Abstract: A process for the isolation and/or purification of a desired component, particularly 3?sialyl lactose, from whey, particularly cheese whey, comprising the steps of: optionally subjecting the whey to ultrafiltration to provide a protein concentrate and a whey permeate; contacting the whey or whey permeate with at least one series of ion exchange resins, said series comprising a first weak acid cation resin, a first weak base anion resin, a second strong acid cation resin, a second weak base anion resin to demineralize the whey permeate; contacting this demineralized permeate with two final ion exchange resins comprising a strong acid cation resin and a final weak base anion resin, wherein the desired component, such as 3? sialyl lactose, is taken up on the final anion resin; and eluting the desired component from the final anion resin.

Abstract: A process for the demineralization and fractionation of cheese whey or raw milk comprising the steps of: a) subjecting the whey or raw milk to ultrafiltration to provide a retentate fraction and a permeate fraction; b) concentrating the permeate fraction by means of nanofiltration; c) subjecting the nanofiltration retentate to ion permeation chromatography at elevated temperatures of between 50° C. and 80° C. using an appropriate resin; and d) eluting the nanofiltration retentate with water in various fractions to obtain fractions which may be low in mineral content and/or high in 3?-sialyl lactose content and/or high in other desirable components.

Abstract: A process for the demineralisation and fractionation of cheese whey or raw milk comprising the steps of: a) subjecting the whey or raw milk to ultrafiltration to provide a retentate fraction and a permeate fraction; b) concentrating the permeate fraction by means of nanofiltration; c) subjecting the nanofiltration retentate to ion permeation chromatography at elevated temperatures of between 50° C. and 80° C. using an appropriate resin; and d) eluting the nanofiltration retentate with water in various fractions to obtain fractions which may be low in mineral content and/or high in 3?-sialyl lactose content and/or high in other desirable components.

Abstract: A process for the isolation and/or purification of a desired component, particularly 3?sialyl lactose, from whey, particularly cheese whey, comprising the steps of: optionally subjecting the whey to ultrafiltration to provide a protein concentrate and a whey permeate; contacting the whey or whey permeate with at least one series of ion exchange resins, said series comprising a first weak acid cation resin, a first weak base anion resin, a second strong acid cation resin, a second weak base anion resin to demineralise the whey permeate; contacting this demineralised permeate with two final ion exchange resins comprising a strong acid cation resin and a final weak base anion resin, wherein the desired component, such as 3? sialyl lactose, is taken up on the final anion resin; and eluting the desired component from the final anion resin.