Bioprocesses
Plant proteins
Enzymatic transformation
Modelization and optimization of bioprocesses
19
Scopus Publications
346
Scholar Citations
9
Scholar h-index
9
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Mechanistic and kinetic modeling of enzymatic crosslinking of rapeseed albumins: influence of temperature, pH, and enzyme concentration Romain Faure, Sophie Beaubier, Ghislain Génin, Romain Kapel Journal of Food Engineering, 2027 Enzymatic transformations of plant proteins require precise kinetic control due to the high cost of enzymes and the complexity of reaction mechanisms. In this study, an innovative approach is proposed to fit experimental enzymatic crosslinking data, to enable the modeling and simulation of plant protein crosslinking reactions. The transglutaminase-mediated crosslinking of rapeseed albumin (RA) was found to follow a distinctive evolution of crosslinked product formations that was independent of operating conditions, including pH, temperature, and enzyme concentration. Based on these trends, a unique crosslinking mechanism was identified and formalized through a system of crosslinking equations, describing the formation and consumption of individual crosslinked products. Under specific operating conditions, RA depletion kinetics exhibited a plateau behavior. The origins of this plateau were investigated and attributed to a combination of enzymatic deactivation and limited substrate accessibility. These mechanistic insights were incorporated into a kinetic model expressed as a system of differential equations and implemented in a fitting algorithm to describe experimental crosslinking kinetics across a broad range of pH and temperature conditions. The estimated kinetic constants were further regressed as a function of the enzyme-to-substrate ratio, showing strong correlations. The model accurately captured the evolution of RA monomers, dimers, trimers, and polydisperse products, enabling quantitative prediction of crosslinked protein product distributions under varying process conditions. This approach provides a robust framework for fitting experimental crosslinking data and establishes a predictive tool for simulation and optimization of enzymatic crosslinking processes in plant protein systems. • An original approach for crosslinking kinetics fitting was proposed. • A unique crosslinking mechanism independent of operating conditions was evidenced. • Mechanism identification links RA consumption to crosslinked product composition • Enzyme deactivation and RA accessibility hindered the reaction rate. • Crosslinking kinetics modeled across pH, temperature, and enzyme ratios
Enzymatic crosslinking of rapeseed albumins: kinetic monitoring, physical characteristics, and functional property enhancements Romain Faure, Romain Kapel, Philippe Marchal, Ghislain Génin, Sophie Beaubier Food Hydrocolloids, 2026 In response to the growing demand for plant-based and functional food ingredients, this study investigated the enzymatic crosslinking of rapeseed albumins (RA) using microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) to enhance their functional properties. A novel size-exclusion chromatography method was proposed to monitor the crosslinking kinetics, enabling the identification of RA dimers, trimers, and polydisperse products, as well as the residual native RA amounts. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed a slight reduction in denaturation temperature, and surface hydrophobicity increased steadily over time, indicating structural rearrangement. Crosslinked RA (CRA) exhibited a least gelation concentration of only 3 % compared to over 15 % for native RA, and formed stable gels with improved mechanical properties (elastic modulus of 500 Pa and critical strain of 4). In a mayonnaise-type model system, CRA significantly improved emulsion stability compared to native RA by reducing droplet size, thickening emulsion texture, and preserving structure over 30 days of storage. The enzymatic crosslinking process offers a promising strategy to valorize RA as a high-performance texturizing agent. These results contribute to the innovative applications of RA in plant-based emulsions and gels, contributing to the development of cleaner-label, protein-enriched foods. • RA crosslinked by MTGase form dimers, trimers, and polydisperse aggregates. • SE-HPLC enables accurate monitoring of RA crosslinking reaction kinetics. • Crosslinked RA form gels at only 3% protein, versus over 15% for native RA. • Emulsions with crosslinked RA show higher long-term stability. • Crosslinking enhances RA’s functionality as a food texturizing agent.
