Abstract: The present invention relates to whey protein micelles, particularly to whey protein micelle concentrates or powders thereof and to a method for producing them. The present invention also pertains to the use of these micelles concentrates or powders thereof in nutrition and/or cosmetics and/or pharmaceutics.

Abstract: A nutritional composition comprising a partially hydrolysed milk protein having a degree of hydrolysis between 15 and 25% and 50 to 1000 nanograms of TGF-? per 100 ml of ready to consume composition and methods for the primary prevention of allergic reactions to newly introduced dietary protein at weaning and the prevention of development of atopic diseases in a young mammal at weaning comprising feeding to the young mammal a therapeutic amount of the composition are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of making protein hydrolysates are described. The methods may include the steps of providing a solution comprising protein, and adjusting a pH of the solution to about 10.4 or more to form a basic protein solution. Additional steps may include adding a protease enzyme to the basic protein solution that converts at least a portion of the protein to protein hydrolysates. Protein hydrolysate compositions and water-soluble food additives are also described. The additives may include a mixture of protein hydrolysates formed by protein hydrolysis of a protein substrate. The protein hydrolysates may have an average molecular weight of about 2000 to about 10,000 Daltons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a concentrate of denatured whey protein aggregate preferably having a mean aggregate size (median) of between 1 and 4 &mgr;m. Said method consists of the following steps: a) an aqueous solution enriched to a maximum protein content of 4% by weight, containing whey protein and having a pH of between 5.0 and 7.0 is thermally denatured to [≦80%] ≦90%, in relation to the protein content, under substantially non-shear conditions at a temperature of between 75 and 150° C. and by means of a holding period; and b) the resulting product is concentrated, preferably to a denatured whey protein concentration of between 5 and 20%.

Abstract: Described is a method for the preparation of a mixture of peptides having a cysteine content between 7-20 w/w % from a protein source, comprising cysteine containing proteins, comprising the steps of: a) cleaving the proteins of the protein source into peptides; b) digesting the peptides obtained in step a) by an exopeptidase, the action of which is at least attenuated at the position of a cysteine in the peptide, therewith forming digested peptides having a terminal cysteine; c) purifying the digested peptides, and the use of the preparation as active component in a medicament, especially for the treatment of conditions mediated by oxidative damage and for the elevation of cellular glutathion levels in the human or animal body.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for the purification of glycomacropeptide (GMP) with an amino acid composition containing no greater that 0.5% (w/w) phenylalanine, comprising the steps of contacting a GMP-containing feedstock with a first anion exchanger under conditions to adsorb the GMP, eluting the adsorbed GMP from the anion exchanger and removing impurities from the GMP-containing eluate by either: (i) contacting the GMP-containing eluate with a cation exchanger in conditions under which the impurities in the eluate are adsorbed onto the cation exchanger, or (ii) precipitating the impurities in GMP-containing eluate using conditions in which the GMP remains i solution, or (iii) contacting the GMP-containing eluate with a second anion exchanger in conditions under which the impurities in the eluate are adsorbed onto the anion exchanger, and recovering the GMP from whichever one or more of the steps (i), (ii) or (iii) was used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a coagulated whey protein, comprising: (a) partially hydrolyzing a whey protein with a glutamate-aspartate specific endoprotease in an aqueous solution, under conditions that coagulates a portion of the water-soluble whey protein; and (b) recovering the coagulated whey protein, wherein the coagulated whey protein exhibits neutral organoleptic properties. The present invention also relates to coagulated whey protein and to food products that comprise such coagulated whey protein.

Abstract: A preparative method of isolating a preselected whey protein or group of whey proteins from a solution is provided. The method comprises the following steps: (a) contacting a whey protein solution with the preselected ion exchanger for a time and at a temperature sufficient to enable the preselected whey protein to be adsorbed; wherein the whey protein solution has (1) a protein content in the range of about 5% to about 20% by weight, (2) a pH of a preselected level, which is the level at which the preselected whey protein or group of whey proteins selectively binds to the preselected ion exchanger, and (3) a reduced ionic strength; and (b) recovering either or both of the following: (1) the whey protein component adsorbed in step (a), and (2) the breakthrough whey protein component not adsorbed in step (a).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition suitable for enhancing muscular anabolism contains, per daily dose, at least 5 mg of anabolic initiators comprising anabolic growth factors, at least 0.12 g of protein equivalents of anabolic substrates and at least 3 g of anabolic facilitators comprising at least 1 g of creatine or its functional analog. The anabolic initiators may be derived from a non-denatured animal protein, non-denatured being defined as having an F0 of less than 3.0.

