METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF A WHEY PROTEIN HYDROLYZATE

Abstract: The method for production of a whey protein hydrolyzate comprises the use of a whey protein product with a protein content of at least 65 %, calculated as dry matter as a starting material and a combination of a non-pH-stat hydrolysis followed by an ultrafiltration/microfiltration. The method provides a well tasting and organoleptically acceptable product in high yield.

Description: METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF A WHEY PROTEIN HYDROLYZATE The invention comprises a method for production of a whey protein hydrolyzate. Many methods for production of a protein hydrolyzate with good organoleptic properties can be carried out with a low yield only. Thus, it is the purpose of the invention to indicate a method for production of a protein hydrolyzate with good organoleptic properties, which can be carried out with a relatively high yield. Surprisingly, according to the invention it has been found that a certain combination of a non-pH-stat hydrolysis and an ultrafiltration/microfiltration provides a process for production of a well tasting and organoleptically acceptable product in high yield. Thus, the method according to the invention for production of a whey protein hydrolyzate is characterized by the fact 1 ) that a whey protein product with at least 65% protein calculated as dry matter and water is mixed to a slurry with a protein content up to about 20%, preferably up to 12%, 2) that a heat treatment to a temperature above 60°C is carried out, 3) that the mixture from step 2) is proteolytically hydrolyzed by means of at least one protease, by means of a non-pH-stat method to a DH of between 15 and 35%, 4) that the mixture from step 3) is separated on an ultrafiltration/microfiltration unit with cut-off value above 10,000, the permeate constituting the protein hydrolyzate, and 5) that the hydrolysis is terminated by inactivation of the enzyme(s). It is to be understood that all kinds of whey protein products can be used in step 1, e.g. the usual whey protein produced in relation to cheese manufacture. It is to be understood that the enzyme inactivation (step 5)) can be carried out before the ultrafiltration/microfiltration (step 4)). Also, it is to be understood that step 5 can be omitted altogether, if the cut-off value of the membrane is low enough to retain all enzymes in the concentrate. A whey protein hydrolyzate with a composition similar to the whey protein hydrolyzate produced by means of the method according to the invention is described in US 4,427,658. Also, EP 226221 describes a whey protein hydrolyzate, which however, in contradistinction to the whey protein hydrolyzate produced by means of the method according to the invention is free from lactose and is produced by means of the pH-stat techniques. Also, US 4,293,571 , EP 321603 and EP 322589 describe a whey protein hydrolyzate, which is produced by hydrolysis with subsequent heat treatment, in contradistinction to the whey protein hydrolyzate produced by means ofthe method according to the invention, i.e. by means of heat treatment with subsequent hydrolysis. The high values of the degree of hydrolysis which can be obtained according to the invention, cannot be obtained with the prior art methods. EP 65663 describes a whey protein hydrolyzate, which is produced without heat treatment before the hydrolysis, in contradistinction to the method according to the invention. In Research Disclosure, August 1981 no.20826 a method similar to the method according to the invention is described. However, the prior art method is restricted to blood as the starting material, and also, the prior art method is performed by means of the pH-stat method. To the best of the applicant's knowledge, ail prior art methods for production of a whey protein hydrolyzate give rise to a whey protein hydrolyzate with an unacceptable taste. The whey protein hydrolyzate according to the invention has a marked agreeable taste. Also, in relation to many of the prior art methods for production of whey protein hydrolyzate the end product is obtained in a low yield and/or at high production cost. Many of the prior art methods for production of whey protein hydrolyzate give rise to a whey protein hydrolyzate which is not heat stable and not fully soluble in a broad pH interval. The whey protein hydrolyzate produced by means of the method according to the invention is heat stable and fully soluble in a broad pH interval. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that the slurry in step 1) has a protein content of 7-12%. In this manner the equipment is utilized optimally, and also, the viscosity is not too high for handling. