Antifungal peptides from sorghum protein hydrolysates
Explore the antifungal efficacy of sorghum protein hydrolysates and peptide fractions. This research aims to enhance natural food preservation by comparing their effectiveness against molds and yeasts.
Overview
This research focuses on the antifungal properties of sorghum protein hydrolysates and peptide fractions, aiming to enhance natural food preservation methods. Sorghum, an environmentally friendly grain, offers potential as a natural preservative against fungal infections in food. By investigating the comparative efficacy of sorghum hydrolysates and peptide fractions, this study seeks to optimize their use in reducing molds and yeasts, contributing valuable insights for advancements in the field of natural food preservation.
Technical specifications
- Sorghum Protein Extraction: Development of a protocol to maximize protein yield from sorghum.
- Hydrolysis Process: Experiments designed to hydrolyze sorghum proteins and assess the impact on peptide composition and antifungal properties.
- Fermentation with LAB Bacteria: Evaluation of antifungal activity of LAB fermented sorghum proteins.
- Antifungal Activity Evaluation: In vitro assays conducted to quantify antifungal efficacy against yeasts and molds.
- Fractionation and Molecular Weight Analysis: Fractionation of treatments based on molecular weight followed by efficacy analysis.
- Application in Food Products: Integration of peptides into various food products to assess shelf life extension.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating active research and experimental proof of concept, with ongoing validation through literature reviews, protein extraction, hydrolysis processes, and antifungal activity evaluation.
About Virginia Tech
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university with broad graduate and professional programs and a strong industry orientation. An adjacent research and technology park links companies with faculty, shared labs, and prototyping resources, while facilities in the National Capital Region create a direct connection to federal partners and supply‑chain collaborators. Integration with a regional health system supports clinical research and translational pathways, and the statewide extension network enables field deployment and validation with industry and communities. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and the Department of Defense. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP management, licensing, startup formation, and industry contracting support.
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