Patent Application
20230225388
The present disclosure generally relates to protein compositions. More specifically, this disclosure pertains to protein compositions recoverable from plant components.
Plant materials are known to be excellent sources of edible oils and proteins. For example, edible oils are commonly produced by pressing under high pressures, seeds harvested from agricultural crops such as Brassica spp., corn, soybeans, peanuts, sunflower, safflower, hemp, flax, legumes, and cotton, among others.
Plant materials with a high oil content (e.g. 35% or more) are typically processed with techniques that have evolved to optimize plant oil yield. In general, these processing techniques involve combinations of mechanical pressing and solvent extraction of selected plant material. After the oil is extracted, the remaining oilseed cake or meal may be used to extract plant proteins as a co-product. Protein extraction processes commonly involve heat treatment to remove extraction solvents from the oilseed cake or meal. However, due to the harsh processing conditions employed, the plant proteins recovered from oilseed cake or meal generally lose their native conformational state and form denatured or fractured structures. Preparations consisting primarily of denatured proteins are less suitable as a nutritional ingredient, since properties such as solubility, flavor, smell and color are generally all negatively impacted by the processing conditions.
Thus, it is clear that while plant materials represent a valuable source of proteins, the quality of protein preparations obtained from these plant materials known to the art is suboptimal.
The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to protein preparations produced from selected hemp plant materials. According to one aspect, the selected hemp plant materials may be hemp seeds.
One embodiment disclosed herein relates to hemp protein compositions comprising from about 30% (w/w) and to about 95% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil.
One embodiment disclosed herein relates to hemp protein compositions comprising from about 30% (w/w) and to about 95% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, and from up to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates.
One embodiment disclosed herein relates to hemp protein compositions comprising from about 30% (w/w) and to about 95% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, and from about 1% (w/w) and to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein compositions may comprise from about 34% (w/w) and to about 93% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 7% (w/w) and to about 59% (w/w) plant oil.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein compositions may comprise from about 34% (w/w) and to about 93% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 7% (w/w) and to about 59% (w/w) plant oil, and up to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein compositions may comprise from about 34% (w/w) and to about 93% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 7% (w/w) and to about 59% (w/w) plant oil, and from about 1% (w/w) and to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein compositions may be a hemp protein concentrate comprising from at least about 84% (w/w) and less than about 90% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25), and from about 11% (w/w) to about 19% (w/w) plant oil.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein concentrate may comprise at least about 85% (w/w) and less than about 90% (w/w) hemp proteins (N×6.25).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein concentrate may comprise at least about 86% (w/w) and less than about 90% (w/w) hemp proteins (N×6.25).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein composition may be a hemp protein isolate comprising at least about 90% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25), and from about 6% (w/w) to about 8% (w/w) plant oil.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein isolate may comprise at least about 91% (w/w) hemp proteins (N×6.25).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein isolate may comprise at least about 92% (w/w) hemp proteins (N×6.25).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein isolate may comprise at least about 93% (w/w) hemp proteins (N×6.25).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein composition may be a hemp protein-lipid complex containing mixture comprising from about 34% (w/w) to about 49% (w/w) protein (N×6.25), from about 34% (w/w) to about 59% (w/w) plant oil, and from about 1% (w/w) to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates.
According to another aspect, the total protein (N×6.25) and plant oil content may range from about 83% to about 100%, and wherein the ratio of protein to oil may range from about 1 to about 10 on a weight-by-weight basis.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein composition may be a hemp protein concentrate comprising a total protein (N×6.25) and plant oil content of about 100% (w/w).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein composition may be a hemp protein isolate comprising a total protein (N×6.25) and plant oil content of about 100% (w/w).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein composition may be a hemp protein-lipid complex containing mixture comprising a total protein (N×6.25) and plant oil content of at least about 83% (w/w).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein composition may be a hemp protein concentrate, wherein the ratio of protein (N×6.25) to oil is at least about 5.3:1 on a weight-by-weight basis.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein composition may be a hemp protein isolate, wherein the ratio of protein (N×6.25) to oil is at least about 14:1 on a weight-by-weight basis.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein composition may be a hemp protein-lipid complex containing mixture, wherein the ratio of protein (N×6.25) to oil is at least about 0.6:1 on a weight-by-weight basis.
