Protein extraction process from lupine… in 8 steps!

Partners from ILVO (Instituut voor Landbouw, Visserij- en Voedingsonderzoek) have created this very interesting video about how they are conducting their protein extraction process from lupine in simple 8 steps.

From Bean to Protein

Step 1: Starting Material

The process begins with the use of whole lupine beans as the starting material. These beans are chosen for their rich protein content and potential as a sustainable protein source.

Step 2: Soaking

To reduce the bitter taste commonly associated with lupine beans, a soaking step is introduced. This step helps in leaching out some of the bitter compounds, making the beans more palatable.

Step 3: Milling

Next, the beans are milled into a paste. This milling process is essential as it breaks down the beans, increasing the surface area and facilitating the subsequent extraction of proteins when water is added.

Step 4: Dispersion

By increasing the pH, proteins within the milled bean paste dissolve and move into the liquid phase. This step is crucial as it separates the proteins from the other components of the beans, enabling easier extraction.

Step 5: Decanting

The liquid phase, which now contains the dissolved proteins, is separated from the solid phase. This decanting process ensures that the majority of the proteins are in the liquid, ready for further purification.

Step 6: Precipitation

To shift the proteins back into a solid form, the acidity of the liquid is increased. This change in pH causes the proteins to precipitate out of the solution and become solid again.

Step 7: Decanting

Once the proteins have precipitated, they are separated from the liquid phase. This step involves careful decanting to ensure that the solid proteins are collected effectively, leaving behind the unwanted liquid.

Step 8: Drying

The final step involves drying the solid protein extract to produce a powder. This drying process ensures the protein is in a stable, easy-to-handle form, suitable for use in various applications.

By following these meticulously designed steps, ILVO demonstrates a comprehensive and efficient method for extracting high-quality protein from lupine beans. This video not only highlights the technical aspects of the extraction process but also underscores the potential of lupine as a valuable and sustainable protein source.