Over the years, a large number of industries continue to experience significant changes in terms of production and technology to meet ever-evolving consumers’ expectations. As consumers are taking a more holistic view of health, wellness, and nutrition, food and healthcare industries are currently on the journey of exploring newer ingredients that address specific needs.
Protein ingredients in particular, have been witnessing significant investments and innovations, on the account of growing consumer’s interest in boosting protein intake with more attention being paid to specific types of proteins and their sources.
In addition, the unstoppable rise of vegan culture has brought numerous plant-based proteins including soy, wheat, and pea protein in the marketplace. Future Market Insights, in its new study, turns the spotlight on relatively new form of protein – antifreeze protein, and discusses its potential application in food and healthcare industry.
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) have evolved in many different species, ranging from fungi and bacteria to plants and fish, as a natural response to freezing cold. These proteins help combat the deadly growth of ice crystals that damage cells, allowing organisms to thrive in extreme environments.
With advancements in science behind antifreeze protein and its potential application in cryonics and in controlling the growth ice crystals in frozen food, the antifreeze protein market is expected to grow on a steady pace in near future.
The antifreeze proteins market is still in its infancy, with complex processing required for isolation of protein indicating a high financial toll on R&D activities. Some of the key players operating in the antifreeze proteins market include Sirona Biochem, ProtoKinetix, Aquabounty technologies, Kaneka corp., and Unilever.
Increasing Range of Biomedical Applications
In the healthcare industry, antifreeze proteins are increasingly finding a broad range of application in cryosurgeries and organ transplantation, which involve freezing body tissues for preservation or later use. In recent years, the healthcare space has been paying more attention to investments in novel processes and technologies to ensure better lifestyle of patients. This, in turn, is expected to influence the growth of the antifreeze proteins market.
Cryonics have been used to preserve the entire body or single organs. However, the organs for transplantation do not remain viable on ice for longer period of time, as the tissues deteriorate rapidly. Antifreeze protein lowers the freezing point of water and counteract the recrystallization effect, thereby enabling human organs to be frozen without being damaged by ice crystals. As research on molecular structure and mechanism of antifreeze proteins advances, the use of these proteins in skin transplantation and vaccine storage is expected to gain momentum in years ahead.
In the current scenario, application of antifreeze proteins in food is still largely found in patent and a few publications. However, food industry is considered to be prominent sector where antifreeze proteins can find numerous applications.
In ice cream industry, fluctuation of temperature during freezing has long been a challenge for manufacturers. Additionally, formation of large crystals during refreezing has a negative impact on texture and organoleptic properties of the ice cream. Studies have shown that addition of small quantity of antifreeze proteins in sample of commercially available food products prevents crystallization during refreezing and storage. These factors are expected to potentially raise the demand for antifreeze proteins.
With frozen ready meal staging a comeback, on the account of growing consumers demand for convenience, the application scope of antifreeze proteins is increasing across a wide range of products. The ice recrystallization inhibition property of antifreeze proteins shows a promising potential to be used in frozen meat and fish, which helps reduce drip loss. In addition, shelf-life issues associated with frozen dough can be improved by antifreeze proteins, as these have been found effective in improving water-holding capacity.
However, it is pertinent to note that, the use of antifreeze protein will depend on its cost, as it is suitable only for research and specialty items. In addition, lack of sufficient information about the nature of interaction between antifreeze protein and ice and water promotes strong requirements of further scientific studies and investigations.
The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain.
The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators, and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments.
The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on antifreeze proteins market segments and geographies.
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Antifreeze proteins Market
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