Abstract: Granules and tablets for oral administration, containing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibiting peptides and treated whey with a mixing fluid bed processor, wherein said whey is obtained from lactic acid fermentation liquid. The granules have properties of narrow particle distributions, low moisture absorption, and heavy specific gravity, as well as high free flowing. A process is also provided for producing the granules by the steps of: a) onto seed granules obtained in an earlier operation in a mixing fluid bed processor, spraying purified whey of lactic acid fermentation liquid to form preliminary granules; b) treating the preliminary granules thus obtained to reduce particle size in a size reduction mill; c) returning the treated powder to the mixing fluid bed processor, and, d) spraying additional purified whey onto the returned powder in the mixing fluid bed processor to form granules, while fluidizing the said powder.

Abstract: A method for producing a peptide mixture from a starting protein by (1) adding at least one protease to an aqueous solution of at least one starting protein to hydrolyse the starting protein, (2) measuring the amount of a free amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, phenylalanine, leucine and arginine produced during the hydrolysis of the starting protein, (3) calculating the amount of the free amino acid with respect to the total amount of amino acid contained in the starting protein, and (4) terminating the hydrolysis when the calculated amount of the free amino acid with respect to the total amount of the amino acid contained in the starting protein falls within a predetermined range. The inventive method provides a starting protein hydrolysate of uniform and consistent quality.

Abstract: Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide of extreme importance as a catalyst, reductan, and reactant. It can be depleted intracellulary either by forming a direct complex with an electrophilic agent (accomplished investigationally by agents such as bromobenzene or diethyl maleate), by way of inhibition of synthesis, or by subjecting cells to oxidant stress. Most cells, except for epithelia cells, do not have a direct transport capacity for intact GSH. Non-epithelial cells must either transport precursor substrates for GSH synthesis or salvage amino acids from circulating GSH for reuse in intracellular resynthesis. Dietary cysteine is a rate limiting substrate for the synthesis of glutathione and also inhibits GSH efflux. Although GSH is synthesized from precursors in virtually all cells, the liver is the main source of plasma GSH. Protection and support of liver function is paramount to elevating GSH levels.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the separation of whey proteins, particularly the sequential separation of whey proteins into separate fractions through the use of chromatography. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for the sequential separation of whey proteins, as well as their use in various products. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for the cleaning of chromatography resins used in the separation of whey proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for industrial production of a peptide preparation having specific specifications by hydrolysis of a protein material, preferably based on whey. The method comprises several steps, which makes it easy to control the method so as to obtain a product which, e.g. because of low mineral content, is well suited for peritoneal dialysis and parenteral feeding. The method gives a high yield.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and products for establishing nutrient recognition and improving nutrient utilization and growth in a human or an animal by immunologically stimulating digestion or a gastric cascade within the gastrointestinal tract, by orally or parenterally immunizing the human or animal with an immunizing effective amount of an ingestible antigen or a mixture of ingestible antigens and orally reintroducing the antigen(s). Another aspect of the invention provides a method and products for preventing and treating gastrointestinal disease by immunologically stimulating a gastric cascade, namely, blood flow, production of mucus and release of digestion regulatory factors within the gastrointestinal tract of a human or an animal, by orally or parenterally immunizing the human or the animal with an immunizing effective amount of an ingestible antigen or a mixture of ingestible antigens and orally reintroducing the antigen(s).

