Proteins derived from plant sources are recently gaining popularity. Moreover, the negative impact of animal protein production on the environment and awareness to produce protein through sustainable means are gaining pace.
In this growing world, humans are finding newer and better ways to fulfil their nutrient requirements, and protein concentrates are currently trending. At the same time, as of 2021, there are around 79 million vegans in the world. Is it that easy to abstain from animal-based products when even the popular whey protein is a by-product of cheese making? After you have made sure that it is a vegan product, how can you be sure of the fact that it has not come in contact with any harmful chemicals?
A number of proteins, both derived from plants and animals, have been produced commercially for a long time. The present methods of producing food proteins use harsh chemicals like acids, and alkalis to extract protein from biomass. This has an adverse effect, not only on the quality of the protein, but also on the environment owing to toxic effluents released during the extraction process.
Water breakthrough!
In an unique breakthrough, Devigere Biosolutions has brought you a protein concentrate Pulsepro, that uses water for its extraction.
A breakthrough in this industry, the company started its work in 2020 after several difficult years of hard work and research. It is the world’s first B2B company dealing in plant protein concentrates from Indian pulses that is extracted by using water, unlike other similar brands that use chemicals, solvents, acids and alkali for extracting the proteins. 
“Through years of research, we were able to find a new method to extract proteins using only water; thereby retaining its nutrients and functionality”, says Smitha Devigere, founder of the company.
Devigere Biosolutions produces sustainable, functional , clean label plant protein concentrates from Indian pulses. Apart from extracting healthy, chemical-free protein, the company uses locally produced pulses for the process. “Our vision is to provide sustainable, chemical-free protein products to the growing world. Our proteins are soluble in water, retains high functionality and nutrition,” she adds.
Protein versatility
Within a year itself, the company has developed three different types of protein concentrates – Black-Eyed Pea protein concentrate, Moong Bean protein concentrate, and Plant-based egg, all clean-label and can be used in diverse applications. They are a good option for plant-based meat and dairy, along with delicious vegan eggs. Due to the versatility of the protein concentrates, they can also be used in products other than food, like cosmetics.
Agro products contain significant amounts of proteins. Traditionally, food and feed proteins can be found in different types of biomass; in cereals (such as gluten in wheat and zein in corn), legumes (such as pea), oil crops (such as soy seeds, sunflower seeds), in dairy products (such as casein in milk), meat, fish and tubers (such as potato). 
Studies show that the largest amount of proteins is used in cattle feed, followed by food consumption. Only a limited amount of proteins is isolated for specific use, for example as emulsifiers, in food formulations, while even smaller amounts are valorised for industrial applications (chemicals, materials).
Devigere Biosolutions delivers its products pan-India. Till now, the company has delivered them to multiple businesses in Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai, and more. “Our success has been possible only after 3-4 years of research, many efforts and great investments. The challenge was that conventional businesses trusted the traditional methods for protein extraction. But our perseverance made us reach a full-fledged commercial production scale in the end,” Smita affirmed.
The team at Devigere plans to export the products this year, along with deriving a proof of concept to develop scientifically proven vegan collagen for the skincare and cosmetic industry using protein concentrates.
Read Also: Pulses: The Sun Active Grains
