Extraction of protein and solids from wheat bran

The influence of pH, time, temperature, cellulase treatment and washing conditions on the recovery of solids and protein from Australian wheat bran was investigated. Highest yields (83% of available protein, 72% of total solids) were achieved by extracting at pH 12 and washing with water at pH 7. However, acceptable yields could be obtained under near neutral conditions by extracting at pH 6.5 for 16 h followed by three washes at pH7. Under these conditions 72% of the protein and 55% of the total solids were extracted and greater stability of the vitamins thiamin, riboflavin and pyridoxine was expected. The use of cellulase in an attempt to disrupt the aleurone cell walls did not improve the recoveries of either protein or solids.