White wine lees protein extract: A promising fining agent for red wine clarification Luca Garcia, Alice Douliez, Benjamin Poulain, Lucie Gagnepain, Fanny Gallo, Romain Kapel, Sophie Beaubier, Claudia Nioi Lwt, 2025 This study investigates the potential of white wine lees, a protein- and polysaccharide-rich winemaking by-product, as a sustainable fining agent for red wine clarification. Protein-rich extracts were produced using subcritical water extraction (SWE) and optimized via Response Surface Methodology. Chemical and molecular analyses (SDS-PAGE and SEC) revealed that the extracts were enriched in low to medium-molecular-weight peptides, similar to commercial gelatin hydrolysates. The fining performance of the extract was assessed in red wine and compared to commercial products like whole lees, gelatin, and patatin. The lees extract significantly reduced turbidity (−64.4 %) and tannin content (−18.4 %) while preserving color stability, achieving performance comparable to gelatin and superior to patatin. Moreover, it effectively reduced wine astringency, with minimal impact on chromatic characteristics. These findings demonstrate that SWE-derived white wine lees extract is a promising alternative to conventional fining agents, supporting circular economy practices in the winemaking industry. • Subcritical water extraction produces protein-rich fractions. • Extracts exhibit fining properties comparable to conventional agents (e.g., gelatin). • Lees-derived extracts effectively reduce turbidity and tannins of wine while preserving color. • Sustainable, wine-based fining alternative supporting the circular economy.
Study on Rapeseed Albumin Hydrolysis by PrtS Protease from Streptococcus thermophilus and Bioactivity Characterization of Resulting Hydrolysates Zeeshan Hafeez, Sophie Beaubier, Arnaud Aymes, Ségolène Christophe, Samina Akbar, Romain Kapel, Laurent Miclo Foods, 2025 Lactic acid bacteria are well known for hydrolyzing milk proteins, but their application to plant proteins remains limited. This study evaluated the ability of the cell-wall-anchored PrtS protease from two Streptococcus thermophilus strains to hydrolyze rapeseed albumins (RAs), aiming to generate bioactive peptides with potential food functionality. The specific activity of PrtS was first determined using a chromogenic substrate. RAs were then hydrolyzed using 10X- and 100X-concentrated cell pellets of each strain to assess the hydrolysis kinetics and the enzymatic mechanism. The results showed concentration-dependent hydrolysis, with protein conversion and the degree of hydrolysis increasing threefold at 100X for both strains. Despite the increased hydrolysis, the peptides produced had similar average sizes, averaging at five amino acids, indicating a consistent “one-by-one” cleavage mechanism. The in vitro testing of the RA hydrolysates produced with 100X PrtS from S. thermophilus LMD-9 revealed dose-dependent antioxidant activity comparable to native RAs. Importantly, unlike native RAs, these hydrolysates did not induce increased secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediator IL-8 in inflamed HT-29 cells, suggesting a reduced pro-inflammatory potential. These findings demonstrate that PrtS protease from S. thermophilus can effectively hydrolyze rapeseed proteins to produce functional hydrolysates with improved bioactivity profiles. Such hydrolysates have promising applications as functional ingredients in plant-based food products, contributing both to health benefits and potential food preservation through antioxidant activity.
Study of the in vitro digestibility of oilseed protein concentrates compared to isolates for food applications Sophie Beaubier, Sara Albe-Slabi, Luna Beau, Olivier Galet, Romain Kapel Food Chemistry, 2025 The research has primarily focused on isolates (>90 % protein) when studying oilseed protein products, but there is a growing interest in concentrates (65–90 % protein) due to their industrial viability and lower environmental impact. This study aimed to compare the in vitro digestibility of rapeseed and sunflower protein concentrates with isolates. Simulated digestion was conducted, and the resulting samples were analyzed using a size-exclusion chromatography approach. This approach can reliably quantify assimilable peptide fractions without interference from the complex matrix of these products. Surprisingly, similar digestibility values (around 40 %) were found for both oilseed protein concentrates and isolates. The study also compared the digestibility of total protein isolates versus albumin isolates from rapeseed and sunflower. The results highlighted the significant gastrointestinal resistance of the albumin fraction, which is the most important factor affecting the digestibility of these products. These digestibility results emphasize the strong potential of concentrates in food applications. • The in vitro digestibility of protein concentrate can be measured using SEC. • Rapeseed and sunflower albumins showed high resistance to gastrointestinal digestion. • The low digestibility of oilseed protein is determined by the impact of albumins. • The in vitro digestibility of oilseed concentrates is similar to that of isolates. • Fibers and other constituents in concentrates do not affect protein digestibility.
