Isolation and Partial Characterization of Phytic Acid-Rich Particles from Great Northern Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Phytic acid-rich particles were isolated from a combined density fraction (CDF) of Great Northern beans. CDF contained more than 80% of the total phytic acid, and 70% of the total crude protein and substantial amounts of certain minerals. CDF had phytic acid in both water soluble and water insoluble forms. An isolate containing phytic acid-rich particles was prepared from CDF using a Tris-base solution. The phytic acid-rich isolate contained 26.6% phytic acid, 34.3% protein, 30.0% total carbohydrates, 0.6% calcium, 2.1% magnesium, and 0.3% potassium. Chemical analysis and fractionation of CDF indicated that the water insoluble form of phytic acid in Great Northern beans was present as a salt of calcium-magnesium-potassium in association with proteins.