Rapeseed proteins for technical applications: Processing, isolation, modification and functional properties - A review

Plant proteins offer an interesting resource for the growing bio-economy of the 21st century, as they present a renewable resource with a variety of functional properties, such as foaming, emulsification and film-forming. Rapeseed proteins can be isolated as high-value components from residual materials of oilseed processing. Feed and food use, though currently being the primary area of research, is limited due to residual anti-nutritive components. Thus, the application of rapeseed protein preparations in the technical (non-food) industry, as alternatives to petro-based chemicals, is of great interest. The present review gives an overview of rapeseed processing with an emphasis on alternative defatting methods. Protein extraction and isolation studies are compared with a focus on raw material properties, processes, and the resulting protein yields. Functional properties and methods for their modification are discussed. Finally, examples for the application of rapeseed proteins in the technical industry are presented.