According to another aspect, the weight percentage of essential amino acids in the hemp protein compositions may be about 30% (w/w) or more by weight protein.
According to yet another aspect, the lysine content may range from about 2.5% up to about 5% by weight of crude protein of the hemp protein compositions.
Another embodiment disclosed herein relates to methods of making hemp protein compositions, comprising the steps of:
and at least one of:
(A)
or
(B)
(a)
(b)
or
(C)
Another embodiment disclosed herein relates to methods of making protein-lipid complex containing mixtures, comprising the steps of:
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to methods of making hemp protein concentrates, comprising the steps of:
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to methods of making protein-lipid complex containing mixtures, comprising the steps of:
According to one aspect, the whole seeds may be soaked for at least 6 hours prior to comminuting the seeds.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to methods of making hemp protein concentrates, comprising the steps of:
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to methods of making hemp protein isolates, comprising the steps of:
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to methods of preparing nutritional formulations, the method comprising:
Another embodiment disclosed herein relates to uses of a hemp protein composition as an ingredient for preparing a nutritional formulation, wherein the hemp protein composition comprises from about 30% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein, from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, the balance of the hemp protein composition substantially being constituted by carbohydrates, water, and ash.
Another embodiment disclosed herein relates to nutritional formulations comprising a hemp protein composition comprising at least about 65% (w/w) or more plant protein, from about 30% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, the balance of the hemp protein composition substantially being constituted by carbohydrates, water, and ash.
Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description, while indicating preferred implementations of the present disclosure, is given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those of skill in the art from the detailed description.
These and other features of the disclosure will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings. The figures are provided herein for a better understanding of the example embodiments and to show more clearly how the various example embodiments may be carried into effect. The figures are not intended to limit the present disclosure.
The figures together with the following detailed description make apparent to those skilled in this art how the disclosure may be implemented in practice.
As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms, such as “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference and vice versa unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated, “comprise,” “comprises” and “comprising” are used inclusively rather than exclusively, so that a stated integer or group of integers may include one or more other non-stated integers or groups of integers. The term “or” is inclusive unless modified, for example, by “either”. The term “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive or. That is “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, X, Y and/or Z is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.
When ranges are used herein for physical properties such as molecular weights, chemical properties, chemical formulae, and the like, all combinations and sub-combinations of ranges and specific embodiments therein are intended to be included. Other than in the operating examples or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients or reaction conditions used herein should be understood as modified in all instances by the term “about.” The term “about” when referring to a number or a numerical range means that the number or numerical range referred to is an approximation within experimental variability (or within statistical experimental error), and thus the number or numerical range may vary between 1% and 15% of the stated number or numerical range, as will be readily recognized by the context. Furthermore, any range of values described herein is intended to specifically include the limiting values of the range, and any intermediate value or sub-range within the given range, and all such intermediate values and sub-ranges are individually and specifically disclosed (e.g. a range of 1 to 5 includes 1, 5, and all values therebetween). Similarly, other terms of degree such as “substantially” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.
Unless otherwise defined, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the formulations described herein shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims.
Unless otherwise defined, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the formulations described herein shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims.
All publications, patents, and patent applications referred herein are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The term “hemp” as used herein, refers to a plant belonging to the genus Cannabis, and includes Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, and further includes all species, subspecies, cultivars, varieties, hybrids and genotypes.
The term “essential amino acids” as used herein, refers to histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. It is noted that in at least some fish species including without limitation, salmon, arginine may additionally be considered an essential amino acid.
The term “comminuting” as used herein, refers to a process for deconstructing plant material into particles having sizes in a range from about 5 μm to about 200 μm and sizes therebetween. Examples of comminuting processes include wet milling, grinding, homogenization, and the like. Suitable comminuting equipment includes a seed mill, a colloid mill, a hammer mill, a blade mill, a roller mill, and the like.
The phrase “formulating the protein composition to form a nutritional product” as used herein, refers to mixing or blending a protein composition produced by the methods disclosed herein, at least one other ingredient suitable for inclusion in a nutritional product.
The term “protein concentrate”, as used herein, refers to a composition comprising less than 90% (w/w) protein, and less than 20% (w/w) plant oil.
