Quinoa's Secret Weapon: Fighting Bugs in Apple Juice

Scientists are exploring new ways to keep our food fresh. One interesting discovery is using proteins from quinoa that can fight off bacteria. These proteins, called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), were created by mixing different bacteria together. Out of all these AMPs, one called F1 was the superstar. It could stop bacteria from growing and spreading in apple juice. Using a special tool called LC-MS/MS, researchers found that F1 is made up of 95 tiny proteins. One of these proteins, called AGAAPE, is quite special. It's negatively charged and loves water, making it highly effective against both E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. AGAAPE works by damaging the bacteria's outer layer, causing it to leak important substances and stop working properly. AGAAPE is like a tough little soldier. It can handle different temperatures, from hot to cold, and doesn't mind changes in acidity or salt levels. It can even resist being broken down by proteases, which are like tiny scissors in our bodies. This makes AGAAPE a great candidate for keeping fresh juice safe to drink. By understanding how these quinoa peptides work, scientists can develop new methods to preserve fresh foods without using harsh chemicals. This is exciting because it could lead to healthier and safer food options for everyone.