TOBACCO-DERIVED PROTEIN COMPOSITIONS

摘要

The disclosure describes methods for the purification of protein-enriched extracts to provide concentrates and isolates and methods for incorporation of such materials into products. The purification methods are adapted for removal of one or more of ash, metal salts, alkaloids, particulates, heavy metals, and other impurities and/or contaminants from extracts, as well as modifying the sensory characteristics (e.g., odor, color, and/or taste characteristics) of extracts. The methods generally include diafiltration, treatment with functionalized resins, and supercritical extraction. A protein composition in the form of a concentrate or isolate is provided, the protein composition including RuBisCO, F2 fraction proteins, or combination thereof extracted from a plant of the Nicotiana species, wherein the protein composition is characterized by one or more of: an ash content of less than about 15% by weight; a nicotine content of less than about 10 μg/g; and a heavy metal content of less than about 60 μg/g.

主权项

1. A method for reducing the ash or alkaloid content in a protein-enriched material, the method comprising:
a) receiving a plant-derived, protein-enriched material comprising RuBisCO, F2 fraction proteins, or a combination thereof, wherein the plant-derived, protein-enriched material further comprises undesirable ash, nicotine, or a combination thereof; b) dissolving at least a portion of the plant-derived, protein-enriched material in a solvent to form a solution; c) subjecting the plant-derived, protein-enriched material solution to diafiltration by passing the solution through one or more ultrafiltration membranes to afford a retentate comprising a protein concentrate or isolate having a reduced amount of ash, nicotine, or a combination thereof as compared with the plant-derived, protein-enriched material.