Pulse combustion drying of proteins

Abstract

Methods for pulse combustion spray drying of heat-sensitive protein compositions using high temperature pulsating jets to atomize and dry the feed simultaneously are described herein. Methods and compositions described herein provide dried protein-containing compositions with low protein denaturation and other useful functional properties at high operational efficiencies.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A dried, heat-sensitive protein composition, the composition comprising:
 solid particles including one or more proteins forming a protein fraction, wherein less than about 10% of the protein fraction includes denatured proteins; and   a total water content of less than 10% by weight.   
     
     
         15 . The dried, heat-sensitive protein composition of  claim 14 , wherein the solid particles comprise a hollow morphology. 
     
     
         16 . The dried, heat-sensitive protein composition of  claim 14 , wherein the solid particles have a mean diameter of about 5 micrometers to about 100 micrometers. 
     
     
         17 . The dried, heat-sensitive protein composition of  claim 14 , wherein the solid particles have a relative span factor of less than about 3.4. 
     
     
         18 . The dried, heat-sensitive protein composition of  claim 14 , further comprising an ash content of less than about 10% by weight. 
     
     
         19 . The dried, heat-sensitive protein composition of  claim 14 , wherein the protein fraction is derived from one or more of dried egg whites, dried milk, dried gelatins, dried casein, dried whey, dried soy, or dried gluten. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled)