Foods (Jul 2024)

Comprehensive Nutritional and Functional Characterization of Novel Mycoprotein Derived from the Bioconversion of <i>Durvillaea</i> spp.

  • Catalina Landeta-Salgado,
  • Nicolás Salas-Wallach,
  • Javiera Munizaga,
  • María Paz González-Troncoso,
  • César Burgos-Díaz,
  • Lhaís Araújo-Caldas,
  • Patricia Sartorelli,
  • Irene Martínez,
  • María Elena Lienqueo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13152376
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 15
p. 2376

Abstract

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This study aimed, for the first time, to determine the nutritional composition, beta-glucan and ergosterol contents, phenolic compound composition, and biological and functional activities of a novel mycoprotein produced through a bioconversion process of Durvillaea spp., a brown seaweed. An untargeted metabolomics approach was employed to screen metabolites and annotate molecules with nutraceutical properties. Two products, each representing a distinct consortia of co-cultured fungi, named Myco 1 and Myco 2, were analysed in this study. These consortia demonstrated superior properties compared to those of Durvillaea spp., showing significant increases in total protein (~238%), amino acids (~219%), and β-D-glucans (~112%). The protein contains all essential amino acids, a low fatty acid content, and exhibits high antioxidant activity (21.5–25.5 µmol TE/g). Additionally, Myco 2 exhibited the highest anti-alpha-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 16.5 mg/mL), and Myco 1 exhibited notable anti-lipase activity (IC50 = 10.5 mg/mL). Among the 69 top differentially abundant metabolites screened, 8 nutraceutical compounds were present in relatively high concentrations among the identified mycoproteins. The proteins and polysaccharides in the mycoprotein may play a crucial role in the formation and stabilization of emulsions, identifying it as a potent bioemulsifier. In conclusion, the bioconversion of Durvillaea spp. results in a mycoprotein with high-quality protein, significant nutritional and functional value, and prebiotic and nutraceutical potential due to the production of unique bioactive compounds.

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