Is Protein a Preservative? The Role of Bioactive Peptides in Food
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                A 2024 study noted that ancient host defense mechanisms, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), have become a hot spot for research into fighting microbial infection, offering a potential substitute for traditional antibiotics. While protein itself isn't a traditional preservative, specific functional protein derivatives can be used to inhibit spoilage in food products. This reveals a nuanced and increasingly important area of food science that utilizes natural protein components to extend product shelf life and ensure food safety.