WP3 - Extraction process of seed proteins

In the context of the circular economy, a key objective of the OLEOPROTID project is to develop an eco-friendly extraction process to valorize all compounds from C. sativa seeds, producing valuable fractions suitable for the food industry. The project will investigate mucilage removal from camelina seeds to facilitate oil extraction and protein recovery. Collaboration with WP2 will produce different types of mucilage depending on cultivation conditions. The impact of ultrasound-assisted mucilage removal on protein distribution will also be studied. Protein fractionation in an integrated aqueous process will produce three fractions: an upper cream enriched in oil bodies and associated interfacial proteins, an aqueous phase enriched in minerals and water-soluble proteins, and a pellet containing slightly soluble proteins and lignocellulosic materials. Process parameters will be optimized in collaboration with WP4, and the presence of specialized metabolites (SMs) in each protein fraction will be evaluated in partnership with IJPB, BIA, and UNH. A second process involving single-screw extraction of degummed seeds will be studied in partnership with Greentech, comparing proteins from single-screw extraction defatted meal and pellets from aqueous treatment. This collaboration aims to design an efficient and feasible large-scale protein production process. The project will also determine the applicative properties of protein extracts and mucilages in collaboration with Greentech, UMRF and UNH. These characterizations will guide the design of formulations of industrial interest, exploiting the thickening, texturing, and film-forming properties of mucilages for food products.