ABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of this investigation was to confirm the best operation conditions in the membrane separation of protein from the homogenate of red earthworm, Eisenia faefida. METHODS: Ultrafiltration membrane of fresh red earthworm with the cut-off of 10 000 was used as the target process, with the homogenate flux as index, the best value of operation parameters such as pressure、 temperature, surface rotation speed and feed concentration were fixed on. RESULTS: (1) The best suitable operation conditions were 0.25 MPa, 30?C , 200 r/min, pH=6.7, 33.3% (w:w) concentration and not a bit of NaCl. (2) The molecular weight distribution of protein in the homogenate of red earthworm mainly lay between 50 000～100 000. CONCLUSION: The obtained experimental results will provide pilot scale test with data support.