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that the heat treatment in step 2) is carried out between 70 and 90°C. This temperature interval is especially well suited in relation to performance of the usually used heat exchangers. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that the pH adjustment in step 3) is carried out by means of Ca(OH)2 and/or KOH. In this manner a better taste is obtained, and also, a favorable mineral distribution in the final product is obtained. Also, sodium carbonate or sodium phosphate can be used for pH adjustment in order to precipitate the Ca ++ in the raw whey protein product. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that the hydrolysis in step 3) is carried out to a DH of between 20-30. In this manner a product with excellent organoleptic properties is obtained. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that a protease producible by means of B. licheniformis, preferably Alcalase , and/or a protease producible by means of B. subtilis, preferably Neutrase ® , and/or trypsin is used as proteolytic enzyme (s). It is especially preferred to use Alcalase ® (with a high pH optimum) first, and then Neutrase ® (with a lower pH optimum). This method is especially well suited to the non-pH-stat-method used according to the invention. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that the cut-off value of the ultrafiltration/microfiltration unit is above 50.000. In this manner a very high flux is obtainable. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that the inactivation of the eπzyme(s) (step 5)) is carried out by heat treatment This inactivation is especially well suited in case the pH ofthe final protein hydrolyzate is supposed to be relatively high (around neutrality). A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that the inactivation of the enzyme(s) (step 5)) is carried out by acid treatment. This inactivation is especially well suited in case the pH of the final protein hydrolyzate is supposed to be relatively low (acidic). A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that the mixture at the end of step 4) is treated with activated carbon for more than 5 minutes at a temperature, which is preferably between 50 and 70°C in an amount corresponding to between 1 and 5% carbon, calculated in relation to dry matter content, and that the activated carbon is removed. In this manner the flavor is improved. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that after step 5) a concentration is carried out by nanofϋtratioπ/hyperfiltration/reverse osmosis at a temperature, which is preferably between 50 and 70°C and/or evaporation, whereafter the retentate is collected as the protein hydrolyzate solution. By means of the nanofiltration a desalination can be carried out by proper selection of the membrane; besides πanofiltration/hyper- filtration/reverse osmosis is an inexpensive way for removal of water. Evaporation has the advantage of obtaining a high dry matter content in the concentrate before drying. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises that the protein hydrolyzate solution from step 5) is spray-dried to a water content below 6.5%. In this manner a stable product is obtained, both microbially and organoleptically. The method according to the invention will be illustrated in the following examples. For the sake of a better overview a survey of some of the parameters which are changed in the examples appear from the table shown below. EXAMPLE 1 Feed The starting material is spray-dried whey protein concentrate with approx. 80% protein calculated as dry matter. Mixing The raw material is diluted with deionized water to a protein content of 8%. The optimum temperature for fast solubilisation of the protein is 55-60°C. Heat treatment Pasteurisation is carried out in a heat exchanger for at least 2 minutes at 85°C. The purpose is to denature the protein in order to make the hydrolysis more efficient. Also in this manner a very low bacterial count before the incubation with the enzymes is obtained. pH adjustment pH is adjusted to 8.0 with Ca(OH) 2 . About 1% of Ca(OH) 2 based on amount of protein is needed. Hydrolysis Temperature 53-54°C. Enzyme 1: Alcalase ® 2.4 L. Dosage E/S = 2.2% Enzyme 2: Neutrase ® 0.5 L Dosage E/S = 1.1%. Neutrase is added when the pH has decreased to < 7.0. Process time 12 hours. The enzymatic hydrolysis is monitored by the osmolality. The increase in osmolality should be 175 mOsm/kg (measured with a concentration of 8% of protein in the slurry). Ultrafiltration separation The UF-plant used comprises PCI modules mounted with FP100 membranes with cut-off value 100,000. Concentration to half of the initial volume and subsequent diafiltration with twice the volume ofthe concentrate. Final concentration to maximum dry matter content. Temperature 60-65°C. The retentate which is the main by-product of the process is