Abstract: Seeds of a grain legume of relatively low lipid content are processed under conditions found to yield an improved protein isolate which is well suited for human consumption. The seeds of the grain legume are wet-milled in an aqueous medium to form a finely milled slurry with the protein being substantially dissolved in water (as described). Solid material is removed from the protein slurry, and low molecular weight coagulation inhibitors inherently present are removed from the extract of protein by ultrafiltration with the aid of diafiltration to form a protein retentate. The protein retentate is coagulated through the action of proteolytic enzyme (as described) to produce the improved protein isolate of the present invention which optionally may be recovered in a particulate solid form. The resulting protein isolate of the present invention exhibits excellent emulsifying properties and can be used to advantage as an additive for food systems.

Abstract: A process for increasing the capacity of plants for membrane filtration of milk or milk products, whereby prior to the membrane filtration, the milk or milk product is usually subjected to one or more pretreatments selected from the following:(a) heat treatment for bacteriological reasons,(b) fat standardization in view of the fat content of the product,(c) homogenization in view of the physical and organoleptic properties of the end product, and(d) pre-acidulation in order to influence the solubility of the ash components of the milk.According to this process, prior to the membrane filtration, said milk or milk product is additionally subjected to an enzymatic treatment with curdling enzyme under agitation of the milk or milk product to form an integrated dispersion of a coagel in whey. The resulting concentrate may be used as feeding additive or feeding starting material as well as a nutritive medium by microbial processes.