The data and outputs generated from this Task will be used as an input for other Tasks, in brief the objectives for this Task can be summarised as follows;
To develop processing unit operations for extraction, fractionation, concentration, and drying of protein and residual biomass materials generated within the programme.
To utilise modelling platforms to describe processing behaviour, nutrient component mass balance and energy usage for each process. These models will continuously be updated as the project progresses, with data generated within this task as well as data from Tasks 4 and Task 5.
To assess emerging technologies as novel approaches and enablers for extracting, blending and preservation of protein blends. The aim is to design novel processing routes, incorporating feedback from Task 4, to increase process sustainability, yield of protein and additional nutrients e.g. antioxidants, polyphenols, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and other fermentable material.
To compare / integrate conventional solid-liquid extraction techniques using iso-electric precipitation approaches with other novel extraction technologies. Novel clean/green extraction technologies will be employed, for extraction/fractionation of proteins and other biomolecules from sources.
To investigate the potential for manufacture of novel protein, biomass and combined products in various formats (powders, dehydrated gels, granules etc.) using both conventional and novel drying technologies. In terms of novel technology Superconcentration/Granulation and Radiant Energy dehydration processes will allow for blending and drying of highly viscous protein solutions/pastes. This will be used for drying of mixed protein systems identified in Task 2 and residual biomass/fermentates generated in Task 4.
To provide extraction protocols which incorporate both conventional and novel processing routes, scalability, extractable protein as % of total protein and related processing parameters. This data can feed back to Task 1 to facilitate validation of the overall carbon foot print model.
The research team will use the extensive separations, thermal and drying equipment associated with the Teagasc Food Research Programme e.g. the DAFM funded Bio-Functional Food Engineering Platform at Moorepark (FIRM Strategic Equipment Fund 2006) and the Nutraceutical facility and Prepared Consumer Foods Centres at Ashtown.
This task will build on Teagasc competencies developed as a part of previous EU H2020 project (Waste2fuel, 2015 – 2018).
© 2021 U-Protein. All rights reserved. The U-Protein Project has received funding from the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, under the Food Institutional Research Measure to the U-Protein project under grant no. 2019PROG702.
