Method and apparatus for separation of milk, colostrum, and whey

Abstract

Apparatus and method for separation of milk and milk products, e.g., involving sequential separation of milk, colostrum, and whey components by cross-flow filtration. The apparatus and method in a preferred aspect employ cross-flow filtration, chromatography and fermentation to separate and fully utilize the components of milk, colostrum, and whey to generate numerous individual components, minimize waste, lower adverse environmental issues and provide enhanced economic benefits to dairy producers. A wide variety of consumer and nutraceutical products can be produced from the fractions and/or sub-fractions of milk products obtained from such separation. The invention further contemplates a methodology for selecting optimum membrane, device, and operating conditions to achieve a desired separation.

1 . A method for sequentially separating components of milk, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a milk source;    (b) effectuating a sufficient flow of milk from the milk source through one or more cross-flow filtration modules, using one or more fluid delivery means, wherein each fluid delivery means is connected to at least one cross-flow filtration module; and    (c) sequentially capturing one or more filtration fractions generated by the cross-flow filtration modules.    
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein each cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one permeate, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and multiple fluid-flow sub-channels each extending between the inlet and outlet, that are of equal length to one another as measured between the inlet and the outlet.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the cross-flow filtration modules comprise filtration membranes selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based membranes, polymer-based membranes, and ceramic-based membranes.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk from the milk source is flown through a cream separator upstream of the cross-flow filtration modules to remove at least part of a fatty component of the milk.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk is pasteurized before being flowed to the cross-flow filtration modules.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of controlling and monitoring temperature of the fluid within the cross-flow filtration modules.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of recycling water generated by the cross-flow filtration modules.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk is flowed through a cross-flow filtration module to be separated into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the casein-rich fraction of the milk is captured as retentate of the cross-flow filtration module, and wherein the casein-depleted fraction of the milk is captured as permeate of the cross-flow filtration module.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 5 KD to about 3000 KD.  
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 50 KD to about 2000 KD.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 100 KD to about 2000 KD.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a cellulose-based membrane selected from the group consisting of cellulose membranes, cellulose acetate membranes, and regenerated cellulose membranes.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 13 , wherein the cellulose-based membrane has an average pore size in a range of from about 5 KD to about 100 KD.  
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a regenerated cellulose membrane having an average pore size of about 100 KD.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a polymer-based membrane selected from the group consisting of polysulfone (PS) membranes, polyethersulfone (PES) membranes, sulfonated-polyethersulfone (S-PES) membranes, sulfonated-polysulfone (S-PS) membranes, polyamide (PA) membranes, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyolefin (PO), and polyvinylidinedifluoride (PVDF) membranes.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 16 , wherein the polymer-based membrane has an average pore size in a range of from about 5 KD to about 3000 KD.  
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a polymer-based membrane having an average pore size of about 2000 KD.  
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a polysulfone membrane having an average pore size of about 2000 KD.  
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 8 , further comprising the step of concentrating and/or diafiltering the casein-rich fraction.  
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 8 , further comprising the step of concentrating and/or diafiltering the casein-depleted fraction.  
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the casein-rich fraction is used to manufacture a diary product selected from the group consisting of: casein, micellular casein, caseinates, cheese, process cheese, process cheese food, milk powder, skim milk powder, and substrate for milk protein concentrate.  
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the casein-depleted fraction is used to manufacture a diary product selected from the group consisting of: whey protein isolates (WPI), whey protein subcomponents, and whey protein concentrates (WPC).  
     
     
         24 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein the casein-depleted fraction is used for manufacturing a product selected from the group consisting of: infant formula, α-lactalbumin enriched WPI, sialyllactose and α-lactalbumin enriched WPC, sialyllactose and α-lactalbumin enriched WPI, β-lactoglobulin enriched WPI, β-lactoglobulin enriched WPC, α-lactalbumin depleted WPI, α-lactalbumin depleted WPC, sialyllactose and α-lactalbumin depleted WPI, sialyllactose and α-lactalbumin depleted WPC, sialyllactose enriched lactose, α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin and sialyllactose.  
     
     
         25 . A method according to  claim 8 , further comprising the steps of: 
 adding fatty component of milk to the casein-rich fraction; and    drying said casein-rich fraction to form milk powder having a predetermined concentration of fatty component.    
     
     
         26 . A method according to  claim 1 , comprising the steps of: 
 optionally flowing the milk from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to remove at least a portion of bacteria contained therein;    flowing the milk, optionally filtered in the first cross-flow filtration module, through a second cross-flow filtration module to separate the milk into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction;    capturing the casein-rich fraction;    flowing the casein-depleted fraction of the milk through a third cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with albumin and immunoglobulins and a fraction that is depleted of albumin and immunoglobulins;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with albumin and immunoglobulins;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of albumin and immunoglobulins of the milk through a fourth cross-flow filtration module to form a β-lactoglobulin-rich fraction and a β-lactoglobulin-depleted fraction;    capturing the β-lactoglobulin-rich fraction;    flowing the β-lactoglobulin-depleted fraction of the milk through a fifth cross-flow filtration module to form a α-lactalbumin-rich fraction and a α-lactalbumin-depleted fraction;    capturing the α-lactalbumin-rich fraction;    flowing the α-lactalbumin-depleted fraction of the milk through a sixth cross-flow filtration module to form a complex carbohydrates rich fraction and a complex carbohydrates depleted fraction;    capturing the complex carbohydrates rich fraction;    flowing the complex carbohydrates depleted fraction through a seventh cross-flow filtration module to form a lactose-rich fraction and a lactose-depleted fraction;    capturing the lactose-rich fraction; and    discharging and/or recycling the lactose-depleted fraction of milk.    
     
     
         27 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of pasteurizing the milk source and/or any fraction of the milk components generated therein.  
     
     
         28 . A method according to  claim 26 , wherein the cross-flow filtration modules comprise filtration membranes selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based membranes, polymer-based membranes, and ceramic-based membranes.  
     
     
         29 . A method according to  claim 26 , wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises a cellulose-based membrane selected from the group consisting of cellulose membranes, cellulose acetate membranes, and regenerated cellulose membranes.  
     
     
         30 . A method according to  claim 26 , wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises a membrane having average pore size in the range from about 100 KD to about 3000 KD.  
     
