How to make powder with soybean extract.

1. Introduction

Soybean extract is a valuable substance due to its rich nutrient content. It contains proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds. This makes it highly applicable in various industries such as the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The process of converting soybean extract into powder form is an important step to enhance its usability and storage stability. In this article, we will explore the detailed process of making powder from soybean extract.

2. Selection of High - Quality Soybeans

2.1 Importance of Quality Soybeans

The first step in making soybean extract powder is to select high - quality soybeans. High - quality soybeans ensure that the final powder will have a rich nutrient profile. Soybeans should be free from contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and mold. These contaminants can not only affect the quality of the extract but also pose risks to the end - users in various applications.

2.2 Criteria for Selection

When selecting soybeans, several criteria need to be considered:

• Appearance: The soybeans should have a uniform size and shape. They should be smooth and free from cracks or blemishes. Discolored soybeans may indicate poor quality or spoilage.
• Texture: They should be firm and not too soft or shriveled. Soft soybeans may have been damaged during storage or handling.
• Source: It is preferable to choose soybeans from reliable sources. Organic soybeans are often a good choice as they are less likely to contain chemical residues.

3. Extraction Methods

3.1 Solvent Extraction

Solvent extraction is one of the commonly used methods to obtain soybean extract.

1. Choice of Solvent: A suitable solvent needs to be selected. Hexane is often used in the industry. It has the ability to dissolve lipids and other non - polar components from the soybeans effectively. However, the use of hexane requires strict safety measures as it is a flammable and volatile solvent.
2. Extraction Process: The soybeans are first ground into a fine meal. Then, the meal is mixed with the solvent in a suitable extraction vessel. The mixture is stirred continuously to ensure maximum contact between the solvent and the soybean components. This allows the desired compounds to be dissolved into the solvent.
3. Separation: After a certain period of extraction, the solvent - extract mixture is separated from the solid residue. This can be done using filtration or centrifugation methods. The solvent - extract mixture contains the soybean extract along with the solvent.

3.2 Mechanical Pressing

Mechanical pressing is another method for soybean extraction.

1. Pressing Equipment: Specialized pressing machines are used. These machines apply high pressure to the soybeans. The pressure forces the oil and other liquid components out of the soybeans.
2. Preparation of Soybeans: Before pressing, the soybeans are usually pre - treated. This may include cleaning, drying, and sometimes cracking or flaking the soybeans. These steps help to make the extraction more efficient.
3. Collection of Extract: The extract obtained through mechanical pressing contains not only the desired soybean extract but also some solid particles. It needs to be further processed to separate these particles and obtain a relatively pure extract.

4. Purification and Concentration

4.1 Purification

After extraction, the soybean extract needs to be purified to remove impurities.

1. Removal of Solvent Residues: If solvent extraction was used, any remaining solvent in the extract must be removed. This can be achieved through evaporation under controlled conditions. Vacuum evaporation is often preferred as it can lower the boiling point of the solvent, reducing the risk of heat - induced degradation of the extract.
2. Separation of Undesired Compounds: Other impurities such as proteins that are not part of the desired extract may also need to be removed. This can be done using techniques like chromatography. For example, size - exclusion chromatography can be used to separate different - sized molecules based on their molecular weights.

4.2 Concentration

The purified soybean extract is then concentrated to increase the content of the active ingredients.

1. Evaporation: Similar to the removal of solvent residues, evaporation can be used for concentration. By removing the water or other solvents present in the extract, the concentration of the desired components is increased.
2. Ultrafiltration: Ultrafiltration is another method for concentration. It uses membranes with specific pore sizes to allow the passage of smaller molecules (such as water) while retaining the larger, more valuable components of the soybean extract.

5. Drying Techniques

5.1 Spray Drying

Spray drying is a popular method for converting the concentrated soybean extract into powder.

1. Preparation of the Feed: The concentrated soybean extract is first prepared into a suitable feed solution. This may involve adjusting the viscosity and other properties of the extract to ensure proper atomization during the spray drying process.
2. Atomization: The feed solution is then atomized into fine droplets using a spray nozzle. The droplets are sprayed into a drying chamber where hot air is circulated.
3. Drying Process: As the droplets come into contact with the hot air, the water or solvent in the droplets evaporates rapidly. This leaves behind solid particles of the soybean extract in the form of powder. The powder is then collected from the drying chamber.

5.2 Freeze - Drying

Freeze - drying is another effective drying method.

