ILBQ e.V.

Adhoc: Innovative process for obtaining highly functional casein hydrolysates

_{Funding: EU / ERDF / IB-LSA (1904/00047)| Duration: Apr. 2019 - Mar. 2022}

Bovine milk, i.e. cow's milk, is the most important raw material for infant and sports nutrition. However, bovine proteins can also lead to health problems in some cases, especially in infants and young children. Cow's milk protein allergy is statistically one of the most common food allergies in this age group. The use of hydrolyzed milk proteins as infant formula is an effective preventative and therapeutic measure. They are significantly less allergenic and antigenic and can also trigger reactions in the body that contribute to the acquisition of tolerance. Another effect, especially of casein hydrolysates, is the promotion of increased bioavailability of calcium, which is particularly important for older people. Studies also show that casein hydrolysates increase the incorporation of amino acids into the skeletal muscles. Casein hydrolysates are therefore also of interest to athletes. A disadvantage of the hydrolysis of proteins, however, is the associated increase in bitter flavors. Depending on the degree of bitterness, this can drastically reduce customer acceptance.

The aim of the project is to develop an economical process for the production of defined, partially hydrolyzed, debittered caseins for instant and ready-to-drink products with high nutritional properties (easily digestible, non-allergenic, calcium retention-promoting). Special enzymes that reduce the formation of bitter peptides are used for hydrolysis.

Development of a novel process for the continuous production of valuable substances in microalgae based on platform technology according to the Tannenbaum principle

_{Funding: EU / ERDF / IB-LSA (1704/00042) | Duration: Mar. 2017 - Mar. 2020}

Microalgae are suitable for the production of a variety of chemical compounds that can be used as dyes, pharmaceutical or cosmetic products, fuels, food supplements and animal feed. However, the production of microalgae has so far only been economically viable for high-priced products. The photobioreactor concept developed in cooperation between GICON GmbH and Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, based on the "fir tree" principle, enables a significant reduction in plant and operating costs and can be scaled to almost any size thanks to its modular design. A specially developed silicone-based double hose system enables optimum temperature control all year round, and its material-specific approval also makes it suitable for food production.

The aim of the project is to further develop the "Tannenbaum" principle into a continuous process for the targeted multi-stage formation of valuable substances in microalgae. Compared to single-stage processes, the process should achieve an optimum yield of valuable substances without any loss of biomass formation.