Reinhold Brand

Title: Innovations by Reinhold Brand: A Pioneer in Plant-Based Protein Extraction

Introduction

Reinhold Brand, an accomplished inventor based in Henrico, VA, has made significant contributions to the field of plant-based protein extraction. With a total of seven patents to his name, Brand is committed to advancing innovations that enhance the efficiency and quality of protein extraction from plant materials.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, Brand has developed methodologies that can revolutionize the way plant-based proteins are extracted. One notable patent involves a solvent-based de-oiling process aimed at removing oil content from a plant source prior to generating a protein concentrate. This method includes decorticating the source material, which separates the cortex and creates a flour that retains protein content. By mixing this flour with a solvent—such as supercritical CO2, subcritical CO2, or ethanol—Brand enables the extraction of a de-oiled flour. Following extraction, the de-oiled flour is dried and subsequently processed to yield a high-quality protein concentrate.

Another significant invention by Brand is a dry fractionation method that utilizes air classification to generate a protein concentrate from milled plant-based flour. This innovative system involves creating a protein-rich curd and mixing it with a specialized enzymatic cocktail, resulting in a neutral hydrolyzed protein slurry. The process concludes with pasteurization to ensure food safety and quality before extracting the final protein concentrate product.

Career Highlights

Reinhold Brand has held positions with industry leaders such as Nutriati, Inc. and Tate & Lyle Solutions USA LLC, where he applied his expertise in food science and innovation. His work focuses on improving the sustainability and efficiency of protein extraction processes, which is essential in meeting the growing demand for plant-based alternatives in the food industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Brand has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Michael A. Spinelli and Krisan Singh. These partnerships have allowed for a rich exchange of ideas and advancements, further pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of plant-based innovations.

Conclusion

Reinhold Brand stands out as a pivotal figure in the advancement of plant-based protein extraction technologies. With several groundbreaking patents, he continues to contribute to a more sustainable and nutritious food industry. As research and development in this sector progresses, Brand's innovations will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of food science.