The term “protein isolate”, as used herein, refers to a composition comprising at least 90% (w/w) protein, and less than 20% (w/w) plant oil.
The term “protein-lipid complex containing mixture”, as used herein, refers to a composition comprising at least 30% plant oil and at least 30% protein.
It is noted that reference may be made herein to various percentages of protein to quantify the amount of protein which may be present in a sample or composition. Such percentages may be expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample or composition, for example, 90% (w/w). Those skilled in the art will understand that the protein content in a preparation produced as disclosed herein, can readily be measured by various methodologies known to the art including, for example among others, the Kjeldahl method, or methods for determining measuring nitrogen by combustion disclosed in the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) Method 992.23, or methods disclosed in the American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC) Method 46-30, 1999. Moreover, those skilled in this art will understand that to convert measured nitrogen to protein, a conversion factor may be used. A commonly used conversion factor in this respect is 6.25. The protein content of the compositions set forth in the present disclosure refers to an applied conversion factor of 6.25. Furthermore, those of skilled in this art will understand that due to certain inherent inaccuracies in the foregoing conversion methodology it is possible that when calculating total oil and protein constituents in certain compositions, the calculated total oil and protein (N×6.25) may slightly exceed 100%, and be calculated to be for example 101% or 102%. Thus, for example, when reference is made herein to a sample containing 90% (w/w) protein, such a sample contains 90% (w/w) protein based on the application of a conversion factor of 6.25. The foregoing may be expressed herein as: “a sample containing 90% (w/w) protein (N×6.25)”, or in a substantially similar manner.
In overview, it has surprisingly been realized that protein compositions containing high concentrations of protein moieties, and oil and carbohydrates may be recovered from comminuted whole plant parts of hemp plants, wherein the protein moieties are substantially free of heat or solvent damage and thus, are present in a non-denatured conformational state. The hemp protein compositions produced by the methods disclosed herein may contain substantial quantities of essential amino acids. Furthermore, the hemp compositions disclosed herein exhibit desirable physico-chemical properties including solubility, emulsion stability and oil- and water hydration capacities.
The hemp protein compositions of the present disclosure are useful for the preparation of nutritional formulations including for example, nutritional aquaculture formulations, nutritional animal feed formulations, nutritional poultry formulations, and nutritional formulations suitable for human consumption, among others. Furthermore, the residual presence of plant oils in the present hemp protein compositions may be beneficial as energy sources in nutritional formulations. The presence of plant oils in the present hemp protein compositions may obviate the need for addition of extraneous oil into nutritional feed formulations.
Accordingly, one embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to hemp protein compositions comprising from about 35% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil.
Accordingly, one embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to hemp protein compositions comprising from about 35% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, and up to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates.
Accordingly, one embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to hemp protein compositions comprising from about 35% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, and from about 1% (w/w) and to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates.
The hemp protein compositions disclosed herein may be prepared from parts of hemp plants, notably seeds, i.e. plants belonging to the plant species Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica or Cannabis ruderalis, wherein the seeds are produced and harvested by agricultural practices or by horticultural practices. Also suitable are hemp subspecies, varieties, cultivars, genotypes, or hybrids.
Accordingly, another embodiment according to the present disclosure pertains to methods and processes for producing the disclosed hemp plant protein compositions, wherein the methods and processes generally comprise the steps of deconstructing whole seeds of selected plants with a selected comminuting process to produce comminuted mixtures comprising heavy high-protein fractions and light high-oil fractions, separating the heavy high-protein fractions from the light high-oil fractions, and then separately further processing the heavy high-protein fractions and/or the light high-oil fractions to produce the plant protein compositions. The methods disclosed herein avoid the use of organic solvents and high temperatures i.e. temperatures greater than 60° C.
Various suitable techniques and methods for processing seed materials from hemp plant material to produce therefrom the present plant protein concentrates are disclosed in the following sections.
