PROCESS FOR THE PURIFICATION OF PROTEIN FRACTIONS FROM LUPIN SEEDS, ACTIVE ON LIPID METABOLISM

摘要

In the described process lupin seeds from lupin, for example from Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius, are crushed and transformed into flakes. By taking into account the features of the protein isolates or concentrates desired, and the lipid content of the original material, lipids (oil) are or are not extracted using a suitable solvent (prevalently hexane), by percolation of the solvent through the flakes placed in a tubular reactor. The solvent is then eliminated in controlled temperature conditions. Alternatively, lipids can be removed also by extraction with supercritical CO2 through percolation through a column. After grinding, protein is extracted in a water solution, by alternating treatments in weakly basic and acid environment, in order to obtain the dissolution and subsequent precipitation of the proteins of the different fractions. After suitable centrifugation of insoluble materials, proteins are collected as a water solution. This is then, prevalently, reconcentrated by ultrafiltration. In order to ensure microbiological sterility of the protein ingredients, high temperature short time (HTST) pasteurisation or ultra-high temperature (UI'-TT) sterilisation are carried out. Lastly, protein solutions are transformed into powder by spray-drying (Fig. 1). Significant plasma lipid lowering properties are detected in the total protein isolates (TPE) of lupin, when administered to rats fed a hyperlipidemic diet. Separated fractions, particularly LUPI-F, less so LUPIE, show a significantly higher lipid lowering activity versus TPE.