discharged. Inactivation The permeate is heat treated for 3 minutes at 85°C in order to inactivate the enzymes and for bacteriological reasons. Nanofiltration Concentration to 25-30° Brix Temperature 55-60°C The nanofiltration permeate appearing as a by-product is discharged Treatment with activated carbon 4% activated carbon (Picatif FGV 120) based on amount of dry matter measured as "Brix is added to the nanofiltration retentate at 55-60°C. Reaction time 30 minutes. Filtration Removal of activated carbon on plate filter Final products The whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate with a dry matter content of 25% is further processed by sterile filtration and spray-drying, the spray-drying being performed by drying the whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate at T j = 200°C and T 0 = 75°C in a spray-dryer with atomization wheel. Characterization of the whev protein hydrolyzate concentrate obtained: Taste: No off-flavor and a low degree of bitterness EXAMPLE 2 Feed The starting material is spray-dried whey protein concentrate with approx. 80% protein calculated as dry matter. Mixing The raw material is diluted with deionized water to a protein content of 8%. The optimum temperature for fast solubilisation of the protein is 55-60°C. Heat treatment Pasteurisation is carried out in a heat exchanger for at least 2 minutes at 85°C. The purpose is to denature the protein in order to make the hydrolysis more efficient. Also in this manner a very low bacterial count before the incubation with the enzymes is obtained. pH adjustment pH is adjusted to 8.0 with 4N NaOH. Hydrolysis Temperature 53-54°C. Enzyme 1 : Alcalase ® 2.4 L. Dosage E/S = 2.2% Enzyme 2: Neutrase ® 0.5 L. Dosage E/S = 1.1%. Neutrase is added when the pH has decreased to < 7.0. Process time 12 hours. The enzymatic hydrolysis is monitored by the osmolality. The increase in osmolality should be 175 mOsm/kg (measured with a concentration of 8% of protein in the slurry). . Ultrafiltration separation The UF-plant used comprises PCI modules mounted with FP100 membranes with cut-off value 100,000. Concentration to half of the initial volume and subsequent diafiltration with twice the volume ofthe concentrate. Final concentration to maximum dry matter content. Temperature 60-65°C. The retentate which is the main by-product of the process is discharged. Inactivation The permeate is heat treated for 3 minutes at 85°C in order to inactivate the enzymes and for bacteriological reasons. Nanofiltration Concentration to 25-30° Brix Temperature 55-60°C The nanofiltration permeate appearing as a by-product is discharged Treatment with activated carbon 4% activated carbon (Picatif FGV 120) based on amount of dry matter measured as °Brix is added to the nanofiltration retentate at 55-60°C. Reaction time 30 minutes. Filtration Removal of activated carbon on plate filter Final products The whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate with a dry matter content of 25% is further processed by sterile filtration and spray-drying, the spray-drying being performed by drying the whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate at T j = 200°C and T 0 = 75°C in a spray-dryer with atomization wheel. Characterization of the whev protein hvdrolvzate concentrate obtained: Taste: No off-flavor and a low degree of bitterness EXAMPLE 3 Feed The starting material is spray-dried whey protein concentrate with approx. 80% protein calculated as dry matter. Mixing The raw material is diluted with deionized water to a protein content of 8%. The optimum temperature for fast solubilisation of the protein is 55-60°C. Heat treatment Pasteurisation is carried out in a heat exchanger for at least 2 minutes at 85°C. The purpose is to denature the protein in order to make the hydrolysis more efficient. Also in this manner a very low bacterial count before the incubation with the enzymes is obtained. PH adjustment pH is adjusted to 8.0 with Ca(OH) 2 . About 1% of Ca(OH) 2 based on amount of protein is needed. Hydrolysis Temperature 53-54°C. Enzyme 1 : Alcalase ® 2.4 L. Dosage E/S = 2.2% Enzyme 2: Neutrase ® 0.5 L Dosage E/S = 1.1%. Neutrase is added when the pH has decreased to < 7.0. Process time 12 hours. The enzymatic hydrolysis is monitored by the osmolality. The increase in osmolality should be 175 mOsm/kg (measured with a concentration of 8% of protein in the slurry). pH-adiustment pH is adjusted to 4.2 by means of 30% HCI in order to obtain an end product suitable for fortifying acidic beverages with protein. Ultrafiltration separation The UF-plant used comprises PCI modules mounted with FP100 membranes with cut-off value 100,000. Concentration to half of the initial volume and subsequent diafiltration with twice the volume of the concentrate. Final concentration to maximum dry matter