     
         31 . A method according to  claim 26 , wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises a membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 100 KD to about 1000 KD, selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based membranes selected from the group consisting of cellulose membranes, cellulose acetate membranes, and regenerated cellulose membranes.  
     
     
         32 . A method according to  claim 26 , wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises a polymeric membrane having an average pore size in a range of between 800 KD and 2500 KD and/or a measured bubble point between 65 and 120 PSIG.  
     
     
         33 . A method according to  claim 26 , wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises a regenerated cellulose membrane having an average pore size of about 100 KD.  
     
     
         34 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of separating and purifying albumin and immunoglobulins from the fraction that is enriched with albumin and immunoglobulins, using a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, cross-flow filtration, cross-flow chromatography, and diafiltration.  
     
     
         35 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of separating and purifying β-lactoglobulin from the β-lactoglobulin-rich fraction of the milk, using a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, cross-flow filtration, cross-flow chromatography, and diafiltration.  
     
     
         36 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of separating and purifying α-lactalbumin from the α-lactalbumin-rich fraction of the milk, using a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, cross-flow filtration, cross-flow chromatography, and diafiltration.  
     
     
         37 . A method according to  claim 36 , further comprising the step of adding the separated and purified α-lactalbumin into the casein-depleted fraction of the milk generated by the second cross-flow filtration module to form an α-lactalbumin-enriched soluble milk protein concentrate.  
     
     
         38 . A method according to  claim 37 , further comprising the step of drying the α-lactalbumin-enriched soluble milk protein concentrate to form a powder product.  
     
     
         39 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of separating and purifying complex carbohydrates from the complex carbohydrates-rich fraction of the milk, using a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, cross-flow filtration, cross-flow chromatography, and diafiltration.  
     
     
         40 . A method according to  39 , further comprising the step of fractioning the complex carbohydrates into one or more subcomponents using a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, cross-flow filtration, cross-flow chromatography, and diafiltration.  
     
     
         41 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of subjecting the lactose-rich fraction of the milk to a bacterial process and/or an enzymatic process.  
     
     
         42 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of fermenting the lactose-rich fraction of the milk to produce at least one product selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus , lactic acid, and Vitamin B-12.  
     
     
         43 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of crystallizing the lactose-rich fraction of the milk to produce at least one product selected from the group consisting of lactose, food grade lactose,  lactobacillus , lactic acid, and Vitamin B-12.  
     
     
         44 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of combining the casein-rich fraction from the second cross-flow filtration module with the α-lactalbumin-rich fraction from the fifth cross-flow filtration module to form an α-lactalbumin-enriched substrate.  
     
     
         45 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of drying at least one of the captured fractions of milk by a method selected from the group consisting of lyophilization, spray-drying, freeze-drying, crystallization, and evaporation.  
     
     
         46 . A method according to  claim 26 , wherein each cross-flow filtration module is connected to at least one fluid delivery means for flowing the milk or a fraction of the milk therethrough.  
     
     
         47 . A method according to  claim 26 , wherein temperature of each cross-flow filtration module is controlled and monitored by temperature controlling/monitoring means.  
     
     
         48 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein sialyllactose is isolated from the milk, said method comprising the steps of: 
 optionally flowing the milk from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to filter out at least a portion of bacteria contained therein;    flowing the milk, optionally filtered in the first cross-flow filtration module, through a second cross-flow filtration module to separate the milk into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction;    capturing the casein-rich fraction;    flowing the casein-depleted fraction of the milk through a third cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin, and a fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins through a fourth cross-flow filtration module to form a sialyllactose-enriched fraction and a sialyllactose-depleted fraction;    capturing the sialyllactose-enriched fraction; and    discharging the sialyllactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         49 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk source supplies casein-depleted whey, and wherein sialyllactose is separated from said casein-depleted whey, comprising the steps of: 
 optionally flowing the casein-depleted whey from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to filter out at least a portion of bacteria contained therein;    flowing the casein-depleted whey, optionally filtered in the first cross-flow filtration module, through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin, and a fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins through a third cross-flow filtration module to form a sialyllactose-enriched fraction and a sialyllactose-depleted fraction;    capturing the sialyllactose-enriched fraction; and    discharging the sialyllactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         50 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein immunoglobulins are isolated and purified from the milk, said method comprising the steps of: 
 optionally flowing the milk from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to filter out at least a portion of bacteria contained therein;    flowing the milk, optionally filtered in the first cross-flow filtration module, through a second cross-flow filtration module to separate the milk into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction;    capturing the casein-rich fraction;    flowing the casein-depleted fraction of the milk through a third cross-flow filtration module to form an immunoglobulin-rich fraction and an immunoglobulin-depleted fraction; and    capturing both the immunoglobulin-rich fraction and the immunoglobulin-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         51 . A method according to  claim 50  further comprising the additional step of concentrating and/or diafiltering the immunoglobulin-rich fraction.  
     
     
         52 . A method according to any one of claims  50  and  51  further comprising the additional step of purifying immunoglobulins from the immunoglobulin-rich fraction by a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, cross-flow filtration, cross-flow chromatography, and diafiltration.  
     
     
         53 . A method according to any one of claims  50  and  51  further comprising the additional step of concentrating and/or diafiltering the immunoglobulin depleted fraction for further uses.  
     
     
         54 . A method according to any one of claims  50  and  51  wherein the immunoglobulins have therapeutic effects.  
     
     
         55 . A method according to any one of claims  50  and  51  wherein the immunoglobulins are used to treat gastrointestinal track disorder.  
     
     
         56 . A method according to any one of claims  50  and  51  wherein the immunoglobulins are used to treat a mammal of the same species as that of the milk source.  
     
     
         57 . A method according to any one of claims  50  and  51  wherein the immunoglobulins are used to treat a mammal of a different species from that of the milk source.  
     
     
         58 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk source supplies fluid containing mixtures of complex carbohydrates and lactose, and wherein complex carbohydrates are isolated and purified from said mixtures, said method comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the fluid mixtures from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to separate said mixtures into a complex carbohydrates rich fraction and a complex carbohydrate depleted fraction;    capturing both the complex carbohydrates rich fraction and the complex carbohydrates depleted fraction;    concentrating and/or diafiltering the complex carbohydrates rich fraction to obtain complex carbohydrates;    crystallizing and/or drying the complex carbohydrates; and    concentrating and/or diafiltering the complex carbohydrates depleted fraction to obtain lactose; and    crystallizing and/or drying the lactose.    
     
