BACKGROUNDCurrently, several techniques exist for the downstream processing of protein, phytic acid and sinapic acid from rapeseed and rapeseed meal, but no technique has been developed to separate all of the components in one process. In this work, two new downstream processing strategies focusing on recovering sinapic acid, phytic acid and protein from rapeseed meal were established. RESULTSThe sinapic acid content was enhanced by a factor of 4.5 with one method and 5.1 with the other. The isolation of sinapic acid was accomplished using a zeolite-based adsorbent with high adsorptive and optimal desorption characteristics. Phytic acid was isolated using the anion-exchange resin Purolite A200((R)). In addition, the processes resulted in two separated protein fractions. The ratios of globulin and albumin ratio to the total protein were 59.2% and 40.1%, respectively. The steps were then combined in two different ways: (a) a sequential process' using the zeolite and A200 in batch processes; and (b) a parallel process' using only A200 in a chromatographic system to separate all of the compounds. CONCLUSIONSIt can be concluded that isolation of all three components was possible in both processes. These could enhance the added value of current processes using rapeseed meal as a protein source. (c) 2015 Society of Chemical Industry