content. Temperature 60-65°C. The retentate which is the main by-product of the process is discharged. Pasteurization The permeate is heat treated for 30 seconds at 75°C for bacteriological reasons. Nanofiltration Concentration to 25-30° Brix Temperature 55-60°C The nanofiltration permeate appearing as a by-product is discharged. Treatment with activated carbon 4% activated carbon (Picatif FGV 120) based on amount of dry matter measured as °Brix is added to the nanofiltration retentate at 55-60°C. Reaction time 30 minutes. Filtration Removal of activated carbon on plate filter Final products The whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate with a dry matter content of 25% is further processed by sterile filtration and spray-drying, the spray-drying being performed by drying the whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate at T j = 200°C and T 0 = 75°C in a spray-dryer with atomization wheel. Characterization of the whev protein hvdrolvzate concentrate obtained: Taste: No off-flavor and a low degree of bitterness EXAMPLE 4 Feed The starting material is spray-dried whey protein concentrate with approx. 80% protein calculated as dry matter. Mixing The raw material is diluted with deionized water to a protein content of 8%. The optimum temperature for fast solubilisation of the protein is 55-60°C. Heat treatment Pasteurisation is carried out in a heat exchanger for at least 2 minutes at 85°C. The purpose is to denature the protein in order to make the hydrolysis more efficient. Also in this manner a very low bacterial count before the incubation with the enzymes is obtained. pH adjustment pH is adjusted to 8.0 with Ca(OH) 2 . About 1% of Ca(OH) 2 based on amount of protein is needed. Hydrolysis Temperature 53-54°C. Enzyme 1: Alcalase ® 2.4 L Dosage E/S = 2.2% Enzyme 2: Neutrase ® 0.5 L Dosage E/S = 1.1%. Neutrase is added when the pH has decreased to < 7.0. Process time 12 hours. The enzymatic hydrolysis is monitored by the osmolality. The increase in osmolality should be 175 mOsm/kg (measured with a concentration of 8% of protein in the slurry). UltrafiltratJon separation The UF-plant used comprises DDS modules mounted with GR40PP membranes with cut-off value 100,000. Concentration to half of the initial volume and subsequent diafiltration with twice the volume ofthe concentrate. Final concentration to maximum dry matter content. Temperature 60-65°C. The retentate which is the main by-product of the process is discharged. Inactivation The permeate is heat treated for 3 minutes at 85°C in order to inactivate the enzymes and for bacteriological reasons. Nanofiltration Concentration to 25-30° Brix Temperature 55-60°C The nanofiltration permeate appearing as a by-product is discharged Treatment with activated carbon 4% activated carbon (Picatif FG V 120) based on amount of dry matter measured as °Brix is added to the nanofiltration retentate at 55-60°C. Reaction time 30 minutes. Filtration Removal of activated carbon on plate filter. Final products The whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate with a dry matter content of 25% is further processed by sterile filtration and spray-drying, the spray-drying being performed by drying the whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate at Tj = 200°C and T 0 = 75°C in a spray-dryer with atomization wheel. Characterization of the whev protein hvdrolvzate concentrate obtained: Taste: No off-flavor and a low degree of bitterness Composition: Dry matter 94.5% Protein in dry matter (N*6.38) 84% Ash in dry matter 4% Fat in dry matter <0.1% The starting material is spray-dried whey protein concentrate with approx. 80% protein calculated as dry matter. Mixing The raw material is diluted with deionized water to a protein content of 8%. The optimum temperature for fast solubilisation of the protein is 55-60°C. Heat treatment Pasteurisation is carried out in a heat exchanger for at least 2 minutes at 85°C. The purpose is to denature the protein in order to make the hydrolysis more efficient. Also in this manner a very low bacterial count before the incubation with the enzymes is obtained. pH adjustment pH is adjusted to 8.0 with Ca(OH) 2 . About 1% of Ca(OH) 2 based on amount of protein is needed. Hydrolysis Temperature 53-54°C. Enzyme 1 : Alcalase ® 2.4 L. Dosage E/S = 2.2% Enzyme 2: Neutrase ® 0.5 L Dosage E/S = 1.1 %. Neutrase is added when the pH has decreased to < 7.0. Process time 12 hours. The enzymatic hydrolysis is monitored by the osmolality. The increase in osmolality should be 175 mOsm/kg (measured with a concentration of 8% of protein in the slurry). Ultrafiltration separation The UF-plant used comprises PCI modules mounted with FP100 membranes with cut-off value 100,000. Concentration to half of the initial volume and subsequent diafiltration with twice the volume ofthe