Identification of nutritional bioactives in tropical fruit (2005-2008)

Information on the nutritional properties of tropical fruits is currently limited to chemical analysis of vitamins, minerals and fibre. This project aims to identify additional nutritional components within tropical fruits by assessing activities against a range of cell-based assays. Selected assays will represent cellular processes relating to e.g. lipid metabolism, cancer prevention, and antioxidant effects. Assay-based fractionation approaches will be used to identify molecular bioactives acting either alone or synergistically with other components. Results will be used in public health and/or marketing communication, and will provide targets for breeding and varietal selection programmes.