Protein ingredient and proteomics research and development

Supporting innovation in protein ingredients

Experts from our Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre are creating tools that use foundational data to optimize the production of high-value functional protein ingredients. This helps industry add more value to these proteins and ensures that food is safe, secure and consistent.

Overview

We combine processing technology innovations with in-depth compositional analysis to help develop innovative food ingredients and applications.

Protein ingredient processing involves extracting, purifying and modifying proteins from various sources to create ingredients used in food products. In this research area, we are working to improve the nutritional quality of proteins and to enhance their functional properties, such as solubility, emulsification, gelation and foaming.

Proteomics, the study of proteins and their functions, provides the scientific foundation for understanding protein composition and its influence on ingredient functionality and nutrition. Our proteomics research can help optimize processing methods by identifying and characterizing the proteins present in plant seeds, food ingredients and food formulations and by studying how they change during food processing.

Focus areas

Innovation in post-harvest protein processing
Tools and technologies for molecular characterization of food ingredients
Improved protein flavour through processing

Expertise

Mass spectrometry-based qualitative and quantitative proteomics
Volatolomics, including quantitative and qualitative assessments
Analytical chemistry
Enzyme analysis
Solid-state fermentation and enzymatic bioprocessing
Alternate thermal processing
Process design

Contact us

Nandhakishore Rajagopalan
Team Lead, Future Agri-Food Science and Technologies
Telephone: 306-514-0656
Email: kishore.raj@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Business inquiries

April Luong
Director, Business Development
Email: april.luong@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Technical inquiries

Prem Prakash Das
Telephone: 306-975-6173
Email: prem.das@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Projects

Improving the value of plant-based proteins and their co-products

Developing alternative protein sources, which diversify the protein portfolio available to consumers and reduce reliance on traditional livestock
Improving the nutrition, sustainability and economic value of plant-based proteins such as peas, chickpeas, fava beans, lupines and lentils
Developing clean-label technologies for bioprocessing of protein ingredients
Improving the nutrition, sustainability and economic value of plant-based ingredients and co-product valorization using data technology to support Canada's plant protein sector
Improving climate resilience through increased use of plant proteins, which have a lower environmental impact compared with animal-based products
Enhancing pea protein flavour and quality through processing methods

Exploring advanced processing technologies and supporting their industrial deployment and commercialization

Developing and validating applications for alternate thermal processing technologies to increase yield and improve the functional properties and flavour of plant protein ingredients
Exploring advanced fractionation technologies for efficient separation of proteins from other components in the seeds to increase yield and purity
Creating digital twins and tools for data-driven process design, focused on improving quality and process economics of protein ingredient production

Services

We offer the following services in protein ingredient processing and proteomics.

Protein ingredient processing

Protein functionality analysis
- Moisture and protein content
- Water and oil holding capacity
- Foaming and emulsifying properties
- Gelation properties
- Protein solubility
- Protein stability
- Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR)
Volatile flavour chemistry analysis
Fatty acid analysis
Anti-nutritional factor (ANF) analysis
- Total phenolic content
- Saponin content
- Trypsin inhibitor activity
Enzyme activity assays
- Lipase
- Lipoxygenase
- Peroxidase
Pilot-scale Radio-frequency (RF) thermal processing
Solid-state fermentation (SSF)
Ultrafiltration

Proteomics technologies

Shotgun proteomics (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, LC–MS/MS): Discovery proteomics to identify proteins from purified or complex samples
Labelled quantitative proteomics: Tandem mass tag (TMT) label-based quantitative proteomics to compare quantities of proteins in multiple samples simultaneously using isobaric chemical tags
Label-free data-dependent acquisition (DDA) and data-independent acquisition (DIA) quantitative proteomics: Powerful techniques used to analyze and quantify proteins in complex biological samples without the need for labelling
Targeted quantitative proteomics using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM): A technique that provides high specificity and sensitivity for quantifying selected proteins or peptides in complex samples
Peptidomics analysis: De novo peptide sequencing to identify naturally occurring peptides or protein hydrolysates
Protein post-translational modification (PTM) analysis: A technique to analyze chemical changes to proteins after synthesis that significantly impact their function, localization, stability and interactions
Capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) analysis: An analytical technique that separates proteins and peptides on the basis of their size. It is used to determine molecular weight distribution profiles and assess protein purity
Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC): A liquid chromatography technique for purifying and analyzing proteins, including antibodies and enzymes, as well as peptides and other biomolecules

Make your innovation our next project

We bring extensive knowledge and experience in protein ingredient processing and proteomics, driving innovation in the protein ingredient processing sector. Our team uses advanced technologies to deliver precise, high-quality protein ingredient analysis.

We provide comprehensive, end-to-end solutions tailored to your needs, from experimental design to data interpretation. Our services and collaborative approach ensure we understand your objectives, offering continuous support and consultation.

We offer specialized services at competitive rates that include support from our scientific and technical experts and a full range of analytical and proteomics capabilities. We also provide the opportunity for collaboration and for our partners to co-locate with us.

By partnering with us, you gain access to novel applications that can improve the functionality and marketability of your protein ingredients. Contact us to take advantage of our Canada-wide network, research and development services and business development opportunities to help your business grow.