein isolate (S200Ca) from soy.
[0097] `a` kg of defatted, minimally heat processed soy flour was
added to `b` L of `c` M NaCl solution at ambient temperature and
agitated for 60 minutes to provide an aqueous protein solution. The
residual soy flour was removed and the resulting protein solution
was clarified by centrifugation and filtration to produce `d` L of
filtered protein solution having a protein content of `e`% by
weight.
[0098] The protein extract solution was reduced to `f` kg by
concentration on a `g` membrane having a molecular weight cutoff of
`h` Daltons producing a concentrated protein solution with a
protein content of `i`% by weight.
[0099] The conductivity of the concentrated protein solution was
`j` mS. Concentrated sodium chloride solution was added to the
retentate to raise the conductivity to'k' mS. The concentrated
protein solution at `1`.degree. C. was then diluted `m` into cold
RO water having a temperature `n`.degree. C. A white cloud formed
immediately. The supernatant was removed and the precipitated,
viscous, sticky mass (PMM) was recovered by centrifugation in a
yield of `o` wt % of the filtered protein solution. The dried PMM
derived protein was found to have a protein content of `p`%
(N.times.6.25) d.b. The product was given a designation `q`
S300.
[0100] The parameters `a` to `q` are set forth in the following
Table 1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Parameters for the production of S300 q
S005-J27-08A S005-K19-08A a 10 10 b 200 200 c 0.15 0.50 d 185 165 e
0.70 1.34 f 5.28 12.06 g PES PES h 100,000 100,000 i 21.28 17.51 j
9.45 24.9 k 21.4 24.9 l 27.8 30 m 1:10 1:5 n 1.6 4 o 18.5 20.8 p
91.31 99.66
[0101] The supernatants from these two runs were processed in
different ways. The supernatant from the S005-J27-08A run was
processed without calcium modification. In this run, 65 L of
supernatant was concentrated to a volume of 5 L on a PES membrane
with a molecular weight cutoff of 10,000 Daltons then diafiltered
with 25 L of reverse osmosis purified water on the same membrane.
The diafiltered retentate had a protein concentration of 12.60 wt
%. With the additional protein recovered from the supernatant, the
overall recovery of the filtered protein solution was 69.2%. The
diafiltered retentate was dried to form a product with a protein
content of 98.76% (N.times.6.25) d.b. The product was given the
designation S005-J27-08A S200.
[0102] The supernatant from run S005-K19-08A was processed with
calcium modification. To 65 L of supernatant was added 0.336 kg of
CaCl.sub.2, which raised the conductivity of the solution from 6.31
mS to 12.65 mS. The precipitate that formed was removed by
centrifugation and then the pH of the centrate adjusted to 3 with
diluted HCI. The acidified centrate was then concentrated from a
volume of 66 L to a volume of 5 L on a PES membrane with a
molecular weight cut-off of 10,000 Daltons. The concentrate was
then diafiltered on the same membrane with 25 L of reverse osmosis
purified water adjusted to pH 3 with diluted HCl. With the
additional protein recovered from the supernatant, the overall
recovery of the filtered protein solution was 37.1%. The
diafiltered retentate was dried to produce a product with a protein
content of 98.01% (N.times.6.25) d.b. The product was given the
designation S005-K19-08A S200Ca.
[0103] The colour of the dry powdered products was assessed with a
HunterLab ColorQuest XE instrument in reflectance mode. The colour
values are set forth in the following Table 2:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 HunterLab scores for dry products sample L*
a* b* S005-J27-08A S300 87.06 -0.28 10.04 S005-K19-08A S300 85.98
0.72 10.91 S005-J27-08A S200 84.51 0.56 10.51 S005-K19-08A S200Ca
86.87 0.58 9.53
[0104] As may be seen from Table 2, the dry colour of all the
products was quite light.
Example 2
[0105] This Example contains an evaluation of the heat stability in
water of the soy protein isolates produced by the method of Example
1 (S300, S200, S200Ca).
[0106] A 2% w/v protein solution of each product in water was
produced and the pH adjusted to 3. The clarity of these solutions
was assessed by haze measurement with the HunterLab ColorQuest XE
instrument in transmission mode. The solutions were then heated to
95.degree. C., held at this temperature for 30 seconds and then
immediately cooled to room temperature in an ice bath. The clarity
of the heat treated solutions was then measured again.
[0107] The clarity of the protein solutions before and after
heating is set forth in the following Table 3:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Effect of heat treatment on clarity of
various samples Haze (%) Haze (%) sample before heating after
heating S005-J27-08A S300 24.9 21.1 S005-K19-08A S300 30.5 29.6
S005-J27-08A S200 11.0 3.2 S005-K19-08A S200Ca 7.3 7.9
[0108] As can be seen in Table 3, the S200 and S200Ca samples gave
quite clear solutions in water at pH 3. The solutions of the S300
samples were not as clear. All of the samples were heat stable,
with the haze level essentially staying constant upon heating, or
actually improving.
Example 3
[0109] This Example contains an evaluation of the solubility in
water of the soy protein isolates produced by the method of Example
1 (S300, S200, S200Ca). Solubility was tested based on protein
solubility (termed protein method, a modified version of the
procedure of Morr et al., J. Food Sci. 50:1715-1718) and total
product solubility (termed pellet method).
[0110] Sufficient protein powder to supply 0.5 g of protein was
weighed into a beaker and then a small amount of reverse osmosis
(RO) purified water was added and the mixture stirred until a
smooth paste formed. Additional water was then added to bring the
volume to approximately 45 ml. The contents of the beaker were then
slowly stirred for 60 minutes using a magnetic stirrer. The pH was
determined immediately after dispersing the protein and was
adjusted to the appropriate level (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7) with diluted
NaOH or HCl. A sample was also prepared at natural pH. For the pH
adjusted samples, the pH was measured and corrected two times
during the 60 minutes stirring. After the 60 minutes of stirring,
the samples were made up to 50 ml total volume with RO water,
yielding a 1% w/v protein dispersion. The protein content of the
dispersions was measured using a LECO FP528 Nitrogen Determinator.
Aliquots (20 ml) of the dispersions were then transferred to
pre-weighed centrifuge tubes that had been dried overnight in a
100.degree. C. oven then cooled in a desiccator and the tubes
capped. The samples were centrifuged at 7800 g for 10 minutes,
which sedimented insoluble material and yielded a clear
supernatant. The protein content of the supernatant was measured by
LECO analysis and then the supernatant and the tube lids were
discarded and the pellet material dried overnight in an oven set at
100.degree. C. The next morning the tubes were transferred to a
desiccator and allowed to cool. The weight of dry pellet material
was recorded. The dry weight of the initial protein powder was
calculated by multiplying the weight of powder used by a factor of
((100-moisture content of the powder (%))/100). Solubility of the
product was then calculated two different ways:
Solubility(protein method)(%)=(% protein in supernatant% protein in
initial dispersion).times.100 1)
Solubility(pellet method)(%)=(1-(weight dry insoluble pellet
material/((weight of 20 ml of dispersion/weight of 50 ml of
dispersion).times.initial weight dry protein powder))).times.100
2)
[0111] The natural pH values of the protein isolates produced in
Example 1 in water (1% protein) are shown in Table 4:
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Natural pH of protein solution prepared in
water at 1% protein Batch Product Natural pH S005-J27-08A S300 6.67
S005-K19-08A S300 6.76 S005-J27-08A S200 6.70 S005-K19-08A S200Ca
3.29
[0112] The solubility results obtained are set forth in the
following Tables 5 and 6:
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Solubility of products at different pH
values based on protein method Solubility (Protein method) (%) pH
pH pH pH pH pH Nat. Batch Product 2 3 4 5 6 7 pH S005-J27- S300 100
94.2 43.4 19.1 91.9 99.1 95.0 08A S005-K19- S300 100 100 85.3 8.1
23.7 100 94.7 08A S005-J27- S200 91.5 100 98.8 0.0 76.7 94.4 89.5
08A S005-K19- S200Ca 94.7 100 100 20 38 66.3 100 08A
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Solubility of products at different pH
values based on pellet method Solubility (pellet method) (%) pH pH
pH pH pH pH Nat. Batch Product 2 3 4 5 6 7 pH S005-J27- S300 97.1
97.0 55.4 29.3 91.7 94.5 86.9 08A S005-K19- S300 96.5 96.1 76.3 5.7
29.1 93.1 86.8 08A S005-J27- S200 96.9 97.8 96.3 15.1 86.1 97.9
98.1 08A S005-K19- S200Ca 98.2 95.8 97.2 31.4 55.0 71.1 98.3
08A
[0113] As can be seen from the results of Tables 5 and 6, the S300
products were very soluble at pH values 2, 3 and 7. The S200 was
very soluble at pH 2 to 4 and 7. The S200Ca was very soluble in the
range of pH 2 to 4.