Abstract: A method for producing a peptide mixture from whey protein by (1) adding at least one protease to an aqueous solution of at least one whey protein to hydrolyze the whey protein, (2) measuring the amount of a free amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, phenylalanine, leucine and arginine produced during the hydrolysis of the whey protein, (3) calculating the amount of the free amino acid with respect to the total amount of the amino acid contained in the whey protein, and (4) terminating the hydrolysis when the calculated amount of the free amino acid with respect to the total amount of the amino acid contained in the whey protein falls within a predetermined range. The inventive method provides a whey protein hydrolysate of consistent quality.

Abstract: A process for the fractionation of proteins from an aqueous solution of whey is described. The process includes mixing the solution with carbon dioxide under pressure, heating the mixture to increase the pressure, releasing the pressure and lowering the temperature of the mixture, then separating a supernatant liquor from a precipitate which results from the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treatment of patients having lesions resulting from cancer cells and to an application as an anti-cancer composition of undenatured whey protein concentrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns the oral administration of immunoglobulins from plasma, colostral milk, milk, eggs or cell cultures for the therapy and prophylaxis of heavy therapy-refractory pain conditions in patients without typical pathological anatomical correlates.

Abstract: A whey protein hydrolysate is described which is free of allergenics while preserving the structures susceptible of exerting anticipatory regulations to maximize the tolerance and protein metabolism, and mixtures thereof with casein and/or soy protein hydrolysates. Whey protein hydrolysates according to the invention have an amino acid composition comprising at least 2% by weight of tryptophan, less than 5% by weight of threonine, less than 2.8% by weight of methionine whereby 40 to 60% by weight of the amino acids are in the form of tetra- to decapeptides.

Abstract: A method for preventing pregnancy in a mammal such as a human, by introducing into the reproductive tract of the mammal an effective contraceptive amount of beta-lactoglobulin, either alone or in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent.

Abstract: A protein which inhibits milk secretion by lactating goats has been isolated from milk by anion exchange of a defined whey fraction, optionally followed by chromatofocussing, and is defined by reference to peaks in which it is found, its molecular weight of 7.6 KDa and pI of 4.8.

Abstract: An enteral composition of protein, glucides, lipids and minerals, which is suitable for tube feeding, employs native micellar casein as the protein. The composition is prepared by obtaining native micellar casein and combining it with the glucides, lipids and minerals. A dispersion of micellar casein may be obtained by microfiltering milk, particularly skim milk, and glucides and minerals are dispersed in the micellar casein retentate obtained, lipids are added to the resulting dispersion and then the mixture is homogenized and sterilized. The microfiltered retentate may be diafiltered for obtaining the dispersion.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising an improved modified protein sol is used for treating and enhancing the healing of arthritis and cutaneous acne. Prior to being modified, a protein is solubilized and neutralized by an alkali solution containing a molar weight percent ratio of 95:5 KOH/NaOH. Neutralization is allowed to continue for about 5 minute, allowing for complete neutralization of the protein. The neutralized protein is then hydrolyzed by enzymatic digestion. The improved modified protein sol may be then mixed with stabilizing and preserving agents, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone, if desired. Uses for the improved modified protein composition includes treatment of arthritis and cystic acne.

Abstract: High quality protein products are obtained from whey by subjecting whey to cross flow filtration in microfilter. The whey and retentate are brought to circulate in a circulation path on one side of the membrane area of the microfilter, while whey which has passed through the membrane area (permeate) is circulating in a second path on the other side of the membrane area in such a way that the pressure drop through the whole membrane area is kept constant and below 0.8 bar. With this technique, there is obtained a fractionation of milk serum protein such that denatured milk serum protein and fat are retained in the retentate and undenatured milk serum protein passes through the membrane into the permeate. With a subsequent treatment there is obtained a whey protein product which is rich is .alpha.-lactalbumin and .beta.-lactoglobulin and has a low fat content.

Abstract: There is disclosed an antimicrobial agent comprising one or more of antimicrobial peptides derived from lactoferrins, and one or more of specific compounds and/or at least an antibiotic, and a method for treating matters with said antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent has a potent antimicrobial activity against wide variety of microorganisms, thus it is useful not only as a medication, but also useful for making antimicrobial treatment of matters such as foods, non-medical products, and the like with safety and great efficiency.