     
         59 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein sialyllactose is isolated from the milk, said method comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the milk from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to separate the milk into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction;    capturing the casein-rich fraction;    flowing the casein-depleted fraction of the milk through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin, and a fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins through a third cross-flow filtration module to form a sialyllactose-enriched fraction and a sialyllactose-depleted fraction;    capturing the sialyllactose-enriched fraction; and    discharging the sialyllactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         60 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk source directly supplies casein-depleted whey, and wherein sialyllactose is separated from said casein-depleted whey, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the casein-depleted whey from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin, and a fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a sialyllactose-enriched fraction and a sialyllactose-depleted fraction;    capturing the sialyllactose-enriched fraction; and    discharging the sialyllactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         61 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein immunoglobulins are isolated and purified from the milk, said method comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the milk from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to separate the milk into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction;    capturing the casein-rich fraction;    flowing the casein-depleted fraction of the milk through a second cross-flow filtration module to form an immunoglobulin-rich fraction and an immunoglobulin-depleted fraction;    capturing both the immunoglobulin-rich fraction and the immunoglobulin-depleted fraction;    
     
     
         62 . A method according to  claim 61  further comprising the additional step of concentrating and/or diafiltering the immunoglobulin-rich fraction.  
     
     
         63 . A method according to any one of claims  61  and  62  further comprising the additional step of purifying immunoglobulins from the immunoglobulin-rich fraction by a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, cross-flow filtration, cross-flow chromatography, and diafiltration.  
     
     
         64 . A method according to  claim 61  further comprising the additional step of concentrating and/or diafiltering the immunoglobulin depleted fraction for further uses.  
     
     
         65 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein a fraction enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose are isolated from the milk, said method comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the milk from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to separate the milk into a casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin enriched fraction and a casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin depleted fraction;    capturing the casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin enriched fraction;    optionally utilizing the captured casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin enriched fraction to manufacture a diary product selected from the group consisting of: casein, micellular casein, caseinate, cheese, process cheese, process cheese food, milk powder, skim milk powder and substrate for milk protein concentrate;    flowing the casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin depleted fraction of the milk through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose, and a fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose; and    discharging the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose.    
     
     
         66 . A method according to  claim 65 , wherein the first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one filtration membrane selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based membranes, polymer-based membranes, and ceramic-based membranes, and wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one filtration membrane selected from the group consisting of polymer-based membranes.  
     
     
         67 . A method according to  claim 65 , wherein the first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one filtration membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 30 KD to about 200 KD, and wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one polymer-based membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 1 KD to about 30 KD.  
     
     
         68 . A method according to  claim 65 , wherein the first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one regenerated cellulose membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 20 KD to about 100 KD, and wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one polymer-based membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 1 KD to about 30 KD.  
     
     
         69 . A method according to  claim 65 , wherein the first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one polymer-based membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 30 KD to about 200 KD, and wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one polymer-based membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 1 KD to about 30 KD.  
     
     
         70 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein a fraction enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose are isolated from the milk, said method comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the milk from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to separate the milk into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction;    capturing the casein-rich fraction;    optionally utilizing the captured casein-rich fraction to manufacture a diary product selected from the group consisting of: casein, micellular casein, caseinate, cheese, process cheese, process cheese food, milk powder, skim milk powder and substrate for milk protein concentrate;    flowing the casein-depleted fraction of the milk through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin, and a fraction that is depleted of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    optionally utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin to manufacture a diary product selected from the group consisting of: β-lactoglobulin enriched whey protein isolate (WPI), β-lactoglobulin enriched whey protein concentrate (WPC), α-lactalbumin depleted WPI, α-lactalbumin depleted WPC, sialyllactose and α-lactalbumin depleted WPI, and sialyllactose and α-lactalbumin depleted WPC;    flowing the albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin depleted fraction of the milk through a third cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose, and a fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose;    discharging the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose.    
     
     
         71 . A method according to  claim 70 , wherein the first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one filtration membrane selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based membranes, polymer-based membranes, and ceramic-based membranes, wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one filtration membrane selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based membranes, polymer-based membranes, and ceramic-based membranes, and wherein the third cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one filtration membrane selected from the group consisting of polymer-based membranes.  
     
     
         72 . A method according to  claim 70 , wherein the first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one filtration membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 500 KD to about 3000 KD, wherein the second cross-flow module comprises at least one filtration membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 30 KD to about 150 KD, and wherein the third cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one filtration membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 1 KD to about 30 KD.  
     
     
         73 . An apparatus for sequentially separating components of milk, comprising: 
 (a) a milk source;    (b) one or more cross-flow filtration modules communicatively connected to said milk source, for generating one or more filtration fractions;    (c) one or more fluid delivery means connected to each of said cross-flow filtration modules to effectuate flow of milk through said cross-flow filtration modules for separation of milk components; and    (d) one or more means downstream of each of said cross-flow filtration modules for sequentially capturing one or more filtration fractions generated by the cross-flow filtration modules.    
     
     
         74 . An apparatus according to  claim 73 , wherein each cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one permeate, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and multiple fluid-flow sub-channels that are of equal length between the inlet and the outlet.  
     
     
         75 . An apparatus according to  claim 73 , wherein the one or more cross-flow filtration modules comprise a filtration membrane selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based membranes, polymer-based membranes, and ceramic-based membranes.  
     
     
         76 . An apparatus according to  claim 73 , further comprising a cream separator upstream of said cross-flow filtration modules for removing at least a portion of fatty component from the milk.  
     
     
         77 . An apparatus according to  claim 73 , further comprising a pasteurizer upstream and/or downstream of said one or more cross-flow filtration modules for pasteurizing the milk.  
     
     
         78 . An apparatus according to  claim 73 , further comprising temperature controlling/monitoring means for controlling and monitoring temperature of said milk and/or filtration fractions generated by the one or more cross-flow filtration modules.  
     
     
         79 . An apparatus according to  claim 73 , comprising a cross-flow filtration module for separating the milk from the milk source into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction.  
     
     
         80 . An apparatus according to  claim 79 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises membranes selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based membranes, polymer-based membranes, and ceramic-based membranes.  
     
