Modular fractionation platform for valorizing wet soybean gums
A modular fractionation platform designed to convert low-TFA soybean wet gums into valuable products: a choline-rich concentrate for nutrition, a phosphate-ester concentrate for industry, and a functional emulsifier for pet food. Scalable and eco-friendly with proven unit operations.
Overview
The proposed modular fractionation platform focuses on transforming low-trans fatty acid (TFA) soybean wet gums into three high-value products. By utilizing a series of conditioning, centrifugation, tangential-flow ultrafiltration/nanofiltration (UF/NF) membranes, and ion exchange polishing techniques, it creates a choline/phosphorylcholine-rich concentrate for nutraceuticals, a phosphate-ester technical concentrate for industrial applications, and a functional polar emulsifier blend for pet food and specialized nutrition. The process is environmentally conscious, avoiding acidulation and minimizing solvent use, making it both sustainable and economically viable.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Centrifugation: Recovers entrained neutral oil and produces a consistent polar liquor.
- UF/NF Membranes: Concentrates and separates the phosphate-rich, water-soluble fraction.
- Ion Exchange & Carbon Filtration: Polishes the cuts to produce high-purity outputs.
- Finishing Options: Offers either liquid concentrate or spray-dry forms of the final products.
Applications:
- Choline/phosphorylcholine-rich concentrate is targeted for nutraceutical and specialized nutrition markets.
- Phosphate-ester technical concentrate serves as a primary volume sink in industrial formulations.
- Functional polar emulsifier blend is developed for the pet food industry and specialized nutrition needs.
Technology readiness level
Currently, the technology is at TRL 2, focusing on validating the fractionation platform and product candidates through a structured 12-month program. The program includes lab-scale confirmation of key processing parameters and bench-top pilot trials to ensure reproducibility, quality, and economic feasibility.
About University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is a comprehensive public research university in Grand Forks with a collaborative, industry‑oriented profile. Partners engage through an applied energy center offering bench‑ and pilot‑scale testing, a 50,000‑sq‑ft Tech Accelerator with wet‑lab suites, and a Center for UAS Research aligned with one of the nation’s largest university aerospace programs and dedicated test‑range access. Grand Forks sits inside a Northern Plains autonomous systems and energy cluster, giving companies access to airspace, infrastructure, and talent. Research is supported by competitive federal funding (e.g., NIH and NSF), and the medical school’s community‑based clinical network extends collaboration statewide. Commercialization is enabled by a dedicated tech transfer function and the Center for Innovation with incubation, SBIR/STTR support, and investor networks.
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