Example 4
[0114] This Example contains an evaluation of the clarity in water
of the soy protein isolates produced by the method of Example 1
(S300, S200, S200Ca).
[0115] The clarity of the 1% w/v protein solutions prepared as
described in Example 3 was assessed by measuring the absorbance at
600 nm, with a lower absorbance score indicating greater clarity.
Analysis of the samples on a HunterLab ColorQuest XE instrument in
transmission mode also provided a percentage haze reading, another
measure of clarity.
[0116] The clarity results are set forth in the following Tables 7
and 8:
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Clarity of protein solutions at different pH
values as assessed by A600 A600 pH pH pH pH pH pH Nat. Batch
Product 2 3 4 5 6 7 pH S005-J27- S300 0.025 0.064 >3.0 >3.0
1.568 0.819 2.482 08A S005-K19- S300 0.059 0.117 1.995 >3.0
>3.0 0.319 0.468 08A S005-J27- S200 0.053 0.066 0.127 >3.0
1.064 0.070 0.080 08A S005-K19- S200Ca 0.031 0.040 0.066 >3.0
>3.0 1.922 0.047 08A
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Clarity of protein solutions at different pH
values as assessed by HunterLab analysis HunterLab haze reading (%)
pH pH pH pH pH pH Nat. Batch Product 2 3 4 5 6 7 pH S005-J27- S300
8.1 16.3 98.9 99.9 97.6 89.5 98.8 08A S005-K19- S300 5.8 16.9 92.4
93.4 93.4 40.2 54.1 08A S005-J27- S200 5.6 6.4 14.4 97.4 86.5 8.1
9.2 08A S005-K19- S200Ca 1.2 3.3 7.1 93.6 92.9 92.4 2.9 08A
[0117] As can be seen from the results of Tables 7 and 8, solutions
of S300 were clear at pH 2 and slightly hazy at pH 3. Solutions of
this product at the higher pH values were quite hazy. Solutions of
S200 and S200Ca were clear in the pH range 2 to 4 and the S200
solution was also clear at natural pH and pH 7.
Example 5
[0118] This Example contains an evaluation of the solubility in a
soft drink (Sprite) and sports drink (Orange Gatorade) of the soy
protein isolates produced by the method of Example 1 (S300, S200,
S200Ca). The solubility was determined with the protein added to
the beverages with no pH correction and again with the pH of the
protein fortified beverages adjusted to the level of the original
beverages.
[0119] When the solubility was assessed with no pH correction, a
sufficient amount of protein powder to supply 1 g of protein was
weighed into a beaker and a small amount of beverage was added and
stirred until a smooth paste formed. Additional beverage was added
to bring the volume to 50 ml, and then the solutions were stirred
slowly on a magnetic stirrer for 60 minutes to yield a 2% protein
w/v dispersion. The protein content of the samples was analyzed
using a LECO FP528 Nitrogen Determinator then an aliquot of the
protein containing beverages was centrifuged at 7800 g for 10
minutes and the protein content of the supernatant measured.