1. Freezing: The concentrated soybean extract is first frozen. This is usually done at very low temperatures, typically below - 40°C. Freezing helps to preserve the structure and properties of the extract.
2. Sublimation: In the freeze - drying process, the ice in the frozen extract is converted directly into vapor without passing through the liquid phase. This is known as sublimation. The process is carried out under low pressure. As the ice sublimes, the remaining solid components of the extract form a porous structure.
3. Final Drying: After sublimation, some residual moisture may still be present. A secondary drying step is carried out at a slightly higher temperature and lower pressure to remove this remaining moisture completely. The resulting freeze - dried powder has excellent stability and can be easily reconstituted when needed.

6. Applications in Different Industries

6.1 Food Industry

In the food industry, soybean extract powder can be used in various ways.

• As a Protein Supplement: It can be added to protein bars, shakes, and other dietary supplements. The high protein content in the soybean extract powder provides a valuable source of nutrition for consumers, especially those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
• In Bakery and Confectionery: It can be incorporated into bread, cakes, and cookies to improve their nutritional value. It can also act as a binder or emulsifier in some products.
• In Functional Foods: Soybean extract powder can be used to develop functional foods. For example, it can be added to products claiming to have health - promoting properties such as cholesterol - lowering or antioxidant effects.

6.2 Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry also makes use of soybean extract powder.

• Drug Delivery Systems: The powder can be formulated into drug delivery systems. For example, it can be used as a carrier for drugs, allowing for controlled release of the active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Nutraceuticals: Due to its rich nutrient content, soybean extract powder can be used in the production of nutraceuticals. These are products that bridge the gap between food and pharmaceuticals, providing health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
• Tablet and Capsule Formulations: It can be used as an excipient in tablet and capsule formulations. It can help in improving the flowability and compressibility of the powder mixture during the manufacturing process.

6.3 Cosmetic Industry

In the cosmetic industry, soybean extract powder has its own applications.

• Skin Care Products: It can be added to creams, lotions, and masks. The nutrients in the soybean extract powder can help in moisturizing the skin, improving skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
• Hair Care Products: In hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners, soybean extract powder can be used to strengthen the hair, add shine, and improve hair texture.
• Cosmetic Additives: It can also be used as an antioxidant and preservative in cosmetic formulations, helping to extend the shelf - life of the products.

7. Conclusion

The process of making powder from soybean extract involves several important steps, from the selection of high - quality soybeans to the final drying process. Each step is crucial in ensuring the quality and usability of the final powder. The resulting soybean extract powder has a wide range of applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. With the increasing demand for natural and nutrient - rich products, the production of high - quality soybean extract powder is expected to grow in the future.

FAQ:

What are the key factors in selecting high - quality soybeans for soybean extract powder production?

The key factors include the variety of soybeans. Some varieties may have higher nutrient content or better extraction properties. The freshness of soybeans is also crucial. Fresher soybeans are more likely to yield a high - quality extract. Additionally, factors such as the absence of contaminants like pesticides and the physical integrity of the soybeans play a role.

How does solvent extraction work in obtaining soybean extract for powder making?

Solvent extraction involves using a suitable solvent, such as hexane. The soybeans are first crushed or ground into a fine form. Then, the solvent is added to the soybean material. The solvent selectively dissolves the desired components from the soybeans, such as oils and certain bioactive compounds. After extraction, the solvent - extract mixture is separated from the solid residue, and the solvent is usually removed to obtain the crude soybean extract.

What are the advantages of mechanical pressing compared to solvent extraction in getting soybean extract?

Mechanical pressing is a more natural and chemical - free method. It does not involve the use of solvents, which reduces the risk of solvent residue in the final product. It is also considered more environmentally friendly. However, mechanical pressing may not be as efficient in extracting all the desired components compared to solvent extraction, especially for some less accessible or more difficult - to - extract substances.

Why is purification necessary for the extracted liquid before making it into powder?

Purification is necessary to remove impurities such as proteins that are not part of the desired extract, residual solvents (if solvent extraction was used), and other unwanted substances. These impurities can affect the quality, stability, and functionality of the final powder. Purification helps to ensure that the powder has a consistent composition and meets the required standards for its intended applications in food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic industries.

What are the differences between spray drying and freeze - drying in transforming the concentrated soybean extract into powder?

Spray drying involves spraying the concentrated extract into a hot air stream. It is a relatively fast and cost - effective method. However, it may cause some heat - sensitive components in the extract to degrade. Freeze - drying, on the other hand, involves freezing the extract first and then removing the water by sublimation under low pressure. It is gentler on heat - sensitive components but is more expensive and time - consuming.

Related literature

• Soybean Extract: Production and Applications in the Food Industry"
• "Advances in Soybean Extraction Technologies for Pharmaceutical Use"
• "The Role of Soybean Extract Powder in Cosmetic Formulations"