Solvent Free Extraction of bioactives - Process development

Summary

The aim of this project was to develop a laboratory scale, cost-effective process to produce BSA at > 80% purity from bovine plasma and CS at > 80% purity using selected connective tissues. The technology developed at laboratory scale will be translated and demonstrated as a proof of concept at pilot scale at a later stage.

Literature and patent review indicated that membrane technology could be utilised to fractionate bovine serum albumin (BSA) from plasma, but most of the work carried out by researchers used model systems with low protein concentrations or specialised membranes. The literature and patent review also indicated that alkaline hydrolysis was not a suitable method to solubilise cartilage due to the generation of large quantities of salt and potential deterioration of the extracted CS. Similarly, the use of ethanol to precipitate CS is also not recommended due to the additional capital and operating costs associated with the flammable and explosive nature of the solvents.

Objectives

The aim of this project was to develop a laboratory scale, cost-effective process to produce:

• Bovine serum albumin (BSA) at >80% purity from bovine plasma. The research identified an ion exchange chromatographic resin with selectivity for BSA and capable of producing BSA to a purity of >95%. The technology also produced an additional IgG enhanced fraction with an IgG composition of >45%.
• Chondroitin sulphate (CS) at > 80% purity using selected connective tissues. The research resulted in identifying an enzyme capable of hydrolysing, solubilising and extracting CS from the collagen matrix in minced trachea within a 4 hour period. An ion exchange resin with selectivity for chondroitin sulphate and a membrane capable of purifying and concentrating CS to >80% was also identified.

Benefits to industry

Implementation of the technology will provide industry with opportunities to significantly recover value from co-product streams such as bovine plasma by producing a high purity BSA product and an IgG enhanced fraction, which could provide the industry with income greater than the current income raised by selling blood for rendering.

Implementation of the same technology will also provide the industry with additional opportunities to recover value from trachea by producing a high purity CS product, which will also provide the industry with income greater than the current income through selling trachea for rendering.