Ms. Eram Shaikh will present her APS as per the details:
Date: 25th September 2024
Time: 0930 – 1030 hrs.
Venue: https://monash.zoom.us/j/86416084712?pwd=xlzGlbfb806VbPEpmloMRmmZ6BBG7r.1
& IIT B Monash Academy
Topic: Exploring the potential of plant-based bioactive peptides in food and non-food applications
Guide: Prof. Amit Arora, Prof Andrea Robinson, Prof Antonio Patti
RPC Members: Prof. Ishita Sengupta, Prof Kellie Tuck, Prof Parmeshwar Udmale
Abstract:
Plants produce diverse peptides and proteins as a part of their structure, innate defence system to fight pathogens, control cell division, and facilitate reproduction. In this project, our goal is to explore plant waste streams for the extraction of proteins and peptides, focusing specifically on protein-rich plants such as legumes and pulses which are abundant. Building on this premise, our primary focus is on developing formulations for protein films, with a particular emphasis on their applications in food packaging and fertilizer coating. These films could potentially increase the shelf life of coated food products as a food packaging material or facilitate the controlled release of fertilizer into the soil as a fertilizer coating material. In addition, the refined fraction of peptides will be carefully examined for their unique characteristics and functional properties, driving their potential applications in diverse fields such as biopharmaceuticals, food fortification, cosmetics, and diagnostics. Notably, our work incorporates innovative strategies, including the use of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, for the purification of peptides from plant matrices. These nanoparticles not only eliminate the need for specialized equipment but also ensure a high peptide recovery rate (>90%), employ mild reaction conditions (aqueous, room temperature), and are recyclable. The forthcoming stages of this project will focus on the detailed characterization and application assessment of the formulated crude protein films and the identified peptides, aiming to make a significant contribution to the sustainable utilization of plant waste.