Thus, referring now to
Continuing in reference to
It should be further noted that the selection of the specific comminuting equipment and the operating conditions of the equipment may depend on the size of the selected hemp seed 111. However, regardless of the comminuting equipment that is selected, upon completion of step 120, the comminuted seed particle mixture 121 will have mean particle sizes in a range of from about 5 μm to about 200 μm or from about 5 μm to about 100 μm, or mean particle sizes in a range of about 10 μm, about 25 μm, about 50 μm, about 100 μm, about 125 μm, about 150 μm, about 175 μm, about 200 μm, and therebetween. Preferably, the comminution equipment and conditions are selected so that the comminuted hemp seed particles are homogenously sized, i.e. the particles can have tightly-centered mean-particle size, e.g. at least 90% of the particles can have a size not exceeding ±20% of the particle size, or not exceeding ±10% of the particle size, or not exceeding ±5% of the mean particle size. Furthermore, it should be noted that high temperatures i.e. temperatures in excess of 60° C. are avoided in the performance of comminuting step 121. Thus, comminuting step 121 may be conducted at ambient temperatures although it is understood that during operation of mechanical comminution equipment, the temperature of the seed mixture may increase above the ambient temperatures.
Comminuting step 121 may be carried out with the hemp seed 111 suspended in an aqueous solution. Examples of suitable aqueous solutions include water and dilute solutions comprising a sodium salt solution such as NaCl or Na2SO4. Examples of suitable dilute solutions may comprise about 50 mM of a sodium salt and/or about 50 mM of a strong acid. The aqueous solution may be added to the hemp seed 111 prior to conveyance into the comminuting equipment, or alternatively, while the hemp seed 111 is being discharged from a seed bin or other seed storage containers into the comminuting equipment. As hereinbefore noted, the use of organic solvents during performance of the comminuting step 121 is avoided.
Continuing in reference to
The recovered solid phase 131 may have a dry-basis composition of about 8.3% (w/w) oil and 26.2% (w/w) protein (N×6.25).
Continuing in reference to
It should be noted that steps 130 and 140 may be performed concurrently by using a single-density differential-based separation equipment such as a 3-phase decanter capable of separating the comminuted seed particle mixture into a solid phase, a heavy liquid phase, and a light liquid phase.
Continuing in reference to
Continuing in reference to
Continuing in reference to
Example process 200 illustrated in
Thus, continuing in reference to
Referring next to
Example process 300 illustrated in
Thus, referring to
Next, the second liquid phase may be processed according to a first example sub-process 300a of example process 300 shown in
Referring, now to
Thus, starting with liquid phase 327, the performance of example sub-process 300a of example process 300 may yield second protein concentrate 341.
Referring next to
To briefly recap, the example processes 100, 200, and 300 may each provide selectable protein precipitates which may be selectively dried to form prepared protein concentrates. The prepared hemp protein concentrates may comprise from about 30% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil.
The hemp protein compositions, i.e. the hemp protein concentrates, the hemp protein isolates and the hemp protein-lipid complex containing mixtures, of the present disclosure may be prepared without exposing the starting selected hemp plant materials to high temperatures or to solvents. Thus, the proteins from hemp plants recovered by the fractionation processes described herein will not have sustained any heat damage or solvent damage. As a result, hemp protein compositions disclosed herein may be light colored, relatively odorless, and bland in taste. Furthermore, the hemp proteins within the various hemp protein compositions described herein may be substantially non-denatured and may retain their primary and/or their secondary and/or their tertiary three-dimensional structures.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein concentrates may comprise at least about 84% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25), and from about 11% (w/w) to about 16% (w/w) plant oil.
According to one aspect, the hemp protein concentrate may comprise at least 85% (w/w) and less than 90% (w/w) hemp proteins (N×6.25).
According to one aspect, the hemp protein concentrate may comprise least 86% (w/w) and less than 90% (w/w) hemp proteins (N×6.25).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein isolates may comprise at least 90% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25), and from about 6% (w/w) to about 8% (w/w) plant oil.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein isolates may comprise at least 91% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein isolates may comprise at least 92% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein isolates may comprise at least 93% (w/w) hemp protein (N×6.25).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein-lipid complex containing mixtures may comprise from about 34% (w/w) to about 49% (w/w) protein (N×6.25), from about 34% (w/w) to about 59% (w/w) plant oil, and from about 1% (w/w) to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates.
