Abstract: A dietary fiber material obtained by using enzymes to digest cereal grains. The enzymes substantially hydrolyze any starch occurring in the cereal grain into small molecules but only partially hydrolyze ?-glucan molecules. The dietary fiber material can have excellent physicochemical, physiological, and sensory properties such as low molecular weight, a particular molecular weight distribution, and a particular polydispersity, in addition to having excellent food ingredient properties. As a food ingredient, the material can have high ?-glucan content which provides nutrient to the body. Because the dietary fiber material can have neutral mouthfeel, it can be used to enhance the nutritional content of ice cream, yogurt, baked goods, bars, beverages, or certain other foods—without affecting the taste or other sensory attributes of the food. As a further benefit, the dietary fiber material can be used to provide certain therapeutic benefits, such as anticholesterol activity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separating and purifying monatin are described. In the production of monatin, a mixture is formed which includes monatin, starting materials and intermediates. The methods and systems include a membrane having a zeta potential of from about ?19 to ?6 such that the membrane rejects greater than about 90% of the monatin. In some embodiments, the membrane is a nanofiltration membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for isolating phenolic compounds, particularly isoflavones, from aqueous extracts of plant materials that contain such compounds. The process comprising: (a) providing an aqueous plant extract at a first pH less than 10, the aqueous plant extract comprising a plurality of phenolic compounds; (b) extracting the aqueous plant extract with a first organic solvent to yield a first organic extract; (c) extracting the first organic extract with an aqueous phase of pH greater than 10 to yield a phenol rich aqueous phase; (d) adjusting the pH of the phenol rich aqueous phase to a pH of less than 9; and (e) isolating the phenolic compounds from the phenol rich aqueous phase.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for isolating phenolic compounds, particularly isoflavones, from aqueous extracts of plant materials that contain such compounds.