Abstract: A product and method of treating failure of passive immunity transfer and for stimulating growth and milk production in cows by administration of proteins purified from bovine colostrum is disclosed. Injecting, either subcutaneously or intravenously, prepared bovine colostrum containing immunoglobulins and nonspecific proteins increases immunoglobulins in the blood stream to effect passive transfer after gut closure. Also administration in spray dried form as a diet supplement to growing calves or adult cows improves growth and milk production due to the presence of previously unappreciated nonspecific proteins.

Abstract: A process for isolating the metalloprotein lactoferrin and the enzyme lactoperoxidase from milk and milk products on an industrial scale is disclosed. The process includes the steps of adsorbing these proteins to a cation exchanger by passing milk or the milk derivatives over the cation exchanger at a high superficial velocity (more than 500 cm per hour) and at a high liquid load (100-600 bed volumes per hour); eluting these proteins, separately or simultaneously, by elution with one or more salt solutions, so as to form one or more eluates; and optionally followed by drying of the eluates.

Abstract: A process for producing an .alpha.-lactalbumin-enriched fraction from whey is disclosed. The process involves heating pH-adjusted whey to a temperature sufficient to cause aggregation of .beta.-lactoglobulin molecules, and fractioning the whey using ultrafiltration or microfiltration, the .alpha.-lactalbumin-enriched fraction obtained by the process is useful for making breast milk substitutes and other nutritional compositions.

Abstract: A protein which inhibits milk secretion by lactating cows and which is present in the second (2A) significant peak when a nominally 10-30 KDa fraction of the whey proteins of the milk is resolved on a "Mono Q" anion exchange column using 10 mM imidazole buffer, pH 7.0 and a sodium chloride elution gradient. Its pI by isoelectric focussing in a gel tube is 4.8 to 5.0.

Abstract: A protein which inhibits milk secretion by lactating cows and which is present in the eighth (6B, Figure) significant peak when a nominally 10-30 KDa fraction of the whey proteins of the milk is resolved on a "Mono Q" anion exchange column using 10 mM imidazole buffer, pH 7.0 and a sodium chloride elution gradient.

Abstract: The new casein hydrolyzate does not contain any unhydrolyzed casein and is characterized by a defined molecular weight distribution. The method is characterized by being performed by means of three defined proteolytic enzymes and a non-pH star method. The casein hydrolyzate exhibits an optimal balance between DH, free amino acids, bitterness and yield.

Abstract: A proteinaceous product comprises a stable, substantially clear, thermally irreversible gel formed by the reaction product of protein and reducing sugar, preferably containing from 2 to 25% gel-forming protein by weight. Particles or pieces of edible material may be embedded in the gel, or the gel may be divided into pieces and incorporated as an ingredient in a food product, and the product can be rendered commercially sterile while remaining substantially clear. Such products can be produced by a process which comprises reacting an aqueous dispersion of a protein or proteinaceous material with a reducing sugar or source thereof in the presence of a denaturing agent (e.g. a chaotropic agent), and/or denaturing conditions (e.g. alkaline pH).

Abstract: An improvement is provided in a process for the membrane filtration of a protein solution. The improvement consists of applying a high shear force at the surface of the membrane. In embodiments of such process, the liquid is subjected to membrane filtration utilizing a rotating membrane disc mounted in close proximity e.g., about 1/8" to about 1/4" to a stationary solid disc, or a rotating solid disc mounted in close proximity e.g., about 1/8" to about 1/4" to a stationary membrane surface with the relative rotation being between bout 1,000 and about 3,450 RPM. This results in permeation characteristics of the selected membrane which essentially represents its theoretical molecular weight cut-off.

