Acid Protease for Low-pH Industrial Processing
Overcome protein breakdown challenges in acidic operations with high-performance acid protease for consistent brewing, feed, and fermentation results.
In acidic manufacturing systems, particularly those under heat stress or variable operating conditions, protein-rich raw materials can resist degradation. This resistance leads to haze, reduced extract efficiency, impaired digestibility, and slower flavor development. The challenge for procurement and technical teams is sourcing a protease that retains robust activity in low-pH environments, integrates seamlessly into existing dosing systems, and delivers consistent performance at scale. Acid protease from Aspergillus niger (EC 3.4.23.18) is engineered to meet these needs, catalyzing targeted cleavage of peptide bonds between pH 2.0 and 5.0 and temperatures from 30°C to 50°C. This process releases amino nitrogen, improves protein solubilization, and lessens downstream processing loads. Its activity range of 50,000–100,000 U/g enables precise dosing matched to substrate quality, residence time, and process intensity. Whether the objective is clearer wort, faster fermentation, enhanced feed digestibility, or efficient hydrolysis in seasoning bases, acid protease transforms protein bottlenecks into tangible gains. Industries including alcohol and spirits, brewing, animal feed, soy sauce, and protein hydrolysis gain reliable acidic system performance without extensive equipment redesigns.
Alcohol & Spirits
During grain-based mashes in whisky, baijiu, or ethanol production, excess protein can hinder sugar release and raise viscosity. Acid protease breaks down these proteins early, supporting smoother liquid transfer, improved fermentation kinetics, and higher ethanol yields in acidic conditions.
Brewing
Beer producers aiming to reduce haze and improve clarity can benefit from acid protease, which hydrolyses haze-forming proteins. This enhances wort clarity, reduces filtration load, and maintains extract quality even during pH and temperature transitions.
Animal Feed
Acid protease improves protein digestibility in compound feed and premixes by breaking complex proteins into smaller peptides. This can enhance nutrient utilization, improve feed conversion ratios, and allow formulators to optimize raw material costs.
Soy Sauce & Seasonings
Fermentation of soy sauce and similar condiments relies on steady protein degradation for flavor and amino nitrogen development. Acid protease accelerates early hydrolysis stages, shortening process times and enriching flavor profiles in acidic fermentations.
| Parameter | Value |
| Activity range | 50,000 – 100,000 U/g |
| Optimal pH | 2.0 – 5.0 |
| Optimal temperature | 30°C – 50°C |
| Appearance | Light yellow to brown powder |
| Shelf life | 12 months (sealed, cool, dry place) |
| Packaging | 25 kg fiber drums / custom packaging |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acid protease used for?
Acid protease hydrolyses proteins in low-pH manufacturing systems, making it valuable for brewing, alcohol and spirits fermentation, animal feed, soy sauce, and other protein hydrolysis workflows. It releases amino nitrogen, reduces haze, improves digestibility, and supports consistent processing where acidic stability is required.
Why is acid stability important?
Many production lines operate at pH levels below where standard proteases are effective. Acid-stable proteases maintain performance in acidic environments, improving consistency and reducing under-processing risks. This stability supports predictable dosing and process control despite variations in pH, temperature, or substrate load.
How should acid protease be dosed?
Dosage depends on substrate type, protein content, target hydrolysis degree, and process time. Typical industrial trials use 0.05–0.2 g per kilogram of substrate, adjusting after pilot validation. With an activity range of 50,000–100,000 U/g, dosing can be tailored to meet throughput and cost targets in pH 2.0–5.0 and 30°C–50°C conditions.
Can it be used with other enzymes?
Yes. Acid protease can complement amylases, cellulases, or neutral proteases in multi-enzyme systems, provided pH and temperature ranges overlap. This approach enables broader substrate breakdown and efficiency gains across complex industrial processes.
What packaging and supply options are available?
This enzyme is supplied in 25 kg fiber drums, with custom packaging available for larger or specialized supply chains. The minimum order quantity is 25 kg, and it meets ISO 9001, HALAL, KOSHER, and food-grade standards. Technical data sheets can be provided upon request.
Request Acid Protease Specifications
Provide substrate type, process pH and temperature, and desired hydrolysis outcome. We’ll recommend grade (50k or 100k U/g), ship a 100 g trial with COA, and quote for 25 kg drums within 24 h.
Get Quote