In recent years, the field of omics has been establishing itself in food companies, demonstrating its enormous potential. Specifically, in the functional food sector, omics are here to stay, and proteomics, this largely unknown area, has begun to take a leading role. Would you like to know why?
Broadly speaking, proteins are composed of smaller units called peptides, which in turn are made up of even smaller molecules known as amino acids. Different amino acid compositions result in different peptides, which in turn form distinct proteins with a specific function.
Bioactive peptides as ingredients in functional food
However, more recently, it has been observed that some of these peptides, when separated from the total protein complex, can acquire certain bioactivities that carry significant potential benefits for human health. Among these bioactivities are antioxidants, antibacterial, antitumor, antihypertensive, among others.
Therefore, the exploration of new protein sources with the aim of finding bioactive peptides inside them has not gone unnoticed in the realm of functional food. In this context, proteomics plays a very significant role, as through it we can:
- Identify the proteins present in a matrix.
- Characterise and quantify peptides: Once this information is known, using various proteomic tools we can characterise and quantify the peptides they contain, as well as explore their bioactive potential. To characterise, the peptide sequence in question is studied and searched in biological databases of bioactive peptides. Functional assays of the peptides can also be performed in cell cultures to study their potential bioactivity.
- Define the processes that enable the extraction of this potential: And a step further: it forms the basis for defining the processes that allow the extraction of this potential from the matrix in which it is found. The extraction process involves enzymatic hydrolysis or bacterial fermentation and verification of the release of these peptides through targeted peptidomics.
Incorporation of bioactive peptides to increase product value
Increasingly, companies are exploring the possibility of incorporating bioactive peptides into their products, thereby enhancing their value. For years, products such as hydrolysed collagen or casein have been available on the market. Not only in this sector but also in cosmetics, animal feed, sports drinks, etc., formulas based on bioactive peptides can be found, and proteomics is the most powerful and efficient tool for achieving this.
Examples of peptide technologies recently launched on the market:
- Connective Tissue Health Technology: Bioactive collagen peptides designed to enhance mobility and reduce potential joint injuries by improving the wellbeing of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments in athletes.
- Bone Health Technology: Agglomerated collagen peptides produced from high-quality bovine sources, which are ultra-bioactive and offer better dispersibility and solubility.
- Post-Exercise Inflammation Technology: Plant-based peptides that are scientifically proven to support the recovery from muscle damage and inflammation caused by exercise.
If your company develops functional foods, we can help increase their value. At AINIA, we have a high-resolution SCIEX TripleTOF 6600+ mass spectrometer that provides the necessary data to identify bioactive peptides encrypted in a matrix (food, byproduct, etc.). Additionally, we are also experts in the technologies required to obtain and purify these peptides and validate their bioavailability and bioactivity.