Abstract: Whey protein fractions, especially alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin, are produced by a process which comprises the steps of: (a) treating the whey to achieve a reduction in the specific gravity and ionic strength of the whey to levels which should not be less than 25% of their original values; (b) adjusting the pH of the whey to a value in the range 3.80 to 5.50 by the addition of acid; the above steps being carried out in any order; (c) heating the pH-adjusted whey to a temperature in the range 55.degree.-70.degree. C., and maintaining the whey at that temperature for a period greater than 30 seconds and sufficient to permit aggregation of a portion of the protein content of the whey; (d) cooling the whey to a temperature less than 55.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a whey protein composition comprising a suitable concentration of whey protein concentrate wherein the whey protein concentrate contains proteins which are present in an essentially undenatured state and wherein the biological activity of the whey protein concentrate is dependent on the overall amino acid and small peptides pattern resulting from the contribution of all its protein components and a method of producing said whey protein composition. The invention also relates to several applications of said composition.

Abstract: Dental caries are prevented by contacting teeth with an edible composition containing micellar casein which has been isolated from an animal milk and which is incorporated in the composition in an amount sufficient to inhibit oral colonization by Streptococcus sobrinus.

Abstract: A transparent adjusted milk whey protein is prepared by a method in which milk whey protein is purified and then the pH of a solution containing the milk whey protein is adjusted to not higher than 4 or not lower than 6. The solution may be heated to a temperature not lower than 55.degree. C. before or after adjusting the pH. Further, an adjusted milk whey product is prepared by a method in which the pH of a solution containing milk whey protein is adjusted to not higher than 4 or not lower than 6 and the solution is heated at a temperature not lower than 55.degree. C. and cooled to a temperature not higher than 10.degree. C., or a method in which the pH of a solution containing purified milk whey protein is adjusted to not higher than 4 or not lower than 6 under such a condition as salt content of the solution is 0 or not higher than 50 mM, and the solution is heated at a temperature not lower than 55.degree. C. and cooled to a temperature not higher than 10.degree. C.

Abstract: A milk-protein hydrolyzate consisting of a mixture of peptides and free amino acids having proliferation activating property on human cutaneous cells but not having antigenicity of the milk-protein may be obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of milk protein. The peptides of the hydrolyzate have molecular weights less than 1000 daltons, and the hydrolyzate has a free aromatic amino acid/total aromatic amino acid ratio of at least 90%. Fractionation of the milk protein hydrolyzate yields a fraction consisting of a mixture of peptides. The fraction has a proliferation activating property on human cutaneous cells but does not have the antigenicity of the milk protein. The fraction contains aromatic amino acids in an amount of less than 5% by weight of total amino acids. Both the hydrolyzate and the fraction can be formulated into cosmetic compositions for application to the hair and skin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for the separation of gamma globulin from albumin contained in an aqueous solution of both having a pH of 8-10 by ultrafiltration using an altered substrate microfilter having a water permeability of no more than 20 gallons per square foot per day per pound per square inch.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for delipidation of skin or hair through the use of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives such as hydroxypropyl .beta.-cyclodextrin. The invention also relates to cerumen removal methods involving introduction of cyclodextrins to the ear canal, followed by complexation of the cyclodextrin with cerumen components, and removal of the resulting cyclodextrin complexes. The cyclodextrin components are used in a substantially oil-free powdered or aqueous formulation without detergents, soaps, solvents, oils or other lipid-like agents.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a whey protein composition comprising a suitable concentration of whey protein concentrate wherein the whey protein concentrate contains proteins which are present in an essentially undenatured state and wherein the biological activity of the whey protein concentrate is dependent on the overall amino acid and small peptides pattern resulting from the contribution of all its protein components and a method of producing said whey protein composition. The invention also relates to several applications of said composition.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of improving the humoral immune response or increasing the concentration levels of glutathione in mammals, which comprises administering orally to a mammal a therapeutically or a prophylactically effective amount of undenatured whey protein concentrate which has a biological activity based on the overall amino acid and associated small peptides pattern resulting from the contribution of all its protein components. A method for improving the humoral immune response in mammals also is disclosed which comprises administering orally to a mammal the combination of a vitamin supplement containing vitamin B.sub.2 in an amount in excess of minimum daily requirements and an effective amount of undenatured whey protein concentrate. This invention further provides a dietary supplement for a mammal which comprises an effective amount of vitamin B.sub.1, and B.sub.2 and a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of whey protein supplement.