Solubility(%)=(% protein in supernatant% protein in initial
dispersion).times.100
[0120] When the solubility was assessed with pH correction, the pH
of the soft drink (Sprite) (3.39) and sports drink (Orange
Gatorade) (3.19) without protein was measured. A sufficient amount
of protein powder to supply 1 g of protein was weighed into a
beaker and a small amount of beverage was added and stirred until a
smooth paste formed. Additional beverage was added to bring the
volume to approximately 45 ml, and then the solutions were stirred
slowly on a magnetic stirrer for 60 minutes. The pH of the protein
containing beverages was measured and then adjusted to the original
no-protein pH with HCl or NaOH as necessary. The total volume of
each solution was then brought to 50 ml with additional beverage,
yielding a 2% protein w/v dispersion. The protein content of the
samples was analyzed using a LECO FP528 Nitrogen Determinator then
an aliquot of the protein containing beverages was centrifuged at
7800 g for 10 minutes and the protein content of the supernatant
measured.
Solubility(%)=(% protein in supernatant% protein in initial
dispersion).times.100
[0121] The results obtained are set forth in the following Table
9:
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Solubility of products in Sprite and Orange
Gatorade no pH correction pH correction Solubility Solubility
Solubility (%) in Solubility (%) in (%) in Orange (%) in Orange
Batch Product Sprite Gatorade Sprite Gatorade S005-J27-08A S300
25.6 42.2 87.9 90.3 S005-K19-08A S300 4.8 71.0 95.3 85.2
S005-J27-08A S200 17.3 69.9 66.5 74.4 S005-K19-08A S200Ca 95.7 100
94.1 100
[0122] As can be seen from the results of Table 9, the S200Ca was
the product with the best solubility in the Sprite and Orange
Gatorade. This is an acidified product and so had little effect on
the beverage pH. The remaining products were not acidified and so
their solubility was improved by pH correction of the beverages.
After pH correction, the solubility of the S300 products was quite
good but the solubility of the S200 was surprisingly low, given the
solubility results obtained in water in Example 3.
Example 6
[0123] This Example contains an evaluation of the clarity in a soft
drink and sports drink of the soy protein isolates produced by the
method of Example 1 (S300, S200, S200Ca).
[0124] The clarity of the 2% w/v protein dispersions prepared in
soft drink (Sprite) and sports drink (Orange Gatorade) in Example 5
were assessed using the methods described in Example 4. For the
absorbance measurements at 600 nm, the spectrophotometer was
blanked with the appropriate beverage before the measurement was
performed.
[0125] The results obtained are set forth in the following Tables
10 and 11:
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Clarity (A600) of products in Sprite and
Orange Gatorade no pH correction pH correction A600 in A600 in A600
in Orange A600 in Orange Batch Product Sprite Gatorade Sprite
Gatorade S005-J27-08A S300 >3.0 >3.0 1.730 1.740 S005-K19-08A
S300 >3.0 >3.0 1.339 1.028 S005-J27-08A S200 >3.0 2.816
1.560 1.560 S005-K19-08A S200Ca 0.084 0.019 0.093 0.071
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 HunterLab haze readings for products in
Sprite and Orange Gatorade no pH correction pH correction haze haze
haze (%) in haze (%) in (%) in Orange (%) in Orange Batch Product
Sprite Gatorade Sprite Gatorade no protein 0.0 44.0 0.0 44.0
S005-J27-08A S300 97.7 98.1 89.3 89.9 S005-K19-08A S300 93.6 93.5
94.9 86.3 S005-J27-08A S200 97.4 98.2 88.6 90.4 S005-K19-08A S200Ca
12.3 46.7 19.5 53.3
[0126] As can be seen from the results of Tables 10 and 11, the
S200Ca product had the least impact on clarity in Sprite and Orange
Gatorade. However, the S200Ca in Sprite was slightly hazy,
particularly when tested with pH correction. The Sprite and Orange
Gatorade samples containing S300 and S200 were very hazy regardless
of whether pH correction was employed.
