Protein recovery
There is provided a process for producing proteins from the by-product streams arising from distillation processes, in particular the by-product stream known as “pot ale” or “burnt ale” and the use of such proteins as protein feed ingredients or food additives.
1. A process for the recovery of proteinaceous matter, from a by-product stream arising from distillation processes, the process comprising:
optionally, lysing or disrupting cells present in the by-product stream;
removing solid matter from the by-product stream to yield a clarified proteinaceous matter containing solution;
contacting the clarified proteinaceous matter containing solution with an adsorption matrix under conditions such that the proteinaceous matter binds to the matrix; wherein the adsorption matrix comprises a silica content of greater than 50% wt; and
altering the conditions to cause release of all of or a specific fraction of the proteinaceous matter bound to the adsorption matrix.
2. The process of claim 1 , wherein the step of removing solid matter from the by-product stream utilises a two stage process.
3. The process of claim 1 , wherein the by-product stream is selected from pot ale, spent wash, spent lees, stillage, draff, spent grain, hot (trub) or cold break from an alcohol or biofuel distillation process, or a combination of at least two by-product streams.
4. The process of claim 1 , wherein the by-product is selected from pot ale.
5. The process of claim 1 , wherein the by-product stream has a pH range of between 2 to 6 when the proteinaceous matter in the by-product stream binds to the adsorption matrix.
6. The process of claim 1 , wherein the adsorption matrix has a silica content of greater than 70% wt.
7. The process of claim 1 , wherein the adsorption matrix comprises an aluminosilicate.
8. The process of claim 1 , wherein the adsorption matrix comprises a clay mineral.
9. The process of claim 1 , wherein the adsorption matrix comprises any one of the following: diatomaceous earth, bentonite, kieselguhrs, and/or zeolites.
10. The process of claim 9 , wherein the adsorption matrix is zeolite clinoptilolite.
11. The process of claim 1 , wherein the step of altering the conditions to cause release of all of or a specific fraction of the proteinaceous matter bound to the adsorption matrix comprises elution with a phosphate or carbonate buffer in the pH range 7-11; or sodium hydroxide in the pH range 10-14.