According to another aspect, hemp protein concentrates may comprise a total protein (N×6.25) and plant oil content of about 100% (w/w).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein isolates may comprise a total protein (N×6.25) and plant oil content of about 100% (w/w).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein-lipid complex containing mixture may comprise a total protein (N×6.25) and plant oil content of at least about 83% (w/w).
According to another aspect, the hemp protein concentrate may comprise a ratio of protein (N×6.25) to oil is at least 5.3 on a weight-by-weight basis.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein isolate, may comprise a ratio of protein (N×6.25) to oil is at least 14:1 on a weight-by-weight basis.
According to another aspect, the hemp protein-lipid complex containing mixture may comprise a protein (N×6.25) to oil ratio of at least about 0.6:1 on a weight-by-weight basis.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to hemp protein compositions comprising weight percentages of essential amino acids of at least about 30% by weight crude protein.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to hemp protein compositions comprising weight percentages of essential amino acids of at least about 35% by weight crude protein.
According to an aspect, the weight percentages of lysine in the hemp protein compositions may be at least about 2.8% by weight crude protein.
According to another aspect, the weight percentages of lysine in the hemp protein compositions may be at least about 4.9% by weight crude protein.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, hemp protein compositions produced by the processes described herein may be used as ingredients in nutritional formulations. In order to prepare the nutritional formulations, one or more of the protein compositions from selected hemp species disclosed herein may be contacted with or blended with or mixed together with at least one other formulary ingredient suitable for use to prepare a nutritional product composition. Furthermore, at least one other formulary ingredient may be provided in any suitable form such as for example, a solution, a suspension, a gel, a liquid, a solid, a powder, a crystal, and the like. The quantity of the at least one other formulary ingredient may vary and may depend on the type of nutritional formulation that is being prepared. Furthermore, a plurality of additional formulary ingredients may be provided, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more formulary ingredients to prepare the nutritional formulation.
In some embodiments, a formulation suitable for inclusion in a nutritional product comprising a mixture of formulary ingredients may be pre-formed, and the protein composition may be separately provided and incorporated into the pre-formed formulary ingredient mixture.
In some embodiments, the hemp protein composition may be incorporated during preparation of the nutritional formulation. In such embodiments, the hemp protein composition may be added separately or alternatively, the hemp protein composition may be incorporated together with one or more other formulary compounds.
The final concentration of the hemp protein composition in the nutritional product may vary. In some embodiments, the hemp protein composition may comprise at least about 10% (w/w) of the nutritional formulation. In other embodiments, the hemp protein composition may comprise at least about 20% (w/w), at least about 30% (w/w), at least about 40% (w/w), at least about 50% (w/w), at least about 60% (w/w), at least about 70% (w/w), at least about 80% (w/w), or at least about 90% (w/w) of the nutritional formulation. The concentration of the hemp protein composition may be optimized or adjusted by preparing a plurality of sample nutritional formulations, wherein each formulation comprises a different concentration of the hemp protein composition, then evaluating each of the formulations with reference to one or more nutritional effects, then selecting one or more of the formulations to provide a selected desirable effect.
In some embodiments, the additional formulary ingredient incorporated in the nutritional formulations of the present disclosure may be a natural ingredient. Since the protein compositions disclosed herein are natural compositions, in some embodiments, the nutritional formulations may be formulated using additional natural formulary ingredients thereby providing one or more natural nutritional formulations.
In some embodiments, the additional formulary ingredient may be a synthetic ingredient, for example stabilizing agents such as xanthan and gellan, coagulating agents such as calcium sulfate and magnesium chloride, and agglomerating agents such as hydrolysed lecithin for example.