Abstract: Whey derived from ordinary milk includes a bottom fraction including lactose and minerals, a middle fraction including lower molecular weight proteins, and a top fraction including higher molecular weight proteins. The top whey fraction includes a measurable but low level concentration of immunologically active immunoglobulin plus other pathogen specific antibodies. The whey is ultrafiltered through one or more different process steps to yield a filtered product having a concentration of immunologically active immunoglobulin of at least about seven percent of total solids. The filtered product is periodically tested to verify its activity to a specified microbe. The filtered product is orally administered in a therapeutically effective dose to an animal to treat a disease.

Abstract: An edible plastic composition contains at least 5 wt. % of heat-denatured protein, the heat-denatured protein mainly being a dispersion in the form of non-aggregated protein-based macrocolloidal particles having a size in the range of from 0.1 to 10 microns. It is suitable as a low calorie fat replacer in food products and for topical applications and is prepared by successive heating and concentrating steps in which an aqueous composition comprising less than 15% by weight of the water, of heat-denaturable protein is at least partly denatured and the protein concentration of the aqueous composition is at least doubled and at least part of any soluble protein is removed.The present process for instance offers the advantage of not requiring complicated apparatus, and moreover is easy to control.

Abstract: A secretory component-containing composition which is obtainable by contacting a milk or a whey with a cation exchange resin to allow the resin to absorb a secretory component contained in the milk or the whey and then eluting the secretory component and which has the following properties:(a) contains a secretory component with the purity of at least 20% by weight,(b) contains, besides the secretory component, at least an immunoglobulin and/or a serum albumin, and(c) has anti-infectious effects.

Abstract: A topical use pharmaceutical composition and a process for its preparation, comprising an improved enzyme-modified casein sol. Prior to being enzyme-modified, the casein is solubilized and neutralized by an alkali solution containing a molar weight percent ratio in the range of from 90:10 to 100:0, potassium hydroxide to sodium hydroxide. Said neutralization occurring for a time in the range of 5 to 35 minutes to allow for complete neutralization of the casein. The neutralized casein is then hydrolyzed or modified by enzymatic digestion by a proteolytic enzyme for a time sufficient to achieve a weight ratio of protein nitrogen to amino nitrogen in the range from 7:1 to 9:1. The improved enzyme-modified casein sol may then be mixed with stabilizing and pressuring agents, such as carrageenan, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, methyl paraben or propyl paraben.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the removal of lipids and cholesterol from protein materials comprising the steps of (a) treating the protein with an extraction mixture comprising a lower alcohol, water and an acid, in concentrations selected to extract cholesterol and lipids from the protein, and (b) removing the extraction mixture from the protein.

Abstract: Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide of extreme importance as a catalyst, reductan, and reactant. It can be depleted intra-cellularly either by forming a direct complex with an electrophilic agent (accomplished investigationally by agents such as bromobenzene or diethyl maleate), by way of inhibition of synthesis, or by subjecting cells to oxidant stress. Most cells, except for epithelia cells, do not have a direct transport capacity for intact GSH. Non-epithelial cells must either transport precursor substrates for GSH synthesis or salvage amino acids from circulating GSH for reuse in intracellular resynthesis. Dietary cysteine is a rate limiting substrate for the synthesis of glutathione and also inhibits GSH efflux. Although GSH is synthesized from precursors in virtually all cells, the liver is the main source of plasma GSH. Protection and support of liver function is paramount to elevating GSH levels.

Abstract: Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide of extreme importance as a catalyst, reductan, and reactant. It can be depleted intracellulary either by forming a direct complex with an electrophilic agent (accomplished investigationally by agents such as bromobenzene or diethyl maleate), by way of inhibition of synthesis, or by subjecting cells to oxidant stress. Most cells, except for epithelia cells, do not have a direct transport capacity for intact GSH. Non-epithelial cells must either transport precursor substrates for GSH synthesis or salvage amino acids from circulating GSH for reuse in intracellular resynthesis. Dietary cysteine is a rate limiting substrate for the synthesis of glutathione and also inhibits GSH efflux. Although GSH is synthesized from precursors in virtually all cells, the liver is the main source of plasma GSH. Protection and support of liver function is paramount to elevating GSH levels.