     
         81 . An apparatus according to  claim 79 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 100 KD to about 3000 KD.  
     
     
         82 . An apparatus according to  claim 79 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 100 KD to about 1000 KD, selected from the group consisting of cellulose-based membranes selected from the group consisting of cellulose membranes, cellulose acetate membranes, and regenerated cellulose membranes.  
     
     
         83 . An apparatus according to  claim 79 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a polymeric membrane having an average pore size between 800 KD and 2500 KD and/or a measured bubble point between 65 and 120 PSIG.  
     
     
         84 . An apparatus according to  claim 79 , wherein the cross-flow filtration module comprises a regenerated cellulose membrane having an average pore size of about 100 KD  
     
     
         85 . An apparatus according to  claim 73 , comprising: 
 an optional first cross-flow filtration module downstream of the milk source and communicatively connected thereto for filtering out all or at least a portion of bacteria contained in the milk;    a second cross-flow filtration module, downstream of the first cross-flow filtration module if provided and communicatively connected thereto, or if not provided, then communicatively connected directly to the milk source, which separates the milk into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction;    means connected to said second cross-flow filtration module for capturing the casein-rich fraction;    a third cross-flow filtration module downstream of the second cross-flow filtration module and communicatively connected thereto, which receives the casein-depleted fraction and further separates it into a fraction that is enriched with albumin and immunoglobulins and a fraction that is depleted of albumin and immunoglobulins;    means connected to said third cross-flow filtration module for capturing the fraction that is enriched with albumin and immunoglobulins;    a fourth cross-flow filtration module downstream of the third cross-flow filtration module and communicatively connected thereto, which receives the fraction that is depleted of albumin and immunoglobulins and further separates it into a β-lactoglobulin-rich fraction and a β-lactoglobulin-depleted fraction;    means connected to said fourth cross-flow filtration module for capturing the β-lactoglobulin-rich fraction;    a fifth cross-flow filtration module downstream of the fourth cross-flow filtration module and communicatively connected thereto, which receives the β-lactoglobulin-depleted fraction and further separates it into a α-lactalbumin-rich fraction and a α-lactalbumin-depleted fraction;    means connected to said fifth cross-flow filtration module for capturing the α-lactalbumin-rich fraction;    a sixth cross-flow filtration module downstream of the fifth cross-flow filtration module and communicatively connected thereto, which receives the α-lactalbumin-depleted fraction and further separates it into a complex carbohydrates rich fraction and a complex carbohydrates depleted fraction;    means connected to said sixth cross-flow filtration module for capturing the complex carbohydrates rich fraction;    a seventh cross-flow filtration module downstream of the sixth cross-flow filtration module and communicatively connected thereto, which receives the complex carbohydrates depleted fraction and further separates it into a lactose-rich fraction and a lactose-depleted fraction; and    means connected to said seventh cross-flow filtration module for capturing the lactose-rich fraction;    means for discharging and/or recycling the lactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         86 . An apparatus according to  claim 73 , comprising: 
 a first cross-flow filtration module downstream of the milk source and communicatively connected thereto, which separates the milk into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction;    means connected to said first cross-flow filtration module for capturing the casein-rich fraction;    a second cross-flow filtration module downstream of the first cross-flow filtration module and communicatively connected thereto, which receives the casein-depleted fraction and further separates it into a fraction that is enriched with albumin and immunoglobulins and a fraction that is depleted of albumin and immunoglobulins;    means connected to said second cross-flow filtration module for capturing the fraction that is enriched with albumin and immunoglobulins;    a third cross-flow filtration module downstream of the second cross-flow filtration module and communicatively connected thereto, which receives the fraction that is depleted of albumin and immunoglobulins and further separates it into a β-lactoglobulin-rich fraction and a β-lactoglobulin-depleted fraction;    means connected to said third cross-flow filtration module for capturing the β-lactoglobulin-rich fraction;    a fourth cross-flow filtration module downstream of the third cross-flow filtration module and communicatively connected thereto, which receives the β-lactoglobulin-depleted fraction and further separates it into a α-lactalbumin-rich fraction and a α-lactalbumin-depleted fraction;    means connected to said fourth cross-flow filtration module for capturing the α-lactalbumin-rich fraction;    a fifth cross-flow filtration module downstream of the fourth cross-flow filtration module and communicatively connected thereto, which receives the α-lactalbumin-depleted fraction and further separates it into a complex carbohydrates rich fraction and a complex carbohydrates depleted fraction;    means connected to said fifth cross-flow filtration module for capturing the complex carbohydrates rich fraction;    a sixth cross-flow filtration module downstream of the fifth cross-flow filtration module and communicatively connected thereto, which receives the complex carbohydrates depleted fraction and further separates it into a lactose-rich fraction and a lactose-depleted fraction; and    means connected to said sixth cross-flow filtration module for capturing the lactose-rich fraction;    means for discharging and/or recycling the lactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         87 . An apparatus according to any one of claims  85  and  86 , further comprising a pasteurizer upstream and/or downstream of any of the cross-flow filtration modules for pasteurizing the milk source or any one or more filtration fractions generated by the cross-flow filtration modules.  
     
     
         88 . An apparatus according to any one claims  85  and  86 , comprising multiple fluid delivery means arranged in a manner that each cross-flow filtration module is connected to at least one fluid delivery means, said fluid delivery means function to effectuate a flow of the milk or a fraction of the milk through each cross-flow filtration module.  
     
     
         89 . An apparatus according to any one of claims  85  and  86 , further comprising temperature controlling/monitoring means for controlling and monitoring temperature of said milk and/or filtration fractions generated by the cross-flow filtration modules.  
     
     
         90 . An apparatus according to any one of claims  85  and  86 , further comprising a cream separator upstream of said cross-flow filtration modules for removing all or at least a portion of fatty component from the milk.  
     
     
         91 . A method of milk separation, comprising separating milk to recover at least one milk product therefrom, by cross-flow membrane filtration, wherein said method does not include any chromatography or precipitation steps.  
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the milk product comprises a material selected from the group consisting of fats, lipids, insoluble casein, immunoglobulins, albumin, beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, complex carbohydrates, siallyllactose, simple carbohydrates, lactose.  
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the cross-flow membrane filtration is carried out in a cross-flow filtration module including a filter with geometrically regular subchannels geometrically corresponding to one another in a flow passage for said filtration, wherein operating conditions and/or said subchannels have been optimized with respect to shear rate and/or permeate diffusion.  
     
