Food proteins, their enzymatic hydrolysates and associated peptides provide vital nutrients for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Furthermore, significant evidence is accumulating regarding the biofunctional or bioactive properties of food proteins and peptides. This includes the potential ability of proteins/peptides to beneficially modulate key biomarkers linked with various metabolic disease conditions, e.g., cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Given the above, significant consumer and industrial interest exists in the exploitation of bioactive peptides to prevent and manage various disease conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this module is to introduce students to current concepts associated with the identification, generation, characterisation and validation (both in vitro and in vivo) of health-enhancing food protein/peptide-based functional food ingredients. This module aims to develop a detailed understanding and a critical awareness of the general area of protein-based functional food ingredients.

The syllabus of this Module encompasses an overview of bioactive peptides in health and disease, the approaches for the generation and characterisation of bioactive peptides, and bioassay strategies for assessment of bioactive peptides bioactive peptide fractionation/enrichment. Examples of specific bioactive properties, e.g., related to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, bone/joint health, and antimicrobial activity, will be presented and discussed.

On successful conclusion of this module, graduates should recognise the critical sources of bioactive peptides, i.e., from the plant, animal and marine sources, demonstrate an understanding of the production and fractionation strategies for bioactive peptide generation, and develop an understanding of the different assessment strategies employed to validate bioactive peptides. Furthermore, graduates should demonstrate an understanding of the current knowledge of bioactive peptides in specific health/disease conditions and develop a critical awareness of the current and future challenges associated with the widespread utilisation of bioactive peptides.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: n/a

On successful conclusion of this module, graduates will be able to perform detailed scientific literature searches using various scientific databases to generate and present a scientific review to a peer group on a specific topic related to biofunctional proteins/peptides.

The module will be taught through a series of lectures which will address a range of topics associated with biofunctional proteins and peptides. These lectures will be informed by current scientific literature and current scientific reviews. Students will also carry out reviews on emerging topics which will involve the delivery of presentations outlining the scientific facts, the challenges and opportunities. Graduates will assimilate current knowledge through formal lectures and informal discussion while the development of articulate and collaborative graduates will arise through group work and presentations. It is envisaged that the development of responsible, creative and proactive graduates will arise through critical appraisal and discussion including feedback on current developments, challenges and opportunities in the area of biofunctional proteins/ peptides.