concentrate. Final concentration to maximum dry matter content. Temperature 60-65°C. The retentate which is the main by-product of the process is discharged. Inactivation The permeate is heat treated for 3 minutes at 85°C in order to inactivate the enzymes and for bacteriological reasons. Nanofiltration Concentration to 25-30° Brix Temperature 55-60°C The nanofiltration permeate appearing as a by-product is discharged Final products The whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate with a dry matter content of 25% is further processed by sterile filtration and spray-drying, the spray-drying being performed by drying the whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate at T j = 200°C and T 0 = 75°C in a spray-dryer with atomization wheel. Characterization of the whev protein hvdrolvzate concentrate obtained: Taste: Slight off-flavor and a low degree of bitterness EXAMPLE 6 Feed The starting material is spray-dried whey protein concentrate with approx. 80% protein calculated as dry matter. Mixing The raw material is diluted with deionized water to a protein content of 8%. The optimum temperature for fast solubilisation of the protein is 55-60°C. Heat treatment Pasteurisation is carried out in a heat exchanger for at least 2 minutes at 85°C. The purpose is to denature the protein in order to make the hydrolysis more efficient. Also in this manner a very low bacterial count before the incubation with the enzymes is obtained. PH adjustment pH is adjusted to 8.0 with Ca(OH) . About 1% of Ca(OH) 2 based on amount of protein ,is needed. Hydrolysis Temperature 53-54°C. Enzyme 1 : Alcalase ® 2.4 L. Dosage E/S = 2.2% Enzyme 2: Neutrase ® 0.5 L. Dosage E/S = 1.1%. Neutrase is added when the pH has decreased to < 7.0. Process time 12 hours. The enzymatic hydrolysis is monitored by the osmolality. The increase in osmolality should be 175 mOsm/kg (measured with a concentration of 8% of protein in the slurry). Treatment with activated carbon 4% activated carbon (Picatif FGV 120) based on amount of dry matter measured as °Brix is added to the mixture at 55-60°C. Ultrafiltration is carried out with activated carbon in the retentate. Ultrafiltration separation The UF-plant used comprises PCI modules mounted with FP100 membranes with cut-off value 100,000. Concentration to half of the initial volume and subsequent diafiltration with twice the volume ofthe concentrate. Final concentration to maximum dry matter content. Temperature 60-65°C. The retentate containing the activated carbon is discharged. Inactivation The permeate is heat treated for 3 minutes at 85°C in order to inactivate the enzymes and for bacteriological reasons. Nanofiltration Concentration to 25-30° Brix Temperature 55-60°C The nanofiltration permeate appearing as a by-product is discharged Final products The whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate with a dry matter content of 25% is further processed by sterile filtration and spray-drying, the spray-drying being performed by drying the whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate at T j = 200°C and T 0 = 75°C in a spray-dryer with atomization wheel. Characterization of the whev protein hvdrolvzate concentrate obtained: Taste: No off-flavor and a low degree of bitterness EXAMPLE 7 Feed The starting material is liquid concentrated whey protein with approx. 80% protein calculated as dry matter, produced by ultrafiltration and diafiltration of whey until the wanted protein content, calculated as dry matter Mixing The raw material is diluted with deionized water to a protein content of 8%. The optimum temperature for fast solubilisation of the protein is 55-60°C. Heat treatment Pasteurisation is carried out in a heat exchanger for at least 2 minutes at 85°C. The purpose is to denature the protein in order to make the hydrolysis more efficient. Also in this manner a very low bacterial count before the incubation with the enzymes is obtained. pH adjustment pH is adjusted to 8.0 with Ca(OH) . About 1% of Ca(OH) 2 based on amount of protein is needed. Hydrolysis Temperature 53-54°C. Enzyme 1 : Alcalase ® 2.4 L. Dosage E/S = 2.2% Enzyme 2: Neutrase ® 0.5 L. Dosage E/S = 1.1%. Neutrase is added when the pH has decreased to < 7.0. Process time 12 hours. The enzymatic hydrolysis is monitored by the osmolality. The increase in osmolality should be 175 mOsm/kg (measured with a concentration of 8% of protein in the slurry). Ultrafiltration separation The UF-plant used comprises PCI modules mounted with FP100 membranes with cut-off value 100,000. Concentration to half of the initial volume and subsequent diafiltration with twice the volume ofthe concentrate. Final concentration to maximum dry matter content. Temperature 60-65°C. The retentate which is the main by-product of the process is discharged. Inactivation The permeate