     
         94 . A α-lactalbumin-enriched soluble milk protein concentrate.  
     
     
         95 . A β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin-enriched whey protein isolate.  
     
     
         96 . A sialyllactose-enriched whey protein isolate.  
     
     
         97 . A method for isolating lactose and sialyllactose from a lactose and sialyllactose source liquid, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a lactose and sialyllactose source liquid comprising both lactose and sialyllactose;    (b) optionally, removing proteins from said lactose and sialyllactose source liquid, by flowing said source liquid through a first cross-flow filtration module;    (c) crystallizing the lactose and sialyllactose source liquid, so as to form lactose crystals and a soluble liquid;    (d) decanting the soluble liquid, so as to isolate the lactose crystals therefrom;    (e) passing said soluble liquid through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a sialyllactose-rich retentate fraction and a sialyllactose-depleted permeate fraction;    (f) capturing the sialyllactose-enriched retentate fraction; and    (g) discharging the sialyllactose depleted fraction.    
     
     
         98 . A method according to  claim 97 , comprising step (b) for removing proteins from said lactose and sialyllactose source liquid, by flowing said source liquid through a first cross-flow filtration module, wherein said first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one cellulose-based membrane, and wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one polymer-based membrane.  
     
     
         99 . A method according to  claim 97 , comprising step (b) for removing proteins from said lactose and sialyllactose source liquid, by flowing said source liquid through a first cross-flow filtration module, wherein said first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one filtration membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 5 KD to about 30 KD, and wherein the second cross-flow module comprises at least one filtration membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 1 KD to about 30 KD.  
     
     
         100 . A method for isolating lactose and sialyllactose, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a source liquid that contains lactose and sialyllactose therein, said source liquid being selected from the group consisting of milk, skim milk, milk whey, and colostrum;    (b) flowing said source liquid through a first cross-flow filtration module, so as to separate said source fluid into a protein-rich fraction and a protein-depleted fraction;    (c) capturing the protein-rich fraction;    (d) optionally, utilizing the captured protein-rich fraction to manufacture a diary product selected from the group consisting of: milk, skim milk, reconstituted milk, casein, micellular casein, caseinate, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, cheese, process cheese, process cheese food, milk powder, skim milk powder, and substrate for milk protein concentrate;    (e) flowing the protein-depleted fraction through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a sialyllactose-enriched fraction and a sialyllactose-depleted fraction;    (f) capturing the sialyllactose-rich fraction; and    (g) discharging the sialyllactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         101 . A method according to  claim 100 , wherein the first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one cellulose-based membrane, and wherein the second cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one polymer-based membrane.  
     
     
         102 . A method according to  claim 100 , wherein the first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one filtration membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 5 KD to about 30 KD, and wherein the second cross-flow module comprises at least one filtration membrane having an average pore size in a range of from about 1 KD to about 30 KD.  
     
     
         103 . A method for fractioning multiple economically valuable components from a skim milk source, comprising the steps of: 
 concentrating said skim milk source, so as to reach a concentration level within a range of from about 1.5 to about 6 times of that of said skim milk source before concentration;    diafiltering said concentrated skim milk source for about 1 to about 5 times;    flowing said skim milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module, so as to separate the skim milk source into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction;    capturing the casein-rich fraction;    utilizing the captured casein-rich fraction to manufacture a diary product selected from the group consisting of: casein, micellular casein, caseinate, cheese, process cheese, process cheese food, milk powder, skim milk powder and substrate for milk protein concentrate;    flowing the casein-depleted fraction through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin, and a fraction that is depleted of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin to manufacture whey protein isolates;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin through a third cross-flow filtration module, to form a fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose, and a fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose; and    utilizing said fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose for nutraceutical preparations and/or production of infant formula.    
     
     
         104 . A method according to  claim 103 , further comprising the step of flowing the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose through a fourth cross-flow filtration module, to form a lactose-enriched fraction and a lactose-depleted fraction.  
     
     
         105 . A method according to  claim 104 , further comprising the steps of (1) fermenting the lactose-enriched fraction to form a biomass, and (2) flowing said biomass through a centrifuge and/or a fifth cross-flow filtration module, to form a biomass-enriched fraction and a lactic acid fraction.  
     
     
         106 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk source supplies casein-depleted whey, and wherein α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose are separated from said casein-depleted whey, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the casein-depleted whey from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with milk proteins and a fraction that is depleted of milk proteins, wherein said milk proteins are selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with milk proteins;    optionally, utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with milk proteins for manufacturing milk products selected from the group consisting of whey protein isolates and whey protein concentrates;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of milk proteins through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose, and a fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose; and    discharging the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose.    
     
     
         107 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk source supplies casein-depleted whey, and wherein α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose are separated from said casein-depleted whey, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the casein-depleted whey from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with milk proteins and a fraction that is depleted of milk proteins, wherein said milk proteins are selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with milk proteins;    optionally, utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with milk proteins for manufacturing milk products selected from the group consisting of whey protein isolates and whey protein concentrates;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of milk proteins through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a α-lactalbumin-enriched fraction and a α-lactalbumin-depleted fraction;    capturing the α-lactalbumin-enriched fraction;    flowing the α-lactalbumin-depleted fraction through a third cross-flow filtration module to form a sialyllactose-enriched lactose fraction and a sialyllactose-depleted lactose fraction;    capturing the sialyllactose-enriched lactose fraction; and    discharging the sialyllactose-depleted lactose fraction.    
     
     
         108 . A method for fractioning multiple economically valuable components from a skim milk source, comprising the steps of: 
 concentrating said skim milk source, so as to reach a concentration level within a range of from about 1.5 to about 15 times of that of said skim milk source before concentration;    flowing the concentrated skim milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module, to form a casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin rich fraction and a casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin depleted fraction;    optionally, diafiltering the casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin rich fraction for about 1 to about 10 times;    capturing the casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin rich fraction;    utilizing the captured casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin rich fraction for manufacturing a diary product selected from the group consisting of: cheese, process cheese, process cheese food, milk powder, skim milk powder and substrate for milk protein concentrate;    flowing the casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin depleted fraction through a second cross-flow filtration module, to form a fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose, and a fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose; and    utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to manufacture a nutraceutical product and/or infant formula.    
     