In accordance with the foregoing, the present disclosure provides another embodiment relating to methods for preparing nutritional formulations comprising the plant protein compositions disclosed herein, wherein the methods comprise:
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to use of a hemp protein composition disclosed herein as an ingredient for preparing a nutritional formulation, wherein the hemp protein composition comprises from about 30% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein, from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, the balance of the hemp protein composition substantially being constituted by carbohydrates, water, and ash.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to use of a hemp protein composition disclosed herein as an ingredient for preparing a nutritional formulation, wherein the hemp protein composition comprises from about 30% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein, from about 5% (w/w) and to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, up to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates, the balance of the hemp protein composition substantially being constituted by water and ash.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to use of a hemp protein composition disclosed herein as an ingredient for preparing a nutritional formulation, wherein the hemp protein composition comprises from about 30% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein, from about 5% (w/w) to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, and from about 1% (w/w) to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates, the balance of the hemp protein composition substantially being constituted by water and ash.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a nutritional formulation comprising a hemp protein composition comprising at least about 65% (w/w) or more plant protein, from about 30% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, the balance of the hemp protein composition substantially being constituted by carbohydrates, water and ash.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a nutritional formulation comprising a hemp protein composition comprising at least about 65% (w/w) or more plant protein, from about 30% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, and up to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates, the balance of the hemp protein composition substantially being constituted by water and ash.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a nutritional formulation comprising a hemp protein composition comprising at least about 65% (w/w) or more plant protein, from about 30% (w/w) to about 95% hemp protein (N×6.25), from about 5% (w/w) to about 60% (w/w) plant oil, and from about 1% (w/w) to about 4% (w/w) carbohydrates, the balance of the hemp protein composition substantially being constituted by water and ash.
Some nutritional formulations incorporating the hemp protein compositions disclosed herein may be suitable for use as an animal feed. Some nutritional formulations incorporating the hemp protein compositions disclosed herein may be suitable for use as a fish feed or an aquaculture feed. Some nutritional formulations incorporating the hemp protein compositions disclosed herein may be suitable for human consumption. Some nutritional formulations incorporating the hemp protein compositions disclosed herein may be suitable for use as a poultry feed or a pig feed or a companion animal feed or a feed formulation for juvenile animals.
Hereinafter are provided examples of further specific embodiments for performing the methods of the present disclosure, as well as embodiments representing the compositions of the present disclosure.
This example refers to process 100 depicted in
The total oil and protein in protein-lipid complex containing mixture 171 comprised a total of 83.2% (w/w) of the material, in a protein to oil ratio of 1.4:1.
This example refers to process 200 depicted in
The total oil and protein in protein concentrate 231 comprised a total 101.3% of the material, in a protein to oil ratio of 5.9:1.
This example refers to process 200 depicted in
The total oil and protein in first protein concentrate 231 comprised a total 99.5% of the material, in a protein to oil ratio of 5.4:1.
This example refers to process 300 and sub-process 300a depicted in
The resulting slurry underwent immediate and continuous particle size reduction by processing through homogenizers. The homogenized slurry (i.e. comminuted seed mixture 311) was immediately fed into a centrifuge with sufficient force on the slurry to enable separation of solid phase 316 and liquid phase 317. Solid phase 316 had a moisture content of 50.8% and a dry-basis composition: 4.3% (w/w) oil, 32.1% (w/w) protein, 6.2% (w/w) ash and 57.4% (w/w) carbohydrate. The corresponding decanter liquid phase 317 served to direct the majority of the seed oil (>80%) away from the protein production pathway. The solid phase 316 was combined with RO-water in a holding tank while maintaining constant mixing of the contents. The pH of the solid phase slurry was adjusted to 10. Following extraction, the solid phase extract 321 was fed into a centrifuge decanter with sufficient force on the solid phase extract 321 to separate a second solid phase 326 and a second liquid phase 327. The second solid phase 326 had a moisture content of 60.9% and a dry-basis composition: 1.6% (w/w) oil, 15.7% (w/w) protein, 6.9% (w/w) ash and 75.8% (w/w) carbohydrate. The second liquid phase 327 (217.0 kg) had a moisture content of 95.7% and a dry-basis composition: 8.5% (w/w) oil, 90.7% (w/w) protein, 5.4% (w/w) ash and no detected carbohydrate.
The second liquid phase 327 was then allowed to stand and settle under gravity in a tank for 82 mins, to allow for any oil-rich phase to separate out to the top. The bottom 75% of the tank contents were drained and collected to produce the heavy second liquid phase 331. The pH of the heavy second liquid phase 331 was adjusted to 5.0 and the resulting mixture was separated in a clarifier centrifuge. A sample of the resulting pellet or protein precipitate 336 was dried to produce a second protein concentrate 341 from example process 300 and subprocess 300a with the composition shown in Table 8 and an amino acid composition shown in Table 9. The total oil and protein in second protein concentrate 341 comprised a total 97.9% of the material, in a protein to oil ratio of 7.9:1.