Example 7
[0127] This Example illustrates the production of a soy protein
isolate derived from concentrated retentate (S500) from a sodium
chloride extraction.
[0128] 12.5 kg of defatted, minimally heat processed soy flour was
added to 125 L of 0.15 M NaCl solution at ambient temperature and
agitated for 30 minutes to provide an aqueous protein solution. The
residual soy flour was removed and the resulting protein solution
was clarified by centrifugation and filtration to produce 97 L of
filtered protein solution having a protein content of 1.14% by
weight.
[0129] The protein extract solution was reduced in volume to 7 L by
concentration on a PVDF membrane having a molecular weight cutoff
of 5,000 daltons, producing a concentrated protein solution with a
protein content of 14.83% by weight.
[0130] The concentrated protein solution was then diafiltered using
14 L of 0.075 M NaCl solution. The diafiltered retentate had a
final weight of 6.14 kg and a protein content of 14.16% by weight
in a yield of 78.4 wt % of the filtered protein solution. The
diafiltered retentate was dried to form a product with a protein
content of 95.45% (N.times.6.25) d.b. The product was given the
designation S005-L17-08A S500.
[0131] A 3.2% w/v protein solution of S500 was prepared in water
and the pH lowered to 3 with diluted HCl. The colour and clarity
was then assessed using a HunterLab ColorQuest XE instrument
operated in transmission mode.
[0132] The colour and clarity values are set forth in the following
Table 12:
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 HunterLab scores for 3.2% protein solution
of S005-L17-08A S500 at pH 3 sample L* a* b* haze (%) S500 94.86
-1.15 15.45 22.0
[0133] As may be seen from Table 12, the colour of the S500
solution at pH 3 was quite light but the solution was also
hazy.
[0134] The colour of the dry powder was also assessed with the
HunterLab ColorQuest XE instrument in reflectance mode. The colour
values are set forth in the following Table 13:
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 HunterLab scores for dry S005-L17-08A S500
sample L* a* b* S500 84.71 0.14 14.88
[0135] As may be seen from Table 13, the dry colour of the product
was quite light.
Example 8
[0136] This Example contains an evaluation of the heat stability in
water of the soy protein isolate produced by the method of Example
7 (S500).
[0137] A 2% w/v protein solution of the product in water was
produced and the pH adjusted to 3. The clarity of this solution was
assessed by haze measurement with a HunterLab ColorQuest XE
instrument in transmission mode. The solution was then heated to
95.degree. C., held at this temperature for 30 seconds and then
immediately cooled to room temperature in an ice bath. The clarity
of the heat treated solution was then measured again.
[0138] The clarity of the protein solution before and after heating
is set forth in the following Table 14:
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Effect of heat treatment on clarity of
S005-L17-08A S500 solution Haze (%) Haze (%) sample before heating
after heating S500 7.9 9.8
[0139] As can be seen in Table 14, the S500 sample gave quite a
clear solution in water at pH 3. The sample was heat stable, with
the haze level only slightly changed upon heating.
Example 9
[0140] This Example contains an evaluation of the solubility in
water of the soy protein isolate produced by the method of Example
7 (S500). Solubility was tested based on protein solubility (termed
protein method, a modified version of the procedure of Mon et al.,
J. Food Sci. 50:1715-1718) and total product solubility (termed
pellet method).
[0141] Sufficient protein powder to supply 0.5 g of protein was
weighed into a beaker and then a small amount of reverse osmosis
(RO) purified water was added and the mixture stirred until a
smooth paste formed. Additional water was then added to bring the
volume to approximately 45 ml. The contents of the beaker were then
slowly stirred for 60 minutes using a magnetic stirrer. The pH was
determined immediately after dispersing the protein and was
adjusted to the appropriate level (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7) with diluted
NaOH or HCl. A sample was also prepared at natural pH. For the pH
adjusted samples, the pH was measured and corrected two times
during the 60 minutes stirring. After the 60 minutes of stirring,
the samples were made up to 50 ml total volume with RO water,
yielding a 1% w/v protein dispersion. The protein content of the
dispersions was measured using a LECO FP528 Nitrogen Determinator.
Aliquots (20 ml) of the dispersions were then transferred to
pre-weighed centrifuge tubes that had been dried overnight in a
100.degree. C. oven then cooled in a desiccator and the tubes
capped. The samples were centrifuged at 7800 g for 10 minutes,
which sedimented insoluble material and yielded a clear
supernatant. The protein content of the supernatant was measured by
LECO analysis and then the supernatant and the tube lids were
discarded and the pellet material dried overnight in an oven set at
100.degree. C. The next morning the tubes were transferred to a
desiccator and allowed to cool. The weight of dry pellet material
was recorded. The dry weight of the initial protein powder was
calculated by multiplying the weight of powder used by a factor of
((100-moisture content of the powder (%))/100). Solubility of the
product was then calculated two different ways:
Solubility(protein method)(%)=(% protein in supernatant% protein in
initial dispersion).times.100 1)
Solubility(pellet method)(%)=(1-(weight dry insoluble pellet
material/((weight of 20 ml of dispersion/weight of 50 ml of
dispersion).times.initial weight dry protein powder))).times.100
2)
[0142] The natural pH value of the protein isolate produced in
Example 7 in water (1% protein) is shown in Table 15:
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 Natural pH of S500 solution prepared in
water at 1% protein Batch Product Natural pH S005-L17-08A S500
6.61
[0143] The solubility results obtained are set forth in the
following Tables 16 and 17:
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 16 Solubility of S500 at different pH values
based on protein method Solubility (protein method) (%) pH pH pH pH
pH pH Nat. Batch Product 2 3 4 5 6 7 pH S005-L17- S500 92.6 100
60.4 26.9 88.3 100 92.6 08A
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 17 Solubility of S500 at different pH values
based on pellet method Solubility (pellet method) (%) pH pH pH pH
pH pH Nat. Batch Product 2 3 4 5 6 7 pH S005-L17- S500 97.8 97.5
68.3 30.3 84.9 97.4 97.6 08A
[0144] As can be seen from the results of Tables 16 and 17, the
S500 product was very soluble at pH 2, 3 and 7 and at the natural
pH.
Example 10
[0145] This Example contains an evaluation of the clarity in water
of the soy protein isolate produced by the method of Example 7
(S500).
[0146] The clarity of the 1% w/v protein solution prepared as
described in Example 9 was assessed by measuring the absorbance at
600 nm, with a lower absorbance score indicating greater clarity.
Analysis of the samples on a HunterLab ColorQuest XE instrument in
transmission mode also provided a percentage haze reading, another
measure of clarity.
[0147] The clarity results are set forth in the following Tables 18
and 19:
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 18 Clarity of S500 solution at different pH
values as assessed by A600 A600 pH pH pH pH pH pH Nat. Batch
Product 2 3 4 5 6 7 pH S005-L17- S500 0.020 0.044 >3.0 >3.0
1.499 0.048 0.061 08A
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 19 Clarity of S500 solution at different pH
values as assessed by HunterLab analysis HunterLab haze reading (%)
pH pH pH pH pH pH Nat. Batch Product 2 3 4 5 6 7 pH S005-L17- S500
0.6 6.5 95.3 95.9 90.8 7.0 5.5 08A
[0148] As can be seen from the results of Tables 18 and 19,
solutions of S500 had excellent clarity at pH 2, 3 and 7 and at
natural pH.
Example 11
[0149] This Example contains an evaluation of the solubility in a
soft drink (Sprite) and sports drink (Orange Gatorade) of the soy
protein isolate produced by the method of Example 7 (S500). The
solubility was determined with the protein added to the beverages
with no pH correction and again with the pH of the protein
fortified beverages adjusted to the level of the original
beverages.
[0150] When the solubility was assessed with no pH correction, a
sufficient amount of protein powder to supply 1 g of protein was
weighed into a beaker and a small amount of beverage was added and
stirred until a smooth paste formed. Additional beverage was added
to bring the volume to 50 ml, and then the solutions were stirred
slowly on a magnetic stirrer for 60 minutes to yield a 2% protein
w/v dispersion. The protein content of the samples was analyzed
using a LECO FP528 Nitrogen Determinator then an aliquot of the
protein containing beverages was centrifuged at 7800 g for 10
minutes and the protein content of the supernatant measured.
Solubility(%)=(% protein in supernatant% protein in initial
dispersion).times.100
[0151] When the solubility was assessed with pH correction, the pH
of the soft drink (Sprite) (3.39) and sports drink (Orange
Gatorade) (3.19) without protein was measured. A sufficient amount
of protein powder to supply 1 g of protein was weighed into a
beaker and a small amount of beverage was added and stirred until a
smooth paste formed. Additional beverage was added to bring the
volume to approximately 45 ml, and then the solutions were stirred
slowly on a magnetic stirrer for 60 minutes. The pH of the protein
containing beverages was measured and then adjusted to the original
no-protein pH with HCl or NaOH as necessary. The total volume of
each solution was then brought to 50 ml with additional beverage,
yielding a 2% protein w/v dispersion. The protein content of the
samples was analyzed using a LECO FP 528 Nitrogen Determinator then
an aliquot of the protein containing beverages was centrifuged at
7800 g for 10 minutes and the protein content of the supernatant
measured.
Solubility(%)=(% protein in supernatant% protein in initial
dispersion).times.100
[0152] The results obtained are set forth in the following Table
20:
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 20 Solubility of S500 in Sprite and Orange
Gatorade no pH correction pH correction Solubility Solubility
Solubility (%) in Solubility (%) in (%) in Orange (%) in Orange
Batch Product Sprite Gatorade Sprite Gatorade S005-L17-08A S500
22.5 50.0 82.0 79.9
[0153] As can be seen from the results of Table 20, the S500 was
not very soluble in the beverages without pH adjustment. This can
partially be attributed to the fact that the S500 is not an
acidified product. Correction of the pH did improve the solubility
of S500 in both beverages, although the protein was still not
completely soluble.
Example 12
[0154] This Example contains an evaluation of the clarity in a soft
drink and sports drink of the soy protein isolate produced by the
method of Example 7 (S500).
[0155] The clarity of the 2% w/v protein dispersions prepared in
soft drink (Sprite) and sports drink (Orange Gatorade) in Example
11 were assessed using the methods described in Example 10. For the
absorbance measurements at 600 nm, the spectrophotometer was
blanked with the appropriate beverage before the measurement was
performed.
[0156] The results obtained are set forth in the following Tables
21 and 22:
TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 21 Clarity (A600) of S500 in Sprite and Orange
Gatorade no pH correction pH correction A600 in A600 in A600 in
Orange A600 in Orange Batch Product Sprite Gatorade Sprite Gatorade
S005-L17-08A S500 >3.0 >3.0 1.056 1.710
TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 22 HunterLab haze readings for S500 in Sprite
and Orange Gatorade no pH correction pH correction haze haze haze
(%) in haze (%) in (%) in Orange (%) in Orange Batch Product Sprite
Gatorade Sprite Gatorade no protein 0.0 44.0 0.0 44.0 S005-L17-08A
S500 97.5 98.1 83.6 98.2
[0157] As may be seen from the results in Tables 21 and 22, Sprite
and Orange Gatorade with added S500 were very hazy, with perhaps
only slight improvement achieved by correcting the pH.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0158] In summary of this disclosure, there are produced soy
protein isolates which can provide heat stable and clear aqueous
solutions at acid pH values. Modifications are possible within the
scope of this invention.
* * * * *