ZERN Grassland

At the DIL, the project is investigating fundamental issues related to a process for extracting techno-functional proteins from grassland plants. Four interdisciplinary subprojects are addressing all process steps, from the laboratory to the pilot plant scale, with a focus on protein yield and quality, economic viability, and a positive life cycle assessment (LCA). To this end, extraction, purification, and subsequent application in food products are being systematically tested and optimized. A key focus is the comprehensive characterization of the proteins in terms of composition and techno-functional properties as a basis for process adjustments. Challenges such as protein loss due to aggregation and oxidation, as well as pH and temperature control during protein precipitation, are specifically addressed. In addition, the suitability of the proteins as substitutes for or supplements to milk and meat proteins is evaluated, including the technological requirements for processing. In parallel, a safety assessment is conducted, including nutritional characterization, evaluation of allergenic potential, and analysis for pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). Strategies for reducing PA and for separating PA-containing plants during harvest or processing are intended to enable safe, sustainable protein sources.