Research summary
Bioactive peptides are short food protein fragments that can have a positive impact on our health. Given their antimicrobial, anti-oxidant and other promising biological properties, scientists are exploring their potential for use in functional foods and "nutraceuticals." But to make the most of them, we need to know more about what types of natural amino acids are on the amino acid chain, and how they are arranged.
Dr. Rotimi Aluko, Canada Research Chair in Bioactive peptides, is trying to figure this out. He and his research team are trying to shed light on how the chain arrangement of amino acids affects the potency of the peptides that help maintain normal body functions. Ultimately, they hope their research will lead to new peptide tools that can improve human nutrition.