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Special Issues
Extraction Technologies, Functional Properties, and Biological Activities of Plant Proteins
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Extraction Technologies, Functional Properties, and Biological Activities of Plant Proteins

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Foods".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 March 2025 | Viewed by 11620

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xiushi Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 348 Xianjiahu West Road, Changsha 410205, China
Interests: extraction, purification, and characterization of plant polysaccharides; immune-regulating and anti-hypertension effects of plant macromolecules; preparation of biodegradable coatings from plant polysaccharides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yang Yao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 80 South Xueyuan Road, Haidian, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: identification, characterization, and utilization of biological ingredients in legumes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Proteins from plant resources, such as cereal grains, legumes, and tree nuts, are gaining more and more attention worldwide owing to their functional properties and health benefits, with elevated consumer demand for non-animal proteins. Plant proteins could be applied in food processing to improve the functional performance of food matrices, such as solubility, emulsifiability, foamability, etc. Beyond these functionalities, plant proteins claim to show a series of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic properties. Both the functional and biological characteristics of plant proteins are related to their physicochemical properties and nutritional composition, which can be determined by pant resources and extraction methods.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the most recent knowledge and advances in the field of plant-derived proteins. The submission of research, short communications, or review articles providing state-of-the-art knowledge on proteins from plants is encouraged. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: traditional and novel extraction or separation technologies of plant proteins; the physiochemical characterization of plant proteins; functional property analysis of plant proteins with or without modification; the bioactive activity assessment of plant proteins by in vitro or in vivo assays.

Dr. Xiushi Yang
Dr. Yang Yao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • plant proteins
  • extraction technologies
  • functional properties
  • biological activities

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2639 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Peanut Protein Powder Quality by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Generalized Regression Neural Network-Based Approach
by Haofan Cui, Fengying Gu, Jingjing Qin, Zhenyuan Li, Yu Zhang, Qin Guo and Qiang Wang
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111722 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 1071
Abstract
The global demand for protein is on an upward trajectory, and peanut protein powder has emerged as a significant player, owing to its affordability and high quality, with great future market potential. However, the industry currently lacks efficient methods for rapid quality testing. [...] Read more.
The global demand for protein is on an upward trajectory, and peanut protein powder has emerged as a significant player, owing to its affordability and high quality, with great future market potential. However, the industry currently lacks efficient methods for rapid quality testing. This research paper addressed this gap by introducing a portable device with employed near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) to quickly assess the quality of peanut protein powder. The principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares (PLS), and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) methods were used to construct the model to further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the device. The results demonstrated that the newly established NIR method with PLS and GRNN analysis simultaneously predicted the fat, protein, and moisture of peanut protein powder. The GRNN model showed better predictive performance than the PLS model, the correlation coefficient in calibration (Rcal) of the fat, the protein, and the moisture of peanut protein powder were 0.995, 0.990, and 0.990, respectively, and the residual prediction deviation (RPD) were 10.82, 10.03, and 8.41, respectively. The findings unveiled that the portable NIR spectroscopic equipment combined with the GRNN method achieved rapid quantitative analysis of peanut protein powder. This advancement holds a significant application of this device for the industry, potentially revolutionizing quality testing procedures and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality products to fulfil consumer desires. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction Technologies, Functional Properties, and Biological Activities of Plant Proteins)
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13 pages, 2969 KiB  
Article
Kidney Bean Protein Prevents High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet-Induced Obesity, Cognitive Impairment, and Disruption of Gut Microbiota Composition
by Chunyang Jiang, Shiyu Li, Hang Su, Nong Zhou and Yang Yao
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1718; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111718 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 1122
Abstract
A long-term intake of a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD), even a high-fat, high-fructose but low-protein diet (HFFD + LP), could cause obesity associated with cognitive impairments. In the present study, rats were subjected to a normal diet (ND), an HFFD diet, an [...] Read more.
A long-term intake of a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD), even a high-fat, high-fructose but low-protein diet (HFFD + LP), could cause obesity associated with cognitive impairments. In the present study, rats were subjected to a normal diet (ND), an HFFD diet, an HFFD + LP diet, and an HFFD with kidney bean protein (KP) diet for 8 weeks to evaluate the effect of KP on HFFD- or HFFD + LP-induced obesity and cognitive impairment. The results demonstrated that compared with the HFFD diet, KP administration significantly decreased the body weight by 7.7% and the serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) levels by 14.4% and 46.8%, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, KP suppressed HFFD-induced cognitive impairment, which was evidenced by 8.7% less time required to pass the water maze test. The 16s RNA analysis of the colonic contents showed that the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Butyricimonas, and Alloprevotella was increased by KP by 5.9, 44.2, and 79.2 times. Additionally, KP supplementation primarily affected the choline metabolic pathway in the liver, and the synthesis and functional pathway of neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby improving obesity and cognitive function in rats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction Technologies, Functional Properties, and Biological Activities of Plant Proteins)
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14 pages, 3194 KiB  
Article
Alcalase-Based Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Protein Hydrolysates Efficiently Reduce Systolic Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
by Oscar Gerardo Figueroa-Salcido, Jesús Gilberto Arámburo-Gálvez, José Antonio Mora-Melgem, Diana Laura Camacho-Cervantes, Martina Hilda Gracia-Valenzuela, Edith Oliva Cuevas-Rodríguez and Noé Ontiveros
Foods 2024, 13(8), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13081216 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1466
Abstract
Studies on antihypertensive chickpea protein hydrolysates have rarely performed in vivo evaluations, limiting the entry of such hydrolysates into functional food development and clinical trials. Thus, our aim was to optimize the hydrolysis conditions to produce an alcalase-based chickpea hydrolysate with a hypotensive [...] Read more.
Studies on antihypertensive chickpea protein hydrolysates have rarely performed in vivo evaluations, limiting the entry of such hydrolysates into functional food development and clinical trials. Thus, our aim was to optimize the hydrolysis conditions to produce an alcalase-based chickpea hydrolysate with a hypotensive effect in vivo at convenient oral doses. The hydrolysis reaction time, temperature, and alcalase/substrate concentration were optimized using a response surface analysis (RSA). ACE-I inhibition was the response variable. The optimized hydrolysis conditions were time = 0.5 h, temperature = 40 °C, and E/S concentration = 0.254 (U/g). The IC50 of the optimized hydrolysate (OCPH) was 0.358 mg/mL. Five hydrolysates from the RSA worksheet (one of them obtained after 5 min of hydrolysis (CPH15)) had an ACE-I inhibitory potential similar to that of OCPH (p > 0.05). At 50 mg/kg doses, OCPH and CPH15 promoted a clinically relevant hypotensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats, up to −47.35 mmHg and −28.95 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.05 vs. negative control). Furthermore, the hypotensive effect was sustained for at least 7 h post-supplementation. Overall, OCPH and CPH15 are promising ingredients for functional food development and as test materials for clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction Technologies, Functional Properties, and Biological Activities of Plant Proteins)
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Review

