Research

Clean, cost-effective technology to recover and stabilize phytoactive fruit compounds from waste streams

This Small Business Innovation Phase 2 Research Project features continuous microwave-assisted extraction, pasteurization and sterilization of pomace-derived polyphenols from small fruits, and incorporation into shelf-stable functional ingredients, and clinical trial using an intervention formulated with protein-polyphenol matrix. 

Commercial partner: FruitSmart.

$649,853 (Sept 2021-August 2023) 

Pulse-fruit aggregate ingredients with enhanced taste, functionality and health attributes for diversified food applications

In this 3 year plan of work, we A) Develop a scalable and environmentally-friendly processing route for high quality pulse-fruit aggregate ingredients, and demonstrate their health-relevant composition, physicochemical and functional attributes and digestibility in vitro; B) Scale-up the production of one prioritized pulse-fruit aggregate ingredient to formulate mainstream pulse shelf-stable ready-to-eat products in a convenient, appealing format and C) Evaluate the pulse-fruit food product (delivery vehicle for phytoactive content and fiber) in a human clinical trial for management of MetSyn and obesity risk factors.

Funded by: USDA ARS FY2021 Pulse Crop Health Initiative

$291,336 (July 2021-June 2024)

Influence of 2-weeks Ataulfo mango ingestion on inflammation resolution after vigorous exercise

Funded by: National Mango Board

$179,060 Prime:  ASU; subcontracts UNC-G & NCSU

Evaluation of saffron (Crocus sativa L.) as high value culinary and medicinal niche crop

A USDA NIFA 1890 Capacity Building Grant (Kentucky State prime) explores the potential to repurpose Midwestern tobacco farmlands with a highly lucrative specialty spice crop.   

$599,965; 12/01/18-11/30/21

Moving American Elderberry into Mainstream Production and Processing

Enzymatic modification of pulse proteins to improve technical and health functionalities for diversified food applications

Skin resilience from the inside out: Cutaneous anti-aging benefits of dietary wild blueberries

An Integrated Evidence-based Approach to Food Allergy Preparedness

Food Matrix Functionality

Proteins of plant (chickpea, rice, pea) or animal (whey) origin are complexed with plant polyphenols in a green chemistry approach to create meso-scale chimeric particles that can dramatically enhance the physical structure functionality of food products. The complexation process is used to steer protein aggregation to produce functionally inert particles (ingredients), resulting in improved foaming characteristics and creep recovery. These particles, when incorporated into a food matrix (e.g. protein bars), effectively extend the availability/digestibility of health-protective polyphenols and proteins in foods as well as the shelf life and optimal texture.

Funded by: NASA

Closing the Gap in Delivery of Fruit & Vegetable Benefits

Our overall goal is to develop strategies that close the gap between present consumption levels and the health benefits of fruits and vegetables through improvement of nutritional quality and delivery.  The Central Hypothesis is that expansion of strategies to include identification of genetic factors that influence bioavailability of micronutrients and phytoactives can be synergized with emerging food production technologies to deliver more nutrition and health benefits within current consumer lifestyle and dietary habits.  Translation of these strategies can bridge the gap between production and consumption through generation of more effective consumer produce and products.

Funded by: Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.  Challenge Area:  Making ‘My Plate’ Your Plate.
$2,005,846 (1 July 2017-30 June 2021)

Development and Analysis of Hypoallergenic Polyphenol-Edible Protein Matrices using Translational Models

Neonatal pigs exhibit allergy symptoms comparable to humans

Functional Genomics and Functional Phenotyping of Blueberry Fruits

The main goals of this project are: i) to generate blueberry genomic resources to facilitate completion of the blueberry genome assembly and to construct genetic maps to assist molecular breeding; ii) to use systems level approaches to study blueberry fruit development; iii) to study biofunctions of blueberry phytochemical profiles using a comprehensive suite of phytochemical analyses and in vitro assays; and iv) to develop and distribute news releases and educational materials, including community outreach and educational programs with local schools, to advocate wider public understanding of how research conducted at PHHI impacts human health.

Seaweed

Six species of coastal Alaskan seaweed (Alaria marginata, Fucus distichus, Pyropia fallax, Saccharina groenlandica, Saccharina latissima, and Ulva lactuca) were evaluated in multiple in vitro assay systems for their potential to attenuate diabetes and obesity, and the underlying phytochemistry that might play a role in the observed bioactivity was investigated.