Capacitar os insetos como fontes alternativas de proteínas e peptídeos benéficos saúde em alimentos com potencial alergénico reduzido

The innovative nature of EMPOWER relies on the biotech exploitation of insects for the generation of novel, cost-effective, sustainable and hypoallergenic bioactive protein hydrolysates and peptides. In this proposal, we plan to generate novel bioactive hydrolysates and peptides from insects, but with mitigated or eliminated potential allergenicity, through the exploitation of processing technologies. For this purpose, different combinations of thermal processing and enzymatic hydrolysis will be investigated, aiming at proposing novel protocols that are able to be transferred to the food industry. Different substrate/enzyme combinations under different conditions will be assayed and optimised during protein digestion, which will enhance functionality of hydrolysed proteins. The protein hydrolysates with lower allergenic potential based on immunoreactivity assays and IgE-binding capacity will be subjected to simulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion, followed by simulated intestinal barrier. The peptides that can cross the intestinal barrier are those that can effectively play their biological activity. Therefore, they will be characterised by mass spectrometry and evaluated by in silico tools for their allergenic potential and bioactivities. The most promising peptides will be synthetised and evaluated for their in vitro bioactivities, focusing on domain selective sACE inhibition, DPP-IV inhibition and antioxidant properties. To validate the bioactivities, the peptides will be assayed in vivo for their anti-hypertensive and antidiabetic properties in rats. The protocols used to obtain the most promising protein hydrolysates from T. molitor, as case study, will be transferred to the food industry as a stakeholder for the formulation of a new product. Therefore, EMPOWER aims at: • Advancing new protocols to obtain protein hydrolysates from insect material with low allergenic potential and bioactive properties; • Identifying new BAP from insects based on in silico, in vitro and in vivo assays; • Formulation a new food product with in vivo health-promoting properties. To accomplish these goals, EMPOWER proposes multidisciplinary tasks that will count with diversified and complementary team member expertise, spanning from food engineering, food science, biochemistry, immunochemistry, food allergies and veterinary, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing the outlined complex challenges. In summary, with this project we expect to: • Increase the knowledge on insect biochemical characterisation as underexplored protein sources; • Propose innovative protocols for the isolation of proteins as a function of insect species; • Optimise enzymatic hydrolysis conditions for the production of bioactive hydrolysates and peptides; • Identify new BAP with health beneficial properties and mitigated allergenicity; • Address the consumers’ demands on functional food ingredients; • Contribute to the use of insects as sustainable dietary food sources; • Contribute economically with the development of low-cost and high added-value products; • Contribute to food security, valorising a sustainable alternative and underexploited food source. • Contribute to increase the acceptability of consumers towards insects as an alternative and nutritive food source.