is heat treated for 3 minutes at 85°C in order to inactivate the enzymes and for bacteriological reasons. Nanofiltration Concentration to 25-30° Brix Temperature 55-60°C The nanofiltration permeate appearing as a by-product is discharged. Treatment with activated carbon 4% activated carbon (Picatif FGV 120) based on amount of dry matter measured as °Brix is added to the nanofiltration retentate at 55-60°C. Reaction time 30 minutes. Filtration Removal of activated carbon on plate filter Final products The whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate with a dry matter content of 25% is further processed by sterile filtration and spray-drying, the spray-drying being performed by drying the whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate at T j = 200°C and T 0 = 75°C in a spray-dryer with atomization wheel. Characterization of the whev protein hvdrolvzate concentrate obtained: Taste: No off-flavor and a low degree of bitterness EXAMPLE 8 Feed The starting material is spray-dried whey protein concentrate with approx. 80% protein calculated as dry matter. Mixing The raw material is diluted with deionized water to a protein content of 8%. The optimum temperature for fast solubilisation of the protein is 55-60°C. Heat treatment Pasteurisation is carried out in a heat exchanger for at least 2 minutes at 85°C. The purpose is to denature the protein in order to make the hydrolysis more efficient. Also in this manner a very low bacterial count before the incubation with the enzymes is obtained. PH adjustment pH is adjusted to 8.0 with 4N NaOH. Hydrolysis Temperature 55°C. Enzyme 1 : Alcalase ® 2.4 L. Dosage E/S = 2.0% Enzyme 2: Trypsin PTN 3.3G. Dosage E/S = 3.0%. Trypsin is added when the DH has reached 16% (after 3 hours and 30 minutes). Total hydrolysis time: 5 hours and 15 minutes. The enzymatic hydrolysis is monitored by the osmolality. pH-adiustment The pH value is adjusted to 4.2 by means of 30% HCI in order to obtain an end product suitable for fortifying acidic beverages with protein. Ultrafiltration separation The UF-plant used comprises DDS modules mounted with GR40PP membranes with cut-off value 100,000. Concentration to half of the initial volume and subsequent diafiltration with twice the volume of the concentrate. Final concentration to maximum dry matter content. Temperature 60-65°C. The retentate which is the main by-product of the process is discharged. Pasteurization The permeate is heat treated for 30 seconds at 75°C in order to inactivate the enzymes and for bacteriological reasons. Nanofiltration Concentration to 25-30° Brix Temperature 55-60°C The nanofiltration permeate appearing as a by-product is discharged Treatment with activated carbon 4% activated carbon (Picatlf FGV 120) based on amount of dry matter measured as °Brix is added to the nanofiltration retentate at 55-60°C. Reaction time 30 minutes. Filtration Removal of activated carbon on plate filter. Final products The whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate with a dry matter content of 25% is further processed by sterile filtration and spray-drying, the spray-drying being performed by drying the whey protein hydrolyzate concentrate at T-, = 200°C and T 0 = 75°C in a spray-dryer with atomization wheel. Characterization of the whev protein hydrolyzate concentrate obtained: Taste: No off-flavor and a low degree of bitterness

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Method for production of a whey protein hydrolyzate, characterized by the fact 1) that a whey protein product with at least 65% protein calculated as dry matter and water is mixed to a slurry with a protein content up to about 20%, preferably up to 12%, 2) that a heat treatment to a temperature above 60°C is carried out, 3) that the mixture from step 2) is proteolytically hydrolyzed by means of at least one protease, by means of a non-pH-stat method to a DH of between 15 and 35%, 4) that the mixture from step 3) is separated on an ultrafiltration/microfiltration unit with cut-off value above 10,000, the permeate constituting the protein hydrolyzate, and 5) that the hydrolysis is terminated by inactivation of the enzyme(s). 2. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized by the fact that the slurry in step 1) has a protein content of 7-12%. 3. Method according to Claims 1 - 2, characterized by the fact that the heat treatment in step 2) is carried out between 70 and 90°C. 4. Method according to Claims 1 - 3, characterized by the fact that the pH adjustment in step 3) is carried out by means of Ca(OH) 2 and/or KOH. 5. Method according to Claims 1 - 4, characterized by the fact that the hydrolysis in step 3) is carried out to a DH of between 20-30%. 