     
         109 . A method according to  claim 108 , further comprising the step of flowing the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose through a third cross-flow filtration module to form a lactose-enriched fraction, and a lactose-depleted fraction.  
     
     
         110 . A method according to  claim 109 , further comprising the steps of (1) fermenting the lactose-enrich fraction to form a biomass, and (2) flowing said biomass through a centrifuge and/or a fourth cross-flow filtration module, to form a biomass-enriched fraction and a lactic acid fraction.  
     
     
         111 . A method according to  claim 108 , where the said second cross-flow filtration membrane has a retention coefficient for α-lactalbumin, so that the retention rate of α-lactalbumin is within a range of from about 20% to about 80%.  
     
     
         112 . A method for isolating lactoferrin from a skim milk source, comprising the steps of: 
 concentrating said skim milk source, so as to reach a concentration level within a range of from about 1.5 to about 15 times of that of said skim milk source before concentration;    flowing the concentrated skim milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module, to form a casein and lactoferrin rich retentate fraction and a casein and lactoferrin depleted permeate fraction;    optionally, diafiltering the casein and lactoferrin rich retentive fraction for about 1 to about 10 times;    treating the casein and lactoferrin rich retentate fraction, by adding acid and/or sodium chloride thereto, so as to facilitate the release of lactoferrin from the casein;    diafiltering the treated casein and lactoferrin rich retentive fraction for about 3 to about 10 times, so to separate such into a casein rich retentate and a casein depleted permeate, wherein said casein depleted permeate contains released lactoferrin;    flowing the casein depleted permeate fraction through a second cross-flow filtration module, to form a lactoferrin-enriched fraction and a lactoferrin-depleted fraction;    capturing the lactoferrin-enriched fraction; and    optionally, concentrating the lactoferrin-enriched fraction to form a concentrated lactoferrin product.    
     
     
         113 . A method of separating a target substance from a mixture solution containing two or more components, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the mixture solution through a first cross-flow filtration module at a predetermined shear rate, wherein said first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one permeate, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and multiple fluid-flow sub-channels of substantially equal length between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the target substance is passed into the permeate, and wherein other components of larger molecular sizes contained by the mixture solution are retained as retentive;    holding the first cross-flow filtration module at a predetermined transmembrane pressure; and    when the target substance reaches a maximum percent transmission, diafiltering the mixture solution for about 1.5 to about 20 times,    wherein said predetermined shear rate and said predetermined transmembrane pressure are determined so as to maximize the percent transmission of the target substance through said first cross-flow filtration module.    
     
     
         114 . A method according to  claim 113 , wherein said predetermined shear rate is adjusted to be within a range of from about 4,000 to about 7,000 inverse seconds, and wherein said predetermined transmembrane pressure is adjusted to be less than about 13 psig.  
     
     
         115 . A method of separating a target substance from a mixture solution containing two or more components, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the mixture solution through a first cross-flow filtration module at a predetermined shear rate, wherein said first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one permeate, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and multiple fluid-flow sub-channels of equal length between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the target substance is retained as a retentate, and wherein other components of smaller molecular sizes contained by the mixture solution are passed into the permeate;    holding the first cross-flow filtration module at a predetermined transmembrane pressure; and    when the other components of smaller molecular sizes reaches a maximum percent transmission, diafiltering the mixture solution for about 1.5 to about 20 times,    wherein said predetermined shear rate and said predetermined transmembrane pressure are determined so as to maximize the percent transmission of the other components of smaller molecular sizes through said first cross-flow filtration module.    
     
     
         116 . A method according to  claim 115 , wherein said predetermined shear rate is adjusted to be within a range of from about 4,000 to about 7,000 inverse seconds, and wherein said predetermined transmembrane pressure is adjusted to be less than about 13 psig.  
     
     
         117 . A method of separating a target substance from a mixture solution containing two or more components, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the mixture solution through a first cross-flow filtration module at a predetermined channel velocity, wherein said first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one permeate, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and multiple fluid-flow sub-channels of substantially equal length between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the target substance is passed into the permeate, and wherein other components of larger molecular sizes contained by the mixture solution are retained as retentate;    holding the first cross-flow filtration module at a predetermined transmembrane pressure; and    when the target substance reaches a maximum percent transmission, diafiltering the mixture solution for about 1.5 to about 20 times,    wherein said predetermined channel velocity and said predetermined transmembrane pressure are determined so as to maximize the percent transmission of said target substance through said first cross-flow filtration module.    
     
     
         118 . A method according to  claim 117 , wherein said predetermined channel velocity is adjusted to be within a range of from about 0.5 M/s to about 1.5 M/s, and wherein said predetermined transmembrane pressure is adjusted to be less than about 13 psig.  
     
     
         119 . A method of separating a target substance from a mixture containing two or more components comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the mixture solution through a first cross-flow filtration module at a predetermined channel velocity, wherein said first cross-flow filtration module comprises at least one permeate, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and multiple fluid-flow sub-channels of equal length between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the target substance is retained as a retentate, and wherein other components of smaller molecular sizes contained by the mixture solution are passed into the permeate;    holding the first cross-flow filtration module at a predetermined transmembrane pressure; and    when the other components of smaller molecular sizes reaches a maximum percent transmission, diafiltering the mixture solution for about 1.5 to about 20 times,    wherein said predetermined channel velocity and said predetermined transmembrane pressure are determined so as to maximize the percent transmission of the other components of smaller molecular sizes through said first cross-flow filtration module.    
     
     
         120 . A method according to  claim 119 , wherein said predetermined channel velocity is adjusted to be within a range of from about 0.5 M/s to about 1.5 M/s, and wherein said predetermined transmembrane pressure is adjusted to be less than about 13 psig.  
     
     
         121 . A method according to any of the claims  113 - 120 , wherein said predetermined transmembrane pressure is adjusted to be less than about 4 psig.  
     
     
         122 . A method according to any of the claims  113 - 120 , wherein said predetermined transmembrane pressure is adjusted to be approximately 0 psig.  
     
     
         123 . A method for concentrating one or more target substances in a solution, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a first cross-flow filtration module comprising at least one permeate, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and multiple fluid-flow sub-channels that are of equal length between the inlet and the outlet; and    passing said solution through said first cross-flow filtration module at a shear rate within a range of from about 5,000 to about 20,000 inverse seconds, so as to concentrate the target substances as a retentate thereof,    wherein transmembrane pressure of said first cross-flow filtration module is adjusted in such manner that permeate flow rate of said first cross-flow filtration module is maximized.    
     
