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Isolated Milk Phospholipids and MFGM

Agriculture
Food Production & Products
Food Processing & Equipment
Food Nutrition & Quality Enhancement
College
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES)
Researchers
Jimenez-Flores, Rafael
Ortega-Anaya, Joana
Licensing Manager
Dahlman, Jason "Jay"
(614)292-7945
dahlman.3@osu.edu

T2019-219 Process for isolating and producing a high milk phospholipid ingredient from a by-product of the dairy industry, also commonly known as Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM).

The Need: Revolutionizing Acid Whey Utilization for Increased Profitability and Sustainability

The dairy industry faces a critical challenge in effectively utilizing acid whey, a by-product generated during the production of cheese and Greek yogurt. Currently, acid whey is considered undesirable due to its strong acidic taste, making it unsuitable for direct consumption and impractical for conversion into dry whey powder or whey protein concentrate. Disposing of acid whey is not only costly but also environmentally problematic, as its high protein and lactose content can contaminate water sources and negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. The need for a transformative solution to address this issue and turn acid whey into a valuable resource has been long-standing. Additionally, with the increasing demand for milk phospholipids in the food industry due to their perceived health benefits, there is an opportunity to tap into this demand and convert acid whey into a profitable and sustainable source of high milk phospholipids.

The Technology: Innovative Process for Isolating Phospholipids from Acid Whey

Our groundbreaking technology offers a revolutionary process for utilizing acid whey to produce high milk phospholipids efficiently. The process involves two key steps:

  1. Filtration and Enrichment: Acid whey is exposed to filtration, leading to the enrichment of phospholipids, a valuable component.
  2. Solubilization and Removal: The enriched acid whey is subjected to solubilization, effectively removing whey proteins and caseins, thereby isolating phospholipids.

This technology presents an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to convert acid whey, a typically discarded by-product, into a valuable and commercially viable resource.

Commercial Applications: Transforming Acid Whey for Various Industries

The innovative technology holds vast potential for various commercial applications, including but not limited to:

  • Food Industry: The isolated high milk phospholipids can be utilized in food products to enhance gut health and cognitive development, particularly in infant formulas and functional foods.
  • Nutraceuticals: The phospholipids derived from acid whey can serve as essential components for the development of health-promoting supplements and nutraceuticals.
  • Pharmaceutical Applications: The enriched phospholipids have potential applications in pharmaceutical formulations, improving drug delivery and bioavailability.
  • Cosmetics and Personal Care: Acid whey-derived phospholipids offer promising opportunities in skincare products, offering unique benefits and functionalities.
  • Animal Feed: The technology can find applications in the animal feed industry, enriching feed formulations with essential phospholipids for improved livestock health.

Benefits/Advantages: Unlocking Value from Acid Whey

Our technology offers numerous benefits and advantages that make it a game-changer for the dairy industry and beyond:

  • Sustainability: By transforming acid whey into a valuable resource, the technology helps reduce waste and minimize environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices in the dairy sector.
  • Increased Profitability: Converting acid whey into high milk phospholipids opens up new revenue streams for dairy companies, maximizing profitability and resource utilization.
  • Health and Wellness: The isolated phospholipids can be utilized to create products that promote gut health and cognitive development, catering to the growing consumer demand for health-enhancing solutions.
  • Versatility: The process is not limited to acid whey; it can efficiently utilize various milk byproducts, broadening its scope and applicability across the dairy industry.
  • Market Opportunity: With the rising demand for milk phospholipids in various sectors, the technology positions companies at the forefront of a high-value market, boosting competitiveness.

In conclusion, our cutting-edge technology offers a transformative solution to address the long-standing challenge of acid whey utilization. By converting this by-product into a valuable source of high milk phospholipids, the technology drives profitability, sustainability, and innovation across multiple industries, providing immense value to dairy companies and beyond. Embrace the future of dairy with our game-changing acid whey utilization technology.