Articles
Application of Membrane Filtration Technique in Preparation of Protein-Rich Feed from Spent Tea
Authors:
G. A. A. R. Perera ,
Biochemistry Division Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle 22100, LK
About G. A. A. R.
Department of Export Agriculture, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Passara Road, Badulla 90000
A. M. T. Amarakoon,
Biochemistry Division Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle 22100, LK
About A. M. T.
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya 11600
D. C. K. Illeperuma,
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, LK
About D. C. K.
Department of Food Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture
P. K. P. Muthukumarana
Biochemistry Division Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle 22100, LK
Abstract
Spent tea, the main by-product of instant tea manufacture contains 20-30% crude protein. Though the spent tea is a suitable source of protein for animals, only about 20% of its protein is bioavailable for them when it is given as a feed in untreated form. Conventional protein isolation procedures are expensive, lengthy and result in protein with reduced nutritive value. Applicability of the membrane filtration technique in preparing a protein-rich feed from the alkali extract of spent tea was investigated. A suitable membrane for filtration was identified and operating parameters were optimized. Dried alkali extract and the concentrates obtained by dia-filtration of the alkali extract were analyzed for nutritionally important constituents. Membrane with molecular weight cut-off of 100,000 Da and operating temperature of 30°C and inlet and outlet pressures of 4.6 and 3 bars respectively, were found to be the most suitable for preparing the feed. The dried alkali extract contained 17.5% protein, 12.2% polyphenols, 2.8% caffeine and 18.1% total ash. The dried feed prepared by membrane filtration of alkali extract followed by two consecutive dia-filtrations, contained higher level of protein (24.2%), low level of polyphenol (7%), caffeine (0.9%) and total ash (12.3%). Further, this feed contained all essential amino acids except threonine.
How to Cite:
Perera, G.A.A.R., Amarakoon, A.M.T., Illeperuma, D.C.K. and Muthukumarana, P.K.P., 2019. Application of Membrane Filtration Technique in Preparation of Protein-Rich Feed from Spent Tea. Journal of Food and Agriculture, 12(2), pp.13–22. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jfa.v12i2.5220
Published on
28 Dec 2019.
Peer Reviewed
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