Protein hydrolysates, otherwise commonly known as peptones or peptides, are used in a wide variety of products in fermentation and biotechnology industries. The term “peptone” was first introduced in 1880 by Nagelli for growing bacterial cultures. However, later it was discovered that peptones derived from the partial digestion of proteins would furnish organic nitrogen in readily available form. Ever since, p- tones, which are commonly known as protein hydrolysates, have been used not only for growth of microbial cultures, but also as nitrogen source in commercial fermen- tions using animal cells and recombinant microorganisms for the production of value added products such as therapeutic proteins, hormones, vaccines, etc. Today, the characterization, screening and manufacturing of protein hyd- lysates has become more sophisticated, with the introduction of reliable analytical instrumentation, high throughput screening techniques coupled with statistical design approaches, novel enzymes and efficient downstream processing equipment. This has enabled the introduction of custom-built products for specialized appli- tions in diverse fields of fermentation and biotechnology, such as the following. 1. Protein hydrolysates are used as much more than a simple nitrogen source. For example, the productivities of several therapeutic drugs made by animal cells and recombinant microorganisms have been markedly increased by use of p- tein hydrolysates. This is extremely important when capacities are limited. 2. Protein hydrolysates are employed in the manufacturing of vaccines by ferm- tation processes and also used as vaccine stabilizers.

In this collection, the authors aim to provide information the preparation of marine protein hydrolysates and their main bioactive properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor and antihypertensive. Applications of these compounds in the area food technology and pharmaceuticals are also discussed.Protein Hydrolysates: Uses, Properties and Health Effects goes on to present some biological properties of fish peptides and their beneficial effects on health, emphasizing properties such as antidiabetic neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory, as a natural alternative to drugs and possible strategies to delay cognitive impairment.As confectionery manufacturers are trying to be innovative in producing suitable fat fillings for various applications. As such, the authors examine the functional, rheological and sensory properties of confectionery fat filling supplemented with different concentrations of bioactive whey protein hydrolysate powders, produced by enzymatic and microbial modification of whey proteins.Next, the bioactive potential of hydrolysate powders produced by enzymatic and microbial hydrolysis of whey proteins followed by spray drying is examined in order to determine which process allows for a highly bioactive production.A strain-substrate combination is introduced which allows for the production of dairy protein hydrolysates with high antioxidant activity and improved functional properties, which may be used as high-quality food supplements.The traditional methods for the production of functional peptides from biological sources are time-consuming and tedious. In the drug industry, it takes about five to ten years from the discovery of an industrial bioactive peptide to market delivery. To overcome the drawbacks of these traditional methods, the authors propose that a fast and versatile method is necessary.The concluding chapter presents an overview of the production and applications of bioactive peptides, demonstrating their potential use as helper agents of health processes. These peptides may aid in traditional health treatments since they can be used in high concentrations without associated toxic effects.

Soy is prized by the food industry for both its versatility and the major role it plays in food functionality. However, only a limited amount of information is available explaining soy's full potential in food applicability. Soy Applications in Food provides insight into the different types of soy ingredients available for consumption and details t

Hydrocolloids are among the most widely used ingredients in the food industry. They function as thickening and gelling agents, texturizers, stabilisers and emulsifiers and in addition have application in areas such as edible coatings and flavour release. Products reformulated for fat reduction are particularly dependent on hydrocolloids for satisfactory sensory quality. They now also find increasing applications in the health area as dietary fibre of low calorific value. The first edition of Handbook of Hydrocolloids provided professionals in the food industry with relevant practical information about the range of hydrocolloid ingredients readily and at the same time authoritatively. It was exceptionally well received and has subsequently been used as the substantive reference on these food ingredients. Extensively revised and expanded and containing eight new chapters, this major new edition strengthens that reputation. Edited by two leading international authorities in the field, the second edition reviews over twenty-five hydrocolloids, covering structure and properties, processing, functionality, applications and regulatory status. Since there is now greater emphasis on the protein hydrocolloids, new chapters on vegetable proteins and egg protein have been added. Coverage of microbial polysaccharides has also been increased and the developing role of the exudate gums recognised, with a new chapter on Gum Ghatti. Protein-polysaccharide complexes are finding increased application in food products and a new chapter on this topic as been added. Two additional chapters reviewing the role of hydrocolloids in emulsification and their role as dietary fibre and subsequent health benefits are also included. The second edition of Handbook of hydrocolloids is an essential reference for post-graduate students, research scientists and food manufacturers. Extensively revised and expanded second edition edited by two leading international authorities Provides an introduction to food hydrocolliods considering regulatory aspects and thickening characteristics Comprehensively examines the manufacture, structure, function and applications of over twenty five hydrocolloids

Therapeutic, Probiotic and Unconventional Foods compiles the most recent, interesting and innovative research on unconventional and therapeutic foods, highlighting their role in improving health and life quality, their implications on safety, and their industrial and economic impact. The book focuses on probiotic foods, addressing the benefits and challenges associated with probiotic and prebiotic use. It then explores the most recently investigated and well-recognized nutraceutical and medicinal foods and the food products and ingredients that have both an impact on human health and a potential therapeutic effect. The third and final section explores unconventional foods and discusses intriguing and debated foods and food sources. While research has been conducted on the beneficial biological effects of probiotics and therapeutic food, the use of these foods remains controversial. To overcome the suspicion of the use of alternative, homeopathic and traditional products as therapy, this book reveals and discusses the most recent and scientifically sound and confirmed aspects of the research. Compiles the most recent, interesting and innovative research on unconventional and therapeutic foods Highlights the role of unconventional and therapeutic foods in improving health and life quality Discusses the implications of unconventional and therapeutic foods on safety Presents the industrial and economic impact of unconventional and therapeutic foods

Antioxidants and Functional Components in Aquatic Foods compiles for the first time the past and present research done on pro and antioxidants in aquatic animals. The book addresses an area of extreme importance for aquatic foods, since lipid oxidation leads to such a large number of quality problems. Many of these problems are also seen in other muscle based foods, but are exaggerated in aquatic foods, so the book’s contents will be of great use and interest to other fields. Written by top researchers in the field, the book offers not only general overviews of lipid oxidation in aquatic foods and aquatic food pro and antioxidant systems, but also covers specifics and gives the latest information on the key pro and anti-oxidants derived from aquatic foods as well as some of the most recent and innovative means to control lipid oxidations in aquatic foods and food systems with fish oils. Coverage includes the latest research on the effects aquatic foods have on oxidative stress in the human body, an area of great interest recently. Additionally, a chapter is devoted to the latest techniques to measure antioxidative potential of aquatic foods, an area still in development and one very important to the antioxidant research community. Antioxidants and Functional Components in Aquatic Foods will be of great interest to the food science, medical, biochemical and pharmaceutical fields for professionals who deal with aquatic food products, muscle foods products (beef, pork, poultry etc), lipid oxidation, and pro-oxidant and antioxidant systems.