Progress 07/15/11 to 07/14/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities. The results of Phase I strongly support the transformational nature of Nutrasorb technology and its broad potential to develop and commercialize new functional food ingredients capable of reducing childhood obesity and diabetes. We did not encounter any major obstacles in achieving all objectives of the Phase I research and were happy to discover and validate significant additional benefits of Nutrasorb technology related to its ability to enhance efficacy, gastrointestinal stability, shelf life and bioavailability of polyphenols. Specifically, the Phase I proposal aimed to define, validate, and optimize the production process of the Red concord Grape (RCG)-Nutrasorb matrix containing concentrated anthocyanins and other components of grape polyphenol complex; perform biochemical characterization of this matrix; and confirm the anti-diabetic activity of grape-Nutrasorb matrix in a type 2 diabetes animal model. We have successfully: 1- Compared the sorption efficiencies of different soy-based matrices and addressed the issue of indigestible carbohydrates present in DSF (Figures 2-3) 2- Completed tests for optimization of the sorption process (Figures 4-5) 3- Completed the biochemical profiling of RCG-Nutrasorb matrix (Table 1) 4- Confirmed the anti-diabetic activity of grape Nutrasorb matrix in an acute type 2 diabetes animal model (Figure 6) 5- Completed a midterm feeding study in diabetic mice receiving the grape Nutrasorb matrix in the diet with positive results (Figure 7). This study was optional in our Phase I proposal. In conclusion, studies performed by Nutrasorb in collaboration with Rutgers University have demonstrated that most, if not all, classes of anti-diabetic RCG phenolics can be effectively concentrated in Nutrasorb matrix at doses that can deliver anti-diabetic activity in people Events. Work performed by Nutrasorb LLC under this proposal was presented at 5 international scientific meetings and conferences. Two additional oral presentations are scheduled in the next 4 months. Services. Two undergraduate students and one postdoctoral researcher were trained on the Nutrasorb technology at Rutgers University. Dissemination. Presentations on the Nutrasorb technology were made to 12 major food and dietary supplement companies. In addition a Nutrasorb-related program was initiated in Zambia to enhance natural fortification of local flours with plant phytonutrients. This program is funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Grand Challenges and Explorations Program. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The work performed under this proposal enabled manufacture of a new generation of science-based, efficacious, shelf-stable, and tasty anti-diabetic / anti-obesity functional foods; specifically, natural, nutritious, low-sugar functional snacks from RCG juice. This agriculturally-related technology is close to answering a challenge for the plant-based health/functional foods industry, i.e. to deliver an effective daily dose of beneficial phytonutrients in a few servings, while reducing unhealthy compounds, such as sugars, and associated calories. Completed research directly addressed two major nutritional needs of the US and the developed world - the growing epidemic of childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome. It initiated a paradigm and technology shift in the functional food industry that targets children and their diets. This work 1) further advanced Nutrasorb technology for the manufacture of a new generation of science-based, efficacious, shelf-stable, and tasty functional food ingredients, specifically, a natural, nutritious, low-sugar functional ingredient made from red Concord grapes (RCG) and soy protein isolate (SPI), and 2) took this technology closer of full commercialization with already identified commercial partners. The performed work was directly applicable to the USDA Strategic Goal 4: Ensure that All of America's Children Have Access to Safe, Nutritious, and Balanced Meals and/or Contribute to Reductions in Obesity Levels. However some aspects of proposed research are also applicable to Strategic Goal 3: Help America Promote Agricultural Production and Biotechnology Exports as America Works to Increase Food Security. In addition, this application directly addresses Agriculturally-related Manufacturing Technology cross-cutting priority for USDA.
Publications
- Roopchand, D., P. Kuhn, A. Poulev, A. Oren, M. A. Lila, B. Fridlender, I. Raskin. 2012. Biochemical analysis and in vivo hypoglycemic activity of a grape polyphenol-soybean flour complex. J. Agric. Food Chem.(in press). DOI: 10.1021 jf300232h.
- Roopchand, D. E., M. H. Grace, P. Kuhn, D. M. Cheng, N. Plundrich, A. Poulev, A. Howell, B. Fridlender, M. A. Lila, I. Raskin. 2012. Efficient sorption of polyphenols to soybean flour enables natural fortification of foods. Food Chemistry 131: 1193-1200. doi:10.1016 j.foodchem.2011.09.103.
- Cheng, D.M., P. Kuhn, A. Poulev, L.E. Rojo, M.A. Lila, I. Raskin. 2012. In vivo and in vitro antidiabetic effects of aqueous cinnamon extract and cinnamon polyphenol-enhanced food matrix. Food Chemistry. (accepted) DOI:10.1016 j.foodchem.2012.06.117.
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