The Production of Protein Foaming Agent from Baijiu Vinasse

Abstract

Baijiu vinasse was used as the protein source to produce protein foaming agent. The hydrolysis conditions were optimized. The results show that the optimal conditions are: for every 20 g of baijiu vinasse, 1 g CaO and 80 mL water are add, the reaction temperature is 80°C and reaction time is 2 h. Hydrolyzed twice under the optimal conditions, the protein extraction rate can reach 30.5%. After the hydrolyzation, supernatant was collected, neutralized and condensed to 3% protein content as protein foaming agent. Foam properties were determined by Ross-Miles meter. The foamability is 172 mm, and foam stability is 160 mm, which shows huge potential for application.

Mechanisms of Air Entraining of Proteins in Cementitious Materials

“…Surfactants can adsorb on the air–water interfaces and improve the conditions for bubble formation and stability by lowering the surface tension. − The molecular structure of surfactants generally consists of a nonpolar hydrophobic tail and a polar hydrophilic, ionic head, which facilitates surfactants’ adsorption on different substrates. , Many proteins extracted from animal and plant sources, including albumin from eggs, keratin from bovine hair and hooves, collagen from bone glue or hide, and glutens found in wheat and casein milk products, can also act as surface active agents due to the presence of hydrophobic segments in their molecular structure. − Proteins have been used throughout history as an additive in construction materials, − and more recently, studies were performed on the use of protein foaming agents in cementitious environments, ,− such as those found in milk, − blood, − or plants. − It was found that proteins can undergo conformational changes, including denaturation of the secondary and tertiary structures, hydrolysis, and salt formation when exposed to cement pore solution. , One study found that proteins can create smaller voids than synthetic admixtures, although their microstructure varies significantly based on their type and concentration …”