Fractionation of whey proteins by complex formation

摘要

Disclosed is a method of fractionating alpha-lactalbumin from beta-lactoglobulin in whey or whey protein concentrate. The method includes the steps of contacting whey or whey protein concentrate with a complexing agent so that the complexing agent forms insoluble complexes with beta-lactoglobulin present in the whey or whey protein concentrate. The insoluble complexes are then separated from the whey or whey protein concentrate, thus yielding a precipitate that is predominately beta-lactoglobulin and is substantially devoid of alpha-lactalbumin, and a supernatant that predominately alpha-lactalbumin and is substantially devoid of beta-lactoglobulin.