Process for the continuous enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins

A continuous process for production of protein hydrolysates, in which proteins are submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis in aqueous solution, comprising the following steps:

• (i) aerating a reaction vessel containing a reaction mixture of proteins and enzymes from the bottom, thereby producing convection,
• (ii) leading the reaction mixture, moving as a result of convection, through a seaweed ultrafiltration membrane present in the reaction vessel to obtain a permeate and a retentate,
• (iii) withdrawing the resultant permeate containing the hydrolysis products immediately after passing through the membrane and is discharged from the reactor, whereas the retentate, containing unreacted proteins and enzymes, remains in the reaction vessel, and
• (iv) compensating the amount of permeate withdrawn by continuous feed of fresh starting proteins.