ProUpSide removing antinutritionals for protein upgrading in agroindustrial side streams

Important results from the project

Potato protein concentrate is currently produced as a side-product from potato starch production. This protein source is usually not used for food as it contains toxic antinutritional compounds. The goal of the project was to produce improved potato protein concentrates with reduced levels of antinutritional compounds using commercial potato starch production side streams. We were able to reduce compounds of most concern by almost 90% and a second class to about 55% compared to the usual level. This was done using processes that could be integrated into current production.

Expected long term effects

The project resulted in improved potato protein concentrates from side streams of commercial potato starch production, with considerably lower levels of compounds that cause health concerns. These reductions were accomplished in a lab scale process mimicking current commercial production. It is expected that the developed clean-up step can be incorporated into future treatment of potato starch production side streams to provide a new source of locally produced food-grade protein from potatoes.

Approach and implementation

The project utilized custom resins from partner Redstone Separations AB to treat commercial potato starch production side streams from partner the Swedish Starch Producers Association. These resins were used to remove undesirable compounds from the side streams before protein in them was recovered. All processes were performed in a way that is compatible with current potato protein production. This recovered potato protein concentrate showed up to almost 90% reduction in undesirable compounds compared to the untreated product.