Developing functional protein fractions

2020-2022

Ms. Schlangen is developing plant-based meat with next-generation ingredients by developing more efficient and optimized protein fractionation processes.

PRODUCTION PLATFORM: Plant-based

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR:  End product formulation and manufacturing

Gfi's competitive research grants program badge, featuring a whole cut of meat within a magnifying glass representing research

Project aims

This project designs a fractionation process for peas and mung beans that is tailored toward ideal properties for plant-based meat. It analyzes the relationship among raw material properties, process conditions, and structuring process. Ultimately, the research develops final product concepts based on tailored ingredients for optimization of organoleptic quality.

This work will improve our understanding of functional fractionated proteins. It could also reduce the number of ingredients and increase consumer acceptance of plant-based meat.

Principal researcher

Gfi grantee ms. Miek schlangen, lead researcher, wageningen university, the netherlands

Ms. Miek Schlangen

Lead Researcher, Wageningen University, the Netherlands

Ms. Schlangen heads a team with expertise in structuring plant ingredients. She uses shear cell technology as well as extrusion, bringing products to market through collaboration with the private sector.

Research grant program badge

Page

Research grants

Learn about cutting-edge alternative protein research funded by GFI. Find funding opportunities for your own research.

View related grant projects

Field of rye, representing agricultural sidestreams for alternative protein production

Valorizing agricultural side streams

GFI grantee Dr. Marieke Bruins at Wageningen University in the Netherlands is valorizing agricultural side streams for alternative proteins.

Plant-based minced meat

Proteins under pressure

Learn about Dr. Ciara McDonnell’s work to establish high-pressure processing and high-pressure thermal processing parameters for plant proteins.

Fresh fava beans in a bowl

Texturizing proteins and fiber

GFI grantee Dr. Girish Ganjyal at Washington State University is texturizing proteins and fiber to make better plant-based meat.

Plant-based meat on a grill

Shear cell technology

GFI grantee Dr. Birgit Dekkers at Rival Foods in The Netherlands is developing shear cell technology to make whole cuts of plant-based meat.

Explore research opportunities

  • Cultivated icon Cultivated
  • Fermentation icon Fermentation
  • Plant-based icon Plant-Based

Consumer and sensory research to guide alternative fish R&D

Consumer and sensory research can help companies and academic researchers better understand seafood consumers’ needs and desires. Understanding consumers’ needs will allow alternative fish researchers to ask and prioritize the…

Read more
  • Cultivated icon Cultivated
  • Fermentation icon Fermentation
  • Plant-based icon Plant-Based

Catalog of animal meat flavors

Creating a catalog of molecules responsible for the characteristic flavor of a species will enable alternative protein product manufacturers to create products that more accurately replicate the sensory experience of…

Read more
  • Cultivated icon Cultivated
  • Fermentation icon Fermentation
  • Plant-based icon Plant-Based

Optimizing fat profiles for nutritional and sensory properties

Because alternative meat’s fat content and fatty acid profile can be more easily controlled than conventional meat’s, there is an opportunity to alter fat content for nutritional benefits. Additional research…

Read more
A closeup view of a plated plant-based burger with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles

The science of plant-based meat

Learn about the science of plant-based meat. Discover resources and research on the latest technological developments and key scientific questions.

Two workers in sterile clothing inside a food manufacturing facility

Plant-Based Meat Manufacturing Guide

Learn about plant-based meat manufacturing by extrusion and explore directories of ingredients, facilities, and co-manufacturers.