Casein hydrolysate produced using a formed-in-place membrane reactor

Casein hydrolysate was continuously produced by hydrolysis of bovine casein with Protease Type XXIII (from Aspergillus oryzae) in a pilot-scale formed-in-place membrane reactor. A high percentage (>99%) of TCA soluble nitrogen in the hydrolysate (product) was achieved after 45 min at 37 degrees C and pH 7. The product was completely soluble over pH range 2-9. Water sorption increased 4 to 6.5 times at water activity of 0.35-0.95 as compared to intact casein. The immunologically active casein and immunologically active whey protein in the product were reduced 99% and 97%, respectively. Long term operation showed that the membrane reactor maintained steady production of casein hydrolysate longer than 17 hr.