The role of extraction and purification conditions in flaxseed protein isolate production and its emulsifying properties Sara Albe-Slabi, Odile Mesieres, Sophie Beaubier, Luna Beau, Arnaud Aymes, Thibault Roques-Carmes, Véronique Sadtler, Romain Kapel Lwt, 2025 The design of experiments varying the pH (6−8), NaCl concentration (0−0.5 M), and temperature (20−50°C) showed that the protein extractability doubled at high pH and NaCl concentration. However, the increase of temperature resulted in lower protein purity in the extract (-10%) probably due to the co-extraction of the mucilage. Concerning protein purification, the most efficient precipitation occurred at pH 4 (about 65%). The losses in proteins were primarily attributed to 2S conlinin. However, although NaCl improved the extraction yield, the presence of salt in the extract reduced the precipitation yield at pH 5−6 by 40%. The functional properties of proteins were also strongly dependent on the applied process conditions. As shown by structural analysis, precipitation at low pH led to partial denaturation of proteins, resulting in reduced solubility, notably at pH 3 (20%). However, the flaxseed isolate produced by extraction at pH 7.5 and precipitation at pH 4 exhibited an exceptionally high emulsifying capacity of 90%. Such excellent emulsification is extremely rare in plant proteins, which typically achieve 30−45% emulsifying capacity. Furthermore, the emulsion of flaxseed proteins exhibited remarkable stability for at least 20 days, and after thermal treatment. • NaCl level is the most significant parameter in extraction of flaxseed proteins • High temperature reduces the protein extractability and purity • NaCl used for extraction decreases the recovery of proteins during precipitation • Extraction and purification process impact the protein functionalities • Partially denatured flaxseed proteins exhibit extraordinary emulsifying properties
Optimization of Selective Hydrolysis of Cruciferins for Production of Potent Mineral Chelating Peptides and Napins Purification to Valorize Total Rapeseed Meal Proteins Nastassia Kaugarenia, Sophie Beaubier, Erwann Durand, Arnaud Aymes, Pierre Villeneuve, François Lesage, Romain Kapel Foods, 2022 Preventing oxidation and microbial spoilage are both major concerns in food industries. In this context, this study aimed to valorize the total rapeseed meal proteins with controlled enzymatic proteolysis to generate potent mineral-chelating peptides from cruciferins while keeping intact the antimicrobial napins. Implementation of proteolysis of total rapeseed protein isolate with the Prolyve® enzyme highlighted an interesting selective hydrolysis of the cruciferins. Hence, the mechanism of this particular hydrolysis was investigated through a Design of Experiments method to obtain a model for the prediction of kinetics (cruciferin degradation and napin purity) according to the operating conditions applied. Then, multicriteria optimization was implemented to maximize the napin purity and yield while minimizing both enzymatic cost and reaction time. Antioxidant assays of the peptide fraction obtained under the optimal conditions proved the high metal-chelating activity preservation (EC50 = 247 ± 27 µg) for more than three times faster production. This fraction might counteract lipid oxidation or serve as preventing agents for micronutrient deficiencies, and the resulting purified napins may have applications in food safety against microbial contamination. These results can greatly help the development of rapeseed meal applications in food industries.
