Tribo-electrostatic Separation (TES)

Tribo-electrostatic separation is a novel technology in the dry fractionation of food proteins. The technique utilizes the tribo-charging properties of the components like protein, starch and fiber in a plant source. Faba beans are an excellent source of proteins with a protein content of ~25%. Saskatchewan is one of the biggest producers of faba beans and other pulse seeds. Application of a dry fractionation method in the separation of proteins is required to overcome the modification of structure in wet fractionation techniques. The change in structure results in loss of nutritional characteristics apart from the functional characteristics.

Dry fractionation utilizes the physical properties of the components of the materials to separate them. Tribo-electrostatic separation fractionates the components based on the surface charge on the protein and starch molecules. Due to friction during the contact with the wall material as well as the other molecules, protein and starch molecules can obtain charges on the surface. This charge is then used to separate the components in an electric field. This principle is used to obtain protein concentrates that are of high purity.

Research Area