Lactoferrin extraction from whey filtrate - a low-cost technology

Protein extraction is now an established state-of-the-art process that enables protein to be extracted from various sources. However, it is mainly used in the dairy industry, where large quantities of whey filtrate are produced.
Generally speaking, the process (state of the art) involves around seven (7) steps, but compared to AFE technology, it is lengthy, complex and expensive.
This is reflected in the investment required for a plant (several million euros for a complete process technology) and in the high operating costs.
AFE technology is a one-step technology based on electrolysis as the electrochemical generation of H+ and OH- ions to precipitate proteins at their isoelectric point. No foreign substances or ions are added to the matrix. Accordingly, the protein already has a high degree of purity. According to AI's definition, the method of isolating protein at the IEP is the gentlest and best technology. This is especially true since the process takes place under cooling conditions.
The method is also suitable for isolating protein from plants after alkaline, aqueous extraction. The protein is extracted in the same way as from skimmed milk or whey filtrate.
The energy consumption for milk/whey depends on the buffer capacity ß. I.e. nOH- [mol] = ß[mmol/L/pH] · ∆pH [OH- / H+], whereby skimmed milk has a significantly higher value (in kWh/m3) than whey filtrate.
With a ∆pH = 2.3 for whey filtrate and 2.4 for skimmed milk, the energy consumption for whey filtrate is around 0.7 to max >3 kWh/m3 (depending on filtration - MF, UF, NF) and for skimmed milk at 25-35 kWh/m3 - all under flow conditions (L or m3/h).
This means that at an electricity price of € 0.15/kWh = € 0.45/m3 for whey filtrate and for skimmed milk: max. € 4.25/m3.
Energy - Costs - kWh/m3 (under flow condition)
Skimmed milk: 28,3 kWh/m3 - 4,25 € / m3
Whey-Filtrate: 0,7 to >3 kWh/m3- 0,45 € / m3 - max.0.30 kg Lf

This puts us light years ahead of the competition in terms of operating costs. Even when investing in a system that will cost several million euros, we remain modest at >100,000 euros.
Here, too we are worlds apart!

It is much easier to further purify an existing solid/powder (if necessary, at all) than to carry out a seven-step process.
The qualities/purity of lactoferrin: food grade (≥90-95%), nutraceuticals (≥95-98%) and pharmaceutical grade (≥99%).

Bioway Consulting SL
C./ Tirant Lo Blanc 4, office 19
ES-03750 Pedreguer / Alicante - Spain
phone: 0034 965030786
mail: contact@biowayconsulting.com
Internet: www.biowayconsulting.com
Presscontact: Norbert Pautz

Bioway Consulting SL is an engineering company in the consulting business, active in research and development of new technologies in many fields often based on electrolysis technologies. It was founded in 1989 in Germany as a sole proprietorship and later continued in Switzerland as Bioway GmbH.
The focus on water / emulsion disinfection / water and waste water purification was intensified. In addition, a system for the inactivation of airborne germs (viruses/bacteria) was developed and manufactured (Corona Wave).
Today Bioway is active in the consulting business and co-operates with other European companies. The latest development is protein extraction by using electrolysis technology to extract lactoferrin / casein at its iso-electric points as precipitate.

This release was published on openPR.