Acid Protease for Protein Hydrolysates
Controlled low-pH hydrolysis for peptides, savoury bases and functional protein ingredients.
Protein hydrolysis is a controlled demolition. How far you take it, and which bonds you cut, determines whether you end up with a functional peptide ingredient, a savoury base with depth, or a bitter product nobody will buy. Acid protease is used where the hydrolysis needs to run on the acid side, either because the substrate is already acidic, because the finished product must be, or because the cleavage pattern of an acid protease gives the profile the formulator is after. Because it operates without the pH swings a neutral or alkaline route would require, it can simplify processing and reduce the salt load created by repeated neutralisation. We supply acid protease in bulk for hydrolysate production, with samples so you can establish your own degree-of-hydrolysis curve before scaling.
Plant protein hydrolysates
Soy, wheat gluten, pea, rice and corn proteins are hydrolysed to improve solubility, dispersibility and digestibility, and to generate peptides with functional or nutritional value. Working at acid pH suits substrates and finished products that are themselves acidic.
Savoury bases and seasoning
Enzymatic hydrolysis is the route to savoury depth without the harshness of acid hydrolysis. Controlling how far the reaction proceeds is what separates a rounded savoury base from a bitter one, which is why reproducible enzyme performance matters more here than raw speed.
Collagen, fish and animal protein
Collagen and fish protein are hydrolysed into peptides for food, beverage and nutritional applications. Acid conditions suit several of these processes, and controlled hydrolysis governs molecular weight distribution, which in turn governs solubility and mouthfeel.
Yeast and microbial protein
Yeast extract and related savoury ingredients rely on proteolysis to release peptides and amino acids. Acid protease is one of the tools used to shape that profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hydrolyse with an enzyme instead of acid?
Chemical acid hydrolysis is indiscriminate. It destroys sensitive amino acids, produces unwanted by-products and requires heavy neutralisation afterwards. Enzymatic hydrolysis is selective and can be stopped where you want it, which gives control over the finished profile.
How do we control bitterness?
Bitterness usually comes from hydrophobic peptides generated at intermediate degrees of hydrolysis. It is managed through the choice of enzyme, how far the reaction is taken and sometimes a second enzyme to trim the responsible peptides. Establishing that curve on your substrate is what a trial is for.
What determines the degree of hydrolysis?
Substrate, enzyme dose, time, temperature and pH together. Because those interact, the reliable route is to run the curve on your own material rather than transfer a figure from a different substrate.
How is the reaction stopped?
Normally by thermal inactivation, and sometimes by shifting pH away from the enzyme's working range. The right approach depends on what the downstream process and the finished product can tolerate.
Can we get material for process development?
Yes. We supply samples for development work so you can establish conditions at bench and pilot scale before committing to bulk.
Develop your hydrolysate with our material
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.
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