Rapeseed protein-fibre concentrate: chemical composition and functional properties

Dietary fibre has a beneficial effect on human health that is manifested, among other things, in a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes or neoplasms. Its numerous functional properties render it a desirable food additive. The objective of the research study was to assess the nutritional and functional properties of a novel rapeseed protein-fibre concentrate (RPFC) developed by a NapiFeryn BioTech company. The chemical composition, including the amino acid composition, and the functional properties of RPFC were compared with those of the soy fibre (SF) and pea fibre (PF) available on the market; the purpose of the comparison was to evaluate the potential of RPFC as a novel ingredient for use in food applications. The research study showed that RPFC contained significantly more protein than SF and PF. At the same time it was found that the level of total dietary fibre in RPFC was similar to the level of this ingredient in SF. What's more, RPFC was characterized by the highest contents of ash and phytic acid. Based on the analysis results of amino acids it was proved that the level of lysine was the highest in RPFC. The RPFC was characterized by a higher content of essential amino acids than PF and a lower content thereof than SF. RPFC was distinguished by good functional features, such as emulsifying activity, emulsion stability, and water and oil absorption capacity. It was showed that RPFC had suitable features to be used as a functional food ingredient in food products.