Compositional and Functional Considerations for Bovine-, Caprine- and Plant-Based Infant Formulas

Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants. However, in circumstances where breastfeeding is not possible or feasible, infant formula provides an essential alternative to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the developing infant. Traditionally, the manufacture of infant formula has involved utilisation of bovine milk as a base ingredient, formulated with other nutrients and bioactive ingredients to closely match the composition of human breastmilk. While it is the most widely available type of formula on the market, bovine-based infant formula is not suitable for all infants, and therefore alternatives such as those based on caprine milk, soy and rice protein are becoming increasingly available. This review provides a detailed examination of the composition of infant formula prepared from bovine milk, caprine milk, soy, and rice protein sources. Available literature on nutrient bio-accessibility and aspects of protein functionality relevant to infant formula is discussed.

Survey on Methods for Investigating Protein Functionality and Related Molecular Characteristics

Proteins from various sources are widely used in the food industry due to their unique functional performances in food products. The functional properties of proteins are somehow dictated by their molecular characteristics, but the exact relationship is not fully understood. This review gives a tangible overview of the methods currently available for determining protein functionality and related molecular characteristics in order to support further research on protein ingredients. The measurements of protein functionality include solubility, water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, emulsion property, foam property, and gelation. This review also provides a description of different methods of molecular characteristics including electrophoresis, surface hydrophobicity and charge, molecular interaction, and thermal property measurement. Additionally, we have put significant emphasis on spectroscopic methods (ultraviolet-visible, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, circular dichroism, fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance). In conclusion, first and foremost, there is a need to agree on a standardization of the analytical methods for assessing functional properties. Moreover, it is mandatory to couple different analyses of molecular characteristics to measure and monitor the structural changes obtained by different processing methods in order to gain knowledge about the relationship with functionality. Ideally, a toolbox of protein analytical methods to measure molecular characteristics and functionality should be established to be used in a strategic design of protein ingredients.

Effect of conjugated protein composed of porcine myofibril and Protaetia brevitarsis protein on protein functionality

The replacement of conventional protein supply has been studied in the context of continuous population growth and the consequent environmental problems. Among protein substitutes, edible insects have gained relevance due to their high breeding efficiency. This study was conducted to estimate the effect of the partial replacement of porcine myofibril protein (pork protein; PP) with protein extracted from Protaetia brevitarsis (insect protein; IP) in protein-containing solutions and gels. The protein concentration was regulated at 30 and 1 mg/ml for gels and solutions, respectively, and the replacement percentages were increased by 20%. Gels containing IP showed a lower viscosity and thermal stability; the texture and surface of the gels were negatively impacted as the replacement percentage increased. Therefore, heating is not an appropriate method to induce the gelation of IP containing solutions. However, the replacement of PP with IP increased the foam capacity and emulsion capacity in solutions. In conclusion, we show that the partial replacement of PP with IP positively impacts on protein solutions but impairs their gelation.