Development of Protein Modified Milk for Prevention and Treatment of Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Biospecific absorption methodology will be developed to remove bovine serum albumin (BSA) from cow's milk for use in infant formulas as insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) is thought to be an auto immune reaction in diabetes prone individuals, which ultimately results in pancreatic Beta cell destruction. BSA is a minor protein in cow's milk, but significantly contributes to IDDM. Using ceramic beads to which an absorbant is attached which in turn absorbs BSA specifically sets up a system through which bovine milk can flow through for BSA removal. This project will allow for optimization of the conditions for the use of this method in a pilot plant. Evaluation of effectiveness of BSA removal will be monitored using a BSA specific ELISA.