A protein composition derived from silk fibroin, which composition possesses enhanced solubility and stability in aqueous solutions. The primary amino acid sequence of native fibroin is modified in the SDP such that cysteine disulfide bonds between the fibroin heavy and fibroin light protein chains are reduced or eliminated. Additionally, the composition can have a serine content that is reduced by greater than 40% compared to native fibroin protein, and the average molecular weight of the SDP is less than about 100 kDa.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating or detecting allergy in a subject. The invention may be used to reduce allergenicity of compositions, such as food products, or to stimulate immunogenicity of products, such as vaccines. The invention may be used in any mammal such as human.

The array induced electric field fluid reaction system comprises a reaction unit array with a plurality of reaction units interactively connected as a network configuration, a power supply and a sample container, wherein each reaction unit has a closed iron core, a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil and secondary coil are, respectively, wound around two sides of the closed iron core, and the secondary coil comprises an insulation pipe for circulating the reaction medium. When the array induced electric field fluid reaction system operates, no charged needle-type electrodes or electrode plates are inserted into the reaction medium. Electrochemical reaction and metal contamination may be avoided. The reaction units can form an array network connection and series/parallel connection, and when the induced electric field in each reaction unit is acted on the reaction medium, specific reaction effects may be achieved.

An emulsified composition containing methyl cellulose, a starch material, edible oil or fat, and an emulsifying material, in which the emulsifying material contains protein, and the starch material is one or two kinds selected from the group consisting of a component (A) and a component (B) below. component (A): a powdery material satisfying the following conditions (1) to (4), (1) a starch content is equal to or more than 75% by mass, (2) a low molecular weight starch (a peak molecular weight of equal to or more than 3?10.sup.3 and equal to or less than 5?10.sup.4) having an amylose content of equal to or more than 5% by mass is included, a content of the low molecular weight starch being equal to or more than 3% by mass and equal to or less than 45% by mass, (3) a degree of swelling in cold water at 25? C. is equal to or more than 5 and equal to or less than 20, and (4) a content under a sieve with openings of 3.35 mm and on a sieve with openings of 0.038 mm is equal to or more than 60% by mass and equal to or less than 100% by mass; and component (B): a starch material, a raw material starch of which is one kind or two or more kinds selected from the group consisting of a cornstarch, a tapioca starch, a wheat starch, and a pea starch.

A chunk meat-like meat alternative and a method of producing the same, the method including: mixing a fiber bundle-shaped textured protein and a binder to obtain a mixture; and stretching the mixture to obtain a stretched mixture having a degree of orientation of a fiber direction of the fiber bundle-shaped textured protein in a cross section along a direction of the stretching of 1.1 or more.

A protein-rich food product comprising water and solids, wherein at least 70% of the solids consist of protein, and a method for making the protein-rich food product. The protein-rich food product is capable of replacing flour food products as a low-calorie, gluten-free, high-protein alternative.

A protein-rich food product comprising water and solids, wherein at least 70% of the solids consist of protein, and a method for making the protein-rich food product. The protein-rich food product is capable of replacing flour food products as a low-calorie, gluten-free, high-protein alternative.

The present invention provides a laccase exhibiting excellent activity in a pH range that includes alkaline range. Both a laccase comprising the amino acid sequence of a laccase derived from Chrysocorona lucknowensis and a laccase having a similar sequence in which said amino acid sequence serves as the base backbone exhibit excellent activity in a pH range that includes alkaline range.

The present invention provides a laccase exhibiting excellent activity in a pH range that includes alkaline range. Both a laccase comprising the amino acid sequence of a laccase derived from Chrysocorona lucknowensis and a laccase having a similar sequence in which said amino acid sequence serves as the base backbone exhibit excellent activity in a pH range that includes alkaline range.

Provided are a plant-based fibrous base material in which any unpleasant odor is suppressed, and a product containing a replica meat obtained by processing said base material. The plant-based textured base material contains a plant-protein-containing fibrous structure, linoleic acid and linolenic acid in an amount of no more than 25 mg/dry weight base material (g) in total, phospholipids in an amount of at least 0.5 mg/dry weight base material (g), and protein in an amount of no more than 540 mg/base material dry weight (g). The base material preferably has stress in an amount of at least 0.7?10.sup.5 Pa.