Role of interfacial elasticity (E′) as an indicator for the foam characteristics of plant proteins MM Assaf, P Marchal, F Michaux, V Sadtler, S Beaubier, R Kapel, ... Journal of Molecular Liquids, 129676 , 2026 2026
Mechanistic and kinetic modeling of enzymatic crosslinking of rapeseed albumins: influence of temperature, pH, and enzyme concentration R Faure, S Beaubier, G Génin, R Kapel Journal of Food Engineering, 113163 , 2026 2026
Extraits protéiques de lies de vin blanc: vers de nouveaux agents de collage pour les vins rouges: Article prenant sa source de l’article de recherche “White wine lees protein … L Garcia, A Douliez, B Poulain, L Gagnepain, F Gallo, R Kapel, ... IVES Technical Reviews, vine and wine , 2026 2026
White Wine Lees Protein Extract: A Promising Fining Agent for Red Wine Clarification L Garcia, A Douliez, B Poulain, L Gagnepain, F Gallo, R Kapel, ... LWT, 118867 , 2025 2025
Enzymatic crosslinking of rapeseed albumins: kinetic monitoring, physical characteristics, and functional property enhancements R Faure, R Kapel, P Marchal, G Génin, S Beaubier Food Hydrocolloids, 112100 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Study on Rapeseed Albumin Hydrolysis by PrtS Protease from Streptococcus thermophilus and Bioactivity Characterization of Resulting Hydrolysates Z Hafeez, S Beaubier, A Aymes, S Christophe, S Akbar, R Kapel, L Miclo Foods 14 (13), 2235 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Study of the in vitro digestibility of oilseed protein concentrates compared to isolates for food applications S Beaubier, S Albe-Slabi, L Beau, O Galet, R Kapel Food Chemistry 464, 141737 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
The role of extraction and purification conditions in flaxseed protein isolate production and its emulsifying properties S Albe-Slabi, O Mesieres, S Beaubier, L Beau, A Aymes, ... LWT 215, 117170 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Chelating peptides from rapeseed meal protein hydrolysates: identification and evaluation of their capacity to inhibit lipid oxidation S Beaubier, E Durand, C Lenclume, F Fine, A Aymes, X Framboisier, ... Food chemistry 422, 136187 , 2023 2023 Citations: 20
Improving the in vitro digestibility of rapeseed albumins resistant to gastrointestinal proteolysis while preserving the functional properties using enzymatic hydrolysis S Beaubier, C Pineda-Vadillo, O Mesieres, X Framboisier, O Galet, ... Food Chemistry 407, 135132 , 2023 2023 Citations: 42
Optimization of selective hydrolysis of cruciferins for production of potent mineral chelating peptides and napins purification to valorize total rapeseed meal proteins N Kaugarenia, S Beaubier, E Durand, A Aymes, P Villeneuve, F Lesage, ... Foods 11 (17), 2618 , 2022 2022 Citations: 8
Using the dual isotope method to assess cecal amino acid absorption of goat whey protein in rats, a pilot study J Calvez, N Khodorova, S Beaubier, A Eymard, D Tomé, C Gaudichon Amino acids 54 (5), 811-821 , 2022 2022 Citations: 3
Multiobjective decision making strategy for selective albumin extraction from a rapeseed cold-pressed meal based on Rough Set approach S Beaubier, C Defaix, S Albe-Slabi, A Aymes, O Galet, F Fournier, ... Food and Bioproducts Processing 133, 34-44 , 2022 2022 Citations: 7
Antioxidant chelating peptides production from Rapeseed meal proteins proteolysis E Durand, P Villeneuve, N Kaugarenia, N Barouh, R Kapel Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society 99 (S1), 113-114 , 2022 2022
Optimization of potent mineral chelating peptides production from rapeseed meal proteins proteolysis and peptide characterizations N Kaugarenia, S Beaubier, E Durand, F Lesage, X Framboisier, A Aymes, ... Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society 99 (S1), 167-168 , 2022 2022
Selective extraction of napins: Process optimization and impact on structural and functional properties S Albe-Slabi, C Defaix, S Beaubier, O Galet, R Kapel Food Hydrocolloids 122, 107105 , 2022 2022 Citations: 28
Study of Linseed Protein Extraction and Purification: Impact of Process Conditions on Protein Functional and Structural Properties. SA Slabi, S Beaubier, M Ndiaye, O Galet, