Microbial-based process for high-quality protein concentrate

摘要

The present invention describes a bio-based process to produce high quality protein concentrate (HQPC) by converting plant derived celluloses into bioavailable protein via aerobic incubation, including the use of such HQPC so produced as a nutrient, including use as a fish meal replacement in aquaculture diets.

主权项

1. A method of producing a soy protein concentrate comprising:
a. optionally, extruding plant material at above room temperature to form a mash and transferring the mash to a biorector; b. adding one or more cellulose-degrading enzymes to release sugars into the mash in the bioreactor; c. inoculating the enzyme treated or untreated mash with at least one microbe, which microbe converts released sugars into proteins and exopolysaccharides; d. precipitating the resulting proteins, microbes, and exopolysaccharides with ethanol, a flocculent, or a combination thereof; e. recovering the precipitated material via hydrodynamic force; and f. drying said precipitated material, wherein said soy protein concentrate comprises proteins, microbes, and exopolysaccharides.