Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Defatted Rice Bran Protein Concentrate Obtained by Modified IP–EWT Process

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives The IP–EWT is a protein recovery and purification process that combined with isoelectric precipitation (IP) and electrolyzed water treatment (EWT) to produce highly nutritious, hypoallergenic protein from heat‐stabilized defatted rice bran (HSDFRB). Here, we evaluated the physicochemical properties of HSDFRB protein concentrates obtained by modified IP–EWT in comparison with soybean protein, whey protein and casein. Findings The protein content and recovery rate of HSDFRB protein concentrates, with a maximum of 77.0 w/w% and 41.5%, were achieved using modified IP–EWT by changing NaOH concentration and isoelectric precipitation pH and removing phosphorus recovery process. The effects of pH on solubility, emulsion activity and stability, and foam capacity and stability, and the balance of oil absorption to water absorption of HSDFRB protein concentrates were similar to those of casein, rather than soy protein and whey protein, at pH values other than in acidic range. Conclusions HSDFRB protein concentrates concentrated by modified IP–EWT have similar physicochemical properties to casein at neutral and alkaline pH ranges. Significance and Novelty Here, we further concentrated HSDFRB protein concentrates by modifying IP–EWT and provided insights into their application in food products at neutral and alkaline pH ranges as a plant‐based casein analogs.