6. Method according to Claims 1 - 5, characterized by the fact that a protease producible by means of B. licheniformis, preferably Alcalase , and/or a protease producible by means of β. subtilis, preferably Neutrase , and/or trypsin is used as proteolytic enzyme(s). 7. Method according to Claims 1 - 6, characterized by the fact that the cut¬ off value of the ultrafiltration/microfiltration unit is above 50.000. 8. Method according to Claims 1 - 7, characterized by the fact that the inactivation of the enzyme (s) (step 5)) is carried out by heat treatment. 9. Method according to Claims 1 - 7, characterized by the fact that the inactivation of the eπzyme(s) (step 5)) is carried out by acid treatment. 10. Method according to Claims 1 - 9, characterized by the fact that the mixture at the end of step 3) or step 5) is treated with activated carbon for more than 5 minutes at a temperature, which is preferably between 50 and 70°C in an amount corresponding to between 1 and 5% carbon, calculated in relation to dry matter content, and that the activated carbon is removed. 11. Method according to Claims 1 - 10, characterized by the fact that after step 5) a concentration is carried out by nanofiltration/hyperfiltration/reverse osmosis at a temperature, which is preferably between 50 and 70°C and/or evaporation, whereafter the retentate is collected as the protein hydrolyzate solution. 12. Method according to Claims 1 - 11, characterized by the fact that the protein hydrolyzate solution from step 5) is spray-dried to a water content below 6.5%. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 23 October 1992 (23.10.92) ; original claim 6 deleted; original claims 1 and 7-12 replaced by amended claims 1 and 6-11 (2 pages) ] 1. Method for production of a whey protein hydrolyzate, characterized by the fact 1) that a whey protein product with at least 65% protein calculated as dry matter and water is mixed to a slurry with a protein content up to about 20%, preferably up to 12%, 2) that a heat treatment to a temperature above 60°C is carried out, 3) that the mixture from step 2) is proteolytically hydrolyzed by means of a protease producible by means of B. licheniformis, preferably Alcalase ® , and/or a protease producible by means of B. subtilis, preferably Neutrase ® , and/or trypsin, by means of a non-pH-stat method to a DH of between 15 and 35%, 4) that the mixture from step 3) is separated on an ultrafiltration/microfiltration unit with cut-off value above 10,000, the permeate constituting the protein hydrolyzate, and 5) that the hydrolysis is terminated by inactivation of the enzyme(s). _ 2. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized by the fact that the slurry in step 1) has a protein content of 7-12%. 3. Method according to Claims 1 - 2, characterized by the fact that the heat treatment in step 2) is carried out between 70 and 90°C. 4. Method according to Claims 1 - 3, characterized by the fact that the pH adjustment in step 3) is carried out by means of Ca(OH) 2 and/or KOH. 5. Method according to Claims 1 - 4, characterized by the fact that the hydrolysis in step 3) is carried out to a DH of between 20-30%. 6. Method according to Claims 1 - 5, characterized by the fact that the cut¬ off value of the ultrafiltration/microfiltration unit is above 50.000. 7. Method according to Claims 1 - 6, characterized by the fact that the inactivation of the enzyme(s) (step 5)) is carried out by heat treatment. 8. Method according to Claims 1 - 6, characterized by the fact that the inactivation of the enzyme(s) (step 5)) is carried out by acid treatment. 9. Method according to Claims 1 - 8, characterized by the fact that the mixture at the end of step 3) or step 5) is treated with activated carbon for more than 5 minutes at a temperature, which is preferably between 50 and 70°C in an amount corresponding to between 1 and 5% carbon, calculated in relation to dry matter content, and that the activated carbon is removed. 10. Method according to Claims 1 - 9, characterized by the fact that after step 5) a concentration is carried out by nanofiltration/hyperfiltration/reverse osmosis at a temperature, which is preferably between 50 and 70°C and/or evaporation, whereafter the retentate is collected as the protein hydrolyzate solution. 11. Method according to Claims 1 - 10, characterized by the fact that the protein hydrolyzate solution from step 5) is spray-dried to a water content below 6.5%. STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 The enclosed new set of claims has been amended by incorporation of Claim 6 into the main claim. In this way we have generated a better distinction between the invention and the cited references.

Inventors: ERIKSEN SVEND, HANSEN OLE REGNAR, NIELSEN PER MUNK, ERIKSEN, SVEND, HANSEN, OLE, REGNAR, NIELSEN, PER, MUNK
Applicants: DANMARK PROTEIN AS, DANMARK PROTEIN A/S
Application year: 1992
Main classification: A23J3
IPC codes: A23J3, C12P21, C12R1