This example refers to process 300 and subprocess 300b depicted in
The pH of the second liquid phase 327 was reduced and the resulting mixture was separated in a clarifier centrifuge. A sample of the resulting pellet or protein precipitate 346 was dried to give a second protein concentrate 341 from example process 300 and subprocess 300b with the composition shown in Table 10.
The total oil and protein in second protein concentrate 341 comprised a total 101.2% of the material, in a protein to oil ratio of 5.0:1.
This example refers to process 300 and subprocess 300b depicted in
The pH of the second liquid phase 327 was reduced to 5.0 and the resulting mixture was separated in a clarifier centrifuge. A sample of the resulting pellet or protein precipitate 346 was dried to produce a second protein concentrate 341 from example process 300 and subprocess 300b with the composition shown in Table 12.
The total oil and protein in second protein concentrate 341 comprised a total 102.7% of the material, in a protein to oil ratio of 4.7:1.
This example refers to process 300 and subprocess 300b depicted in
Solid phase 316 had a moisture content of 50.8% and a dry-basis composition: 4.5% (w/w) oil, 36.6% (w/w) protein, 6.4% (w/w) ash and 52.6% (w/w) carbohydrate. The corresponding decanter liquid phase 317 comprising a mixture of liquefied seed components, served to direct the majority of the seed oil (>85%) away from the protein production pathway. The solid phase 320 was combined in a holding tank while maintaining constant mixing of the contents. The pH of the solid phase slurry was adjusted. Following extraction, the solid phase extract 321 was fed into a centrifuge decanter with sufficient force on the solid phase extract 321 to separate a second solid phase 326 and a second liquid phase 327. Separation of the slurry in the decanter occurred in 28 minutes. The second solid phase 326 (69.8 kg) had a moisture content of 60.4% and a dry-basis composition: 2.6% (w/w) oil, 15.0% (w/w) protein, 8.1% (w/w) ash and 74.4% (w/w) carbohydrate. The second liquid phase 327 (337.1 kg) had a moisture content of 96.5% and a dry-basis composition: 9.7% (w/w) oil, 90.6% (w/w) protein, 6.9% (w/w) ash and no detected carbohydrate.
The pH of the second liquid phase 327 was reduced to 5.0 and the resulting mixture was separated in a clarifier centrifuge. A sample of the resulting pellet or protein precipitate 346 was dried to produce a first protein isolate 351 from example process 300 and subprocess 300b with the composition shown in Table 14.
The total oil and protein in protein isolate 351 comprised a total 99.62% of the material, in a protein to oil ratio of 14.2:1.
This example illustrates the protein solubility of the hemp protein products prepared according to the present invention as described in Examples 2, 4 and 5. Protein solubility was tested by a modified version of the procedure of Morr et al., 1985, J. Food Sci., 50: 1715-1718. 2.0 g of protein powder were dispersed in 200 mL of reverse osmosis (RO) water after which, the mixture was stirred until a smooth paste formed. Then, the solution pH was adjusted to a selected level 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 using 10N HCl, 85% H3PO4 or 50% NaOH. Solutions were then stirred at 500 rpm using an overhead mixer for 60 minutes at 4° C. to facilitate protein solubility. Samples were left static for 10 min to allow aggregates to precipitate, then transferred to 50 mL falcon tubes and centrifuged for 15 min at room temperature (25° C.) at 3,000×g. After centrifugation, the protein content of the supernatant was measured by combustion using a Flashsmart protein analyzer (% Nitrogen×6.25). The percent protein solubility value was determined based on division of the protein content value in the supernatant by the protein content value in the initial sample (×100).
Protein Solubility (%)=(% protein in supernatant/% protein in initial dispersion)×100
The protein solubility of the products at different pH values is shown in Table 13.
