A novel method for processing soluble plant leaf proteins is described. While leaf proteins are considered potentially the most abundant source of protein in nature, the lack of efficient processing techniques for leaf proteins has limited their commercial use. The method described in this patent provides a means of extracting and purifying leaf proteins from plants which is suitable for leaf protein production on an industrial scale.

A novel method for processing soluble plant leaf proteins is described. While leaf proteins are considered potentially the most abundant source of protein in nature, the lack of efficient processing techniques for leaf proteins has limited their commercial use. The method described in this patent provides a means of extracting and purifying leaf proteins from plants which is suitable for leaf protein production on an industrial scale.

A novel method for processing soluble plant leaf proteins is described. While leaf proteins are considered potentially the most abundant source of protein in nature, the lack of efficient processing techniques for leaf proteins has limited their commercial use. The method described in this patent provides a means of extracting and purifying leaf proteins from plants which is suitable for leaf protein production on an industrial scale.

This disclosure describes methods that allow for the uncoupling of microbial growth from product formation, which allows for maximal use of raw material and optimal end-product formation.

Rihulose-1,5-bisphosphate oxygenase (RuBisCO) protein fibers and a method of producing them are disclosed herein. The method of producing one or more RuBisCO protein fibers including obtaining RuBisCO, for example from tobacco, combining the RuBisCO with one or more plasticizers, heating the combination of the RuBisCO and the one or more plasticizers up to about 140 degrees C., filtering the heated combination through an about 20 ?m filter, and passing the filtered combination through an orifice to produce one or more RuBisCO protein fibers.

The disclosure describes methods for the purification of protein-enriched extracts to provide concentrates and isolates and methods for incorporation of such materials into products. The purification methods are adapted for removal of nicotine and may have other benefits, e.g., lightening the color of the protein-enriched extracts. The methods generally include treatment with peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide and filtrations. A protein composition in the form of a concentrate or isolate is provided, the protein composition including RuBisCO, F2 fraction proteins, or combination thereof extracted from a plant of the Nicotiana species, wherein the protein composition is characterized by relatively low nicotine content.

A modified rubisco activase, wherein the modified rubisco activase has a melting temperature greater than that of wild type rubisco activase. Further aspects of the disclosure relate to an isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified rubisco activase and a recombinant expression system comprising the isolated polynucleotide. Still further aspects of the disclosure relate to a plant cell transfected with the recombinant expression system. Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to a genetically modified plant expressing the isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified rubisco activase.

Disclosed is a continuous process for separating or extracting proteins from a low grade mixture of a protein of interest, other proteins, impurities, and salts in a continuous simulated moving bed separation process. The invention provides for direct extraction of heme protein and plant protein from a crude mixture of such proteins, other proteins, impurities and salts using the chromatographic technique of simulated moving bed (SMB) continuous chromatography. The SMB process combines the steps of feed loading, adsorbent washing, product elution, adsorbent regeneration, and adsorbent equilibration. The novel strong anion exchange resin adsorbent is a quaternary amine cross-linked microcellulose wherein the microcellulose is cross-linked with epichlorohydrin and the quaternary amine is 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethyl-ammonium chloride which exhibits selective adsorption of proteins and complete regeneration. Purified protein separated in this manner may provide human health benefits by providing greater medicinal and nutrition opportunities from low quality protein sources.

The present invention relates to Rubisco activase (RCA) and functionally equivalent polypeptides that confer thermostability to a complex comprising Rubisco activase and Ribulose-1,5-bis-phosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco).

A process for the production of ethanol. comprising: fermentation of a feed. under anaerobic conditions. wherein the feed contains a di-saccharide. oligo-saccharide and/or poly-saccharide and wherein the fermentation is carried out in the presence of a recombinant yeast cell. which recombinant yeast produces a combination of proteins having glucosidase activity: and recovery of ethanol. and a recombinant yeast cell for use therein.