# US 5,703,211 A · Collagen finings and preparation thereof > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,703,211 A - Document ID: US5703211A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/404,927 - Filed: 1995-03-16 - Granted: 1997-12-30 - Earliest claimed: 1994-03-17 - Inventors: Robert Taylor - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5703211A ## CPC - C08H 1/06: derived from horn, hoofs, hair, skin or leather - C12H 1/0424: {with the aid of a polymer} - Y10S 530/857: Fish; fish eggs; shell fish; crustacea - C08H: DERIVATIVES OF NATURAL MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS (polysaccharides C08B; natural rubber C08C; natural resins or their derivatives C09F; bituminous materials C10) - C12H: PASTEURISATION, STERILISATION, PRESERVATION, PURIFICATION, CLARIFICATION OR AGEING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; METHODS FOR ALTERING THE ALCOHOL CONTENT OF FERMENTED SOLUTIONS OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES (simulation ageing by flavouring C12G3/06) - Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS ## Abstract The present invention relates to a process for preparing collagen finings. The process comprises providing collagen in the form of undried fish isinglass which has been freshly prepared or frozen, substantially in the absence of any pre-drying, and hydrolyzing the isinglass under conditions to solubilize the collagen. By using freshly-prepared or frozen isinglass, the irreversible changes to collagen arising from pre-drying of isinglass are largely avoided. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A process for preparing collagen finings comprising the steps of providing collagen in the form of fresh undried fish isinglass, freezing the isinglass in the absence of any pre-drying, and hydrolyzing the isinglass under conditions to solubilize the collagen. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A process according to claim 1, wherein the isinglass is thawed before being hydrolyzed. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A process according to claim 1, wherein the isinglass is comminuted before being hydrolyzed. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A process according to claim 1, wherein the isinglass is freeze-dried before being hydrolyzed. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A process according to claim 1, wherein the isinglass is hydrolyzed to solubilize at least 90% of the collagen. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A process according to claim 1, wherein the isinglass is hydrolyzed at a pH in the range of 1.5 to 5 or 8 to 13. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A process according to claim 1, wherein the isinglass is hydrolyzed for 16 hours or less. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A process according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of hydrolysis is in the range 0.degree. to 25.degree. C. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A process according to claim 1, wherein the solubilized collagen is prepared as a liquid. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A process according to claim 1, wherein the solubilized collagen is prepared as a paste. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) A process according to claim 10, wherein the paste is freeze-dried. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) Collagen finings prepared in accordance with the method of claim 1. ### Claim 13 A process for preparing collagen finings comprising the steps of providing collagen in the form of undried fish isinglass which has been freshly prepared in the absence of any pre-drying, and hydrolyzing the isinglass under conditions to solubilize the collagen. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The process according to claim 13, wherein the isinglass is comminuted before being hydrolyzed. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The process of claim 13, wherein the isinglass is hydrolyzed to solubilize at least 90% of the collagen. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) A process according to claim 13, wherein the isinglass is hydrolyzed at a pH in the range of 1.5 to 5 or 8 to 13. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) A process according to claim 13, wherein the isinglass is hydrolyzed for 16 hours or less. ### Claim 18 (depends on 13) A process according to claim 13, wherein the temperature of hydrolysis is in the range 0.degree. to 25.degree. C. ### Claim 19 (depends on 13) A process according to claim 13, wherein the solubilized collagen is prepared as a liquid. ### Claim 20 (depends on 13) A process according to claim 13, wherein the solubilized collagen is prepared as a paste. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) A process according to claim 20, wherein the paste is freeze-dried. ### Claim 22 (depends on 13) Collagen finings prepared in accordance with the method of claim 13. ### Claim 23 A process for clarifying fermented beverages comprising the steps of adding collagen finings to the beverage wherein the collagen finings are made from fish isinglass prepared without pre-drying the isinglass, said fish isinglass being hydrolyzed under conditions to solubilize collagen in the isinglass to provide the collagen finings; and precipitating suspended material in the beverage to clarify the beverage. ### Claim 24 (depends on 23) The process of claim 23, wherein the fermented beverage is beer or wine. ### Claim 25 (depends on 23) The process of claim 23, wherein the fish isinglass is fresh at the time of hydrolysis. ### Claim 26 (depends on 23) The process of claim 23, wherein the fish is frozen from a fresh condition prior to hydrolysis. ### Claim 27 A process for preparing and handling fish isinglass for use in preparation of collagen finings for clarifying potable liquors comprising separating swim bladders from fish; rapidly freezing the freshly separated swim bladders in the absence of predrying; and transporting the swim bladders in a frozen condition. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The process of claim 27, wherein the fish are selected from the group consisting of the fish families polynemidae, sciaenidae and siluridae.