This Example illustrates the oil-holding capacity (OHC) and water-hydration capacity (WHC) of the hemp protein products prepared according to the present invention as described in Examples 2, 4 and 6. OHC and WHC were tested by a modified version of the procedure of Stone et al., 2015, Food Sci. Biotechnol., 27: 827-833. 0.25 g of protein product was transferred into a pre-weighed 50 mL centrifuge tube. Then, 10 mL of hemp oil or reverse-osmosis water were added, followed by vortexing (S/P® Vortex Mixer; VWR Inc.) for 10 sec every 5 min for a total of 30 min. Samples underwent centrifugation at 1000 rpm using an Eppendorf centrifuge 5810 for 15 min. The supernatant was decanted after which, the tube and sediment were weighed. For WHC, the tube was placed upside down for 10 min prior to weighing. OHC and WHC values were calculated in g (oil or water)/g of protein product using the following equation:
OHC or WHC=(Wet sample weight−Dry sample weight)/Dry sample weight
This example illustrates the emulsion stability (ES) of the hemp protein products prepared according to the present invention as described in Examples 2, 4, and 6. ES was tested by a modified version of the procedure of Galves et al., 2019, Cereal Chem., 96: 1036-1047. The ES of a dispersion of the protein products (0.25% w/w) was determined by homogenizing 40 mL of protein solution with 20 mL of hemp oil using a L5M-A Laboratory Mixer Silverson brand homogenizer positioned near the oil-water interface at 10,260 rpm for 10 min. The emulsion formed was immediately transferred to a 50-mL graduated cylinder and observed for separation of the aqueous phase from the turbid phase of the emulsion after 30 min. The emulsion stability was calculated by equation below:
where VB is the volume of the aqueous phase before homogenization (40 mL) and VA is the volume of the aqueous phase 30 minutes after homogenization.
This example illustrates the foaming capacity (FC) and stability (FS) of the hemp protein products prepared according to the present invention as described in Examples 2, 4 and 6. The FC and FS were tested by a modified version of the procedure of Galves et al., 2019. Foam was produced by vortexing (S/P® Vortex Mixer; VWR Inc.) 1% (w/w) dispersion of hemp protein products. In brief, 0.2 g of protein product was dispersed in 20 g of a 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer, then the solution pH was adjusted to 3.0 with 85% H3PO4 followed by vortexing for 3 min. After vortexing, the Foam Volume (FV0) was measured to give foam capacity (FC), calculated by the following equation:
The Foaming Stability (FS) was calculated by followed equation:
where FV0 is the foam volume at to after foaming and FV30 is the foam volume at t=30 min. The foaming capacity of a protein is measured as the amount of interfacial area that can be created by vortexing the protein solution. Foam stability is measured as the time required to lose either x % of the volume from the foam.
This example illustrates the colorimetric characterization of the hemp protein products prepared according to the present invention as described in Examples 2, 4 and 6. L* is normalized to the values 0 to 100 corresponding to a percentage scale which describes the lightness of a sample. L*=100% means 100% light and L*=0 means no light (black). Positive a* values represent reddish tones and negative values greenish tones. A more positive a* value indicates that the tone is more reddish. A more negative a* value indicates that the tone is more greenish. Positive b* values represent yellowish tones and negative b* values represent blueish tones. A more positive b* value indicates that the tone is more yellowish. A more negative b* value indicates that the tone is more blueish. The color measurements of each sample were captured by a Spectro 1™ colorimeter device (available from Variable Inc., 10 Chattanooga, Tenn., USA) by pointing the device at a container containing a sample and then recording the color of the target sample.
This example refers to process 200 depicted in
The total oil and protein in protein-lipid complex containing mixture 236 comprised a total 92.9% of the material in a protein to oil ratio of about 0.6:1.
The protein-lipid composition protein-lipid complex containing mixture 236 can be described as a free-flowing powder with a low bulk density (0.26 kg/m3). Scanning electron microscopy images of the spray dried material corroborated the low bulk density measurement as the material was observed to exhibit porosity (see:
The microstructure exhibited by protein-lipid complex-containing mixture 236 may make the material suitable for use in the preparation of a variety formulations, for example, formulations in which a high-water-hydration capacity is desirable, in formulations in which a high oil-holding capacity is desirable, in formulations in which foaming capacity is desirable, or in formulations in which an emulsifying agent is desirable. As shown in Table 21, protein-lipid complex containing mixture 236 had high oil-holding water-hydration and foam-forming capacities, and may act as an emulsifier.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CA2021/050840 | 6/18/2021 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63041370 | Jun 2020 | US |
