Production of plant-proteins by Supercritical CO2 technology

The United Nations predicts a 50% increase in population growth by 2050. Animal-derived protein demand is anticipated to increase by 50% over that same timeframe. The world may not be able to meet this anticipated demand. Animal-based foods, however, are linked with greenhouse gas emissions and climate changes which are increasingly manifesting with time. Therefore, a more sustainable approach that do not further tax our plant is needed to feed humankind.
Plant proteins are processed primarily by wet and dry fractionation methods. Wet separation process for making plant protein isolates involves water and chemical usage. Dry fractionation is a green and sustainable approach: Plant materials can be de-oiled/de-fatted using supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) which has consistently demonstrated its usefulness in replacing solvents that are traditionally used for protein isolation/purification processes.
The supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technology offers many advantages to plant proteins. Extraction of vegetable oil from oil seeds is key to further processing for both concentrated protein and protein isolates. The SCCO2 technology has been tested on much smaller scales than what is needed for the global production of plant protein. Initial indications are decarbonization of vegetable oil production by over 75%. Solving the challenges associated with scalability is vital to reach the levels needed by humankind.
This presentation will delve into what is SCCO2 technology and its application to solvent free extraction of vegetable oil which is key to produce a cake that is good for human consumption and further processing to produce plant protein. Capital and operating cost are lower with this technology and will drive its commercialization.