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32 pages, 3152 KiB  
Review
Extraction, Modification, Biofunctionality, and Food Applications of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Protein: An Up-to-Date Review
by Nikhil Dnyaneshwar Patil, Aarti Bains, Kandi Sridhar, Maharshi Bhaswant, Sawinder Kaur, Manikant Tripathi, Déborah Lanterbecq, Prince Chawla and Minaxi Sharma
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1398; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091398 - 1 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3542
Abstract
Plant-based proteins have gained popularity in the food industry as a good protein source. Among these, chickpea protein has gained significant attention in recent times due to its high yields, high nutritional content, and health benefits. With an abundance of essential amino acids, [...] Read more.
Plant-based proteins have gained popularity in the food industry as a good protein source. Among these, chickpea protein has gained significant attention in recent times due to its high yields, high nutritional content, and health benefits. With an abundance of essential amino acids, particularly lysine, and a highly digestible indispensable amino acid score of 76 (DIAAS), chickpea protein is considered a substitute for animal proteins. However, the application of chickpea protein in food products is limited due to its poor functional properties, such as solubility, water-holding capacity, and emulsifying and gelling properties. To overcome these limitations, various modification methods, including physical, biological, chemical, and a combination of these, have been applied to enhance the functional properties of chickpea protein and expand its applications in healthy food products. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively examine recent advances in Cicer arietinum (chickpea) protein extraction techniques, characterizing its properties, exploring post-modification strategies, and assessing its diverse applications in the food industry. Moreover, we reviewed the nutritional benefits and sustainability implications, along with addressing regulatory considerations. This review intends to provide insights into maximizing the potential of Cicer arietinum protein in diverse applications while ensuring sustainability and compliance with regulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction Technologies, Functional Properties, and Biological Activities of Plant Proteins)
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18 pages, 6113 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Role and Functionality of Ingredients in Plant-Based Meat Analogue Burgers: A Comprehensive Review
by Gil Vila-Clarà, Anna Vila-Martí, Laia Vergés-Canet and Miriam Torres-Moreno
Foods 2024, 13(8), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13081258 - 19 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3412
Abstract
The development of plant-based meat analogues has become a significant challenge for the food industry in recent years due to the increasing demand for sustainable and healthier proteins in the context of a global protein transition. Plant-based meat analogues imitate the visual, textural, [...] Read more.
The development of plant-based meat analogues has become a significant challenge for the food industry in recent years due to the increasing demand for sustainable and healthier proteins in the context of a global protein transition. Plant-based meat analogues imitate the visual, textural, and chemical properties of traditional meat products and are required to closely resemble meat to appeal to consumers. In addition, consumers demand natural, clean-label, and nutritional, and healthy products. To address these challenges, the food industry must develop highly healthy, nutritious, and E-number-free meat analogue products. Understanding the functionality of each ingredient and its role in the food matrix is crucial to being a key player in the innovation of the meat analogue market. This review provides updated information on the primary ingredients utilized for the development of plant-based burger meat alternatives and their functionality. The key components of meat analogue burgers are outlined, including plant proteins, binding agents, fats and oils, flavorings, colorings, preservatives, fortificants, and clean-label considerations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction Technologies, Functional Properties, and Biological Activities of Plant Proteins)
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