FRACTIONATION OF SODIUM CASEINATE BY ULTRAFILTRATION

A method for the fractionation of sodium caseinate into a β-casein-rich permeate and an αs κ-casein-rich retentate has been developed using ultrafiltration through 300 000 dalton cut-off membranes at 4°C. The β-casein fraction was 80% homogeneous, γ-caseins being the principal contaminants; most of the β-casein could be recovered in the permeate by diafiltration or repeated ultrafiltration. For the successful recovery of β-casein, it was essential to dissolve the sodium caseinate in deionized or distilled water but pH in the range 7-9 was not significant. A caseinate concentration of 1% was optimal in terms of yield and ease of operation. © 1990.