Isoelectric precipitation of soy protein. II. Kinetics of protein aggregate growth and breakage

Abstract
Protein aggregate growth and breakage in agitated suspensions are modeled. The model includes growth of particles by a turbulent collision mechanism and breakage by a hydrodynamic shear mechanism. In the model, breakage results in the splitting of the particles into several small fragments. The model parameters are a growth rate constant and a breakage rate constant. Aggregate size distributions were measured with a Coulter counter and the data interpreted using a population balance that governs the steady-state particle size distribution in a continuous stirred tank reactor. Effects of changes in the operating variables pH, concentration, mean residence time, ionic strength, and mixing power input on the model kinetic parameters are investigated.