     
         124 . A method of concentrating one or more target substances in a solution, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a first cross-flow filtration module comprising at least one permeate, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and multiple fluid-flow sub-channels that are of equal length between the inlet and the outlet; and    passing said solution through said first cross-flow filtration module at a channel velocity within a range of from about 0.8 M/sec to about 3 M/sec, so as to concentrate the target substances as a retentate thereof,    wherein transmembrane pressure of said first cross-flow filtration module is adjusted in such manner that permeate flow rate of said first cross-flow filtration module is maximized.    
     
     
         125 . A method according to  claim 8 , further comprising the steps of: 
 adding lactose component of milk to the casein-rich fraction; and    drying said casein-rich fraction to form milk powder having a predetermined lactose concentration.    
     
     
         126 . A α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose-enriched whey protein isolate.  
     
     
         127 . A method for fractioning multiple economically valuable components from a skim milk source, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing said skim milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module, so as to separate the skim milk source into a casein-rich fraction and a casein-depleted fraction and thereby concentrate said skim milk source, so as to reach a concentration level within a range of from about 1.5 to about 6 times of that of said skim milk source before concentration;    optionally, diafiltering the casein-rich fraction on said first cross-flow filtration module or on another cross-flow filtration module for about 1 to about 5 times;    capturing the casein-rich fraction;    utilizing the captured casein-rich fraction to manufacture a diary product selected from the group consisting of: casein, micellular casein, caseinate, cheese, process cheese, process cheese food, milk powder, skim milk powder and substrate for milk protein concentrate;    flowing the casein-depleted fraction through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin, and a fraction that is depleted of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin to manufacture whey protein isolates;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin through a third cross-flow filtration module, to form a fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose, and a fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose; and    utilizing said fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose for nutraceutical preparations and/or production of infant formula.    
     
     
         128 . A method according to  claim 127 , further comprising the step of subjecting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to a bacterial process and/or an enzymatic process.  
     
     
         129 . A method according to  claim 127 , further comprising the step of fermenting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to produce at least one product selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus , lactic acid, and Vitamin B-12.  
     
     
         130 . A method for isolating lactoferrin from a skim milk source, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing said skim milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module, so as to separate the skim milk source into a casein and lactoferrin rich retentate fraction and a casein and lactoferrin depleted fraction and thereby concentrate said skim milk source, so as to reach a concentration level within a range of from about 1.5 to about 6 times of that of said skim milk source before concentration;    optionally, diafiltering the casein and lactoferrin rich retentive on said first cross-flow filtration module or on another cross-flow filtration module for about 1 to about 5 times;    treating the casein and lactoferrin rich retentate fraction, by adjusting the pH and/or salt content thereto, so as to facilitate the release of lactoferrin from the casein;    diafiltering the treated casein and lactoferrin rich retentive fraction for about 3 to about 10 times, so to separate such into a casein rich retentate and a casein depleted permeate, wherein said casein depleted permeate contains released lactoferrin;    flowing the casein depleted permeate fraction through a second cross-flow filtration module, to form a lactoferrin-enriched fraction and a lactoferrin-depleted fraction;    capturing the lactoferrin-enriched fraction; and    optionally, concentrating the lactoferrin-enriched fraction to form a concentrated lactoferrin product.    
     
     
         131 . A method according to  claim 130  further comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the casein and lactoferrin depleted fraction and the optional diafiltrate of the casein and lactoferrin rich fractions of the first cross-flow filtration module through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin, and a fraction that is depleted of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin to manufacture whey protein isolates;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin through a third cross-flow filtration module, to form a fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose, and a fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose; and    utilizing said fraction that is enriched with α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose for nutraceutical preparations and/or production of infant formula.    
     
     
         132 . A method according to  claim 131 , further comprising the step of subjecting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to a bacterial process and/or an enzymatic process.  
     
     
         133 . A method according to  claim 131 , further comprising the step of fermenting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to produce at least one product selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus , lactic acid, and Vitamin B-12.  
     
     
         134 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk source directly supplies casein-depleted whey, and wherein α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose is separated from said casein-depleted whey, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the casein-depleted whey from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin and a fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose enriched fraction and a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose depleted fraction;    capturing the α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose enriched fraction; and    discharging the sialyllactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         135 . A method according to  claim 134 , further comprising the step of subjecting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to a bacterial process and/or an enzymatic process.  
     
     
         136 . A method according to  claim 134 , further comprising the step of fermenting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to produce at least one product selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus , lactic acid, and Vitamin B-12.  
     
     
         137 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk source directly supplies casein-depleted whey, and wherein α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose is separated from said casein-depleted whey, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the casein-depleted whey from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin and partially depleted of α-lactalbumin and a fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins and containing a portion of α-lactalbumin;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin and partially depleted of α-lactalbumin;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins and containing a portion of α-lactalbumin through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose enriched fraction and a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose depleted fraction;    capturing the α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose enriched fraction; and    discharging the sialyllactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         138 . A method according to  claim 137 , further comprising the step of subjecting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to a bacterial process and/or an enzymatic process.  
     
     
         139 . A method according to  claim 137 , further comprising the step of fermenting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to produce at least one product selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus , lactic acid, and Vitamin B-12.  
     
     
         140 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk source directly supplies casein-depleted whey, and wherein whey protein isolate (WPI), α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose are separated from said casein-depleted whey, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the casein-depleted whey from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with the fatty components of the casein-depleted whey and a fraction that is depleted of said fatty components of the casein-depleted whey;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said fatty components of the casein-depleted whey through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin and a fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin to manufacture whey protein isolates;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins through a third cross-flow filtration module to form a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose enriched fraction and a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose depleted fraction;    capturing the α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose enriched fraction; and    discharging the sialyllactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         141 . A method according to  claim 140 , further comprising the step of subjecting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to a bacterial process and/or an enzymatic process.  
     
     
         142 . A method according to  claim 140 , further comprising the step of fermenting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to produce at least one product selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus , lactic acid, and Vitamin B-12.  
     
