Understanding the chemo-mechanical stabilization of Sargassum algae bioactive compounds in current and forthcoming food matrices

Natalia Prieto Vidal & Mario Martinez-Martinez

Sargassum muticum seaweeds are invasive brown macroalgae threatening marine ecosystems equilibrium causing serious negative economic and environmental impact. Interestingly, brown algae are a natural source of biologically active compounds. Thus, S. muticum seaweeds can be strategically targeted as a source of functional ingredients to develop complex food systems that can maximize the prevention towards non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, despite the outstanding bioactivity of algae compounds, their use in food production is hampered by their sensitivity to degradation under certain processing conditions and their bioaccesibility depends on their interaction with food matrix components. Currently, the scientific community is lacking a holistic approach towards the formulation, processing, and nutrition labeling of these bioactive components to ensure the generation of foods with positive metabolic outcomes. ALGOOD project will develop foundational understanding of extrusion technology to improve the bioaccesibility and metabolic effects of S. muticum PUFAs, carotenoids, and phlorotannins in complex food model systems resembling trendy foods. If successful, it will provide critical knowledge tools for the valorization of Sargassum invasive algae to design and produce healthy food with a positive health and ecological impact.

Financing: AIAS-COFUND Fellowship - Natalia Prieto VidalDescription

01/10-2021 → 20/05-2025

Non-covalent binding to target prime sites for cardiometabolic protection

Mario Martinez-Martinez , Bruce Hamaker , Clarissa Schwab & Martin Krøyer Rasmussen

Financing: DFF-Sapere Aude
Description

01/03-2022 → 01/03-2026

Understanding processing-structure-function-interrelations of sustainable multi-component fractions from oilseed press cakes

Norbert Raak

01/07-2022 → 30/06-2025

From proteins to foams: understanding the whipping behavior of plant albumins (ProFOAM)

Ruifen Li , Rajmund Mokso , Leonardo Chiappisi & Milena Corredig

ProFOAM is a fundamental research project aiming at understanding the mechanisms underpinning the foaming properties of plant albumins. The project will apply a wide range of soft matter tools at multiple length scales, together with an in-depth molecular understanding of the plant albumins.
The funding will initiate a new area of expertise in Denmark, through the mentoring of Prof. Corredig at AU and the close collaboration with renowned researchers at DTU (DK) and ILL (FR), with expertise in the structure of aqueous foam at the micro-scale.
Description

01/01-2023 → 31/12-2025