Aggregation and Precipitation Kinetics of Canola Protein by isoelectric precipitation

Kinetics of aggregation, nucleation and growth of canola protein particles were developed in a 100 mL mixed-suspension mixed-product removal precipitator (MSMPRP) using isoelectric precipitation with HCI at pH 4.2. Protein yield in terms of total nitrogen was measured by Kjeldahl system. The size distribution of protein aggregates was determined by a Coulter counter. The effects of pH, protein concentration driving force, mean residence time, agitation rate, ionic strength of the solution, and the operating temperature on the size distribution and yield of protein particles were investigated. Population balance on the protein particles was used to derive empirical correlations for the index of aggregation, nucleation rate of primary particles and growth rate of protein aggregates.