     
         143 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the milk source directly supplies casein-depleted whey, and wherein whey protein isolate (WPI), α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose are separated from said casein-depleted whey, comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the casein-depleted whey from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with the fatty components of the casein-depleted whey and a fraction that is depleted of said fatty components of the casein-depleted whey;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said fatty components of the casein-depleted whey through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin and partially depleted of α-lactalbumin and a fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins and containing a portion of α-lactalbumin;    capturing the fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin and partially depleted of α-lactalbumin;    utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin and partially depleted of α-lactalbumin to manufacture whey protein isolates;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins and containing a portion of α-lactalbumin through a third cross-flow filtration module to form a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose enriched fraction and a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose depleted fraction;    capturing the α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose enriched fraction; and    discharging the sialyllactose-depleted fraction.    
     
     
         144 . A method according to  claim 143 , further comprising the step of subjecting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to a bacterial process and/or an enzymatic process.  
     
     
         145 . A method according to  claim 143 , further comprising the step of fermenting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to produce at least one product selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus , lactic acid, and Vitamin B-12.  
     
     
         146 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein milk protein concentrate (MPC) and α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose are isolated from the milk, said method comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the milk from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to separate the milk into a fraction enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin and a fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin;    capturing the casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin rich fraction;    utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin to manufacture milk protein concentrate;    optionally, utilizing the captured milk protein concentrate to manufacture a diary product selected from the group consisting of: milk, skim milk, reconstituted milk, casein, micellular casein, caseinate, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, cheese, process cheese, process cheese food, milk powder, and skim milk powder;    flowing the casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin depleted fraction of the milk through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose-enriched fraction and a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose-enriched depleted fraction;    capturing the α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose-enriched enriched fraction; and    discharging the α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose-enriched depleted fraction.    
     
     
         147 . A method according to  claim 146 , further comprising the step of subjecting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to a bacterial process and/or an enzymatic process.  
     
     
         148 . A method according to  claim 146 , further comprising the step of fermenting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to produce at least one product selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus , lactic acid, and Vitamin B-12.  
     
     
         149 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein milk protein concentrate (MPC) and α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose are isolated from the milk, said method comprising the steps of: 
 flowing the milk from the milk source through a first cross-flow filtration module to separate the milk into a fraction enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and α-lactoglobulin and partially depleted of α-lactalbumin and a fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins and containing a portion of α-lactalbumin capturing the casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin and partially depleted of α-lactalbumin fraction;    utilizing the captured fraction that is enriched with milk proteins selected from the group consisting of casein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and β-lactoglobulin and partially depleted of α-lactalbumin to manufacture milk protein concentrate;    optionally, utilizing the captured milk protein concentrate to manufacture a diary product selected from the group consisting of: milk, skim milk, reconstituted milk, casein, micellular casein, caseinate, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, cheese, process cheese, process cheese food, milk powder, and skim milk powder;    flowing the fraction that is depleted of said milk proteins and containing a portion of α-lactalbumin through a second cross-flow filtration module to form a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose-enriched fraction and a α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose-enriched depleted fraction;    capturing the α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose-enriched enriched fraction; and    discharging the α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose-enriched depleted fraction.    
     
     
         150 . A method according to  claim 149 , further comprising the step of subjecting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to a bacterial process and/or an enzymatic process.  
     
     
         151 . A method according to  claim 149 , further comprising the step of fermenting the fraction that is depleted of α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose to produce at least one product selected from the group consisting of  lactobacillus , lactic acid, and Vitamin B-12.  
     
     
         152 . A α-lactalbumin enriched product selected from the group consisting of nutraceutical preparation, juvenile formula, infant formula and senior formula.  
     
     
         153 . A α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose enriched product selected from the group consisting of nutraceutical preparation, juvenile formula, infant formula and senior formula.  
     
     
         154 . A sialyllactose enriched product selected from the group consisting of nutraceutical preparation, juvenile formula, infant formula and senior formula.  
     
     
         155 . A β-lactoglobulin enriched product selected from the group consisting of nutraceutical preparation, juvenile formula, infant formula and senior formula.  
     
     
         156 . A lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of nutraceutical preparation, juvenile formula, infant formula and senior formula.  
     
     
         157 . A α-lactalbumin, sialyllactose and lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of nutraceutical preparation, juvenile formula, infant formula and senior formula.  
     
     
         158 . A α-lactalbumin and lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of nutraceutical preparation, juvenile formula, infant formula and senior formula.  
     
     
         159 . A sialyllactose and lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of nutraceutical preparation, juvenile formula, infant formula and senior formula.  
     
     
         160 . A β-lactoglobulin and lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of nutraceutical preparation, juvenile formula, infant formula and senior formula.  
     
     
         161 . A α-lactalbumin, sialyllactose and lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.  
     
     
         162 . A α-lactalbumin and sialyllactose enriched product selected from the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.  
     
     
         163 . A α-lactalbumin and lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.  
     
     
         164 . A sialyllactose and lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.  
     
     
         165 . A sialyllactose enriched product selected from the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.  
     
     
         166 . A lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.  
     
     
         167 . A α-lactalbumin enriched product selected from the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.  
     
     
         168 . A β-lactoglobulin and lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.  
     
     
         169 . A β-lactoglobulin enriched product selected from the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.  
     
     
         170 . A lactoferrin enriched product selected from the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.  
     
     
         171 . A method according to any of the claims  1 - 50 ,  58 - 62 ,  64 - 72 ,  73 ,  97 - 120 ,  123 - 125  and  127 - 151 , wherein at least one of the cross-flow filtration module(s) is of uniform geometry.  
     
     
         172 . A method according to any of the claims  1 - 50 ,  58 - 62 ,  64 - 72 ,  73 ,  97 - 120 ,  123 - 125  and  127 - 151 , wherein each of the cross-flow filtration module(s) comprises at least one permeate, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and multiple fluid-flow sub-channels that are of substantially equal length between the inlet and the outlet.  
     
     
         173 . An apparatus according to any of the claims  73 - 86 , wherein at least one of the cross-flow filtration module(s) is of uniform geometry.  
     
     
         174 . An apparatus according to any of the claims  73 - 86 , wherein each of the cross-flow filtration module(s) comprises at least one permeate, at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and multiple fluid-flow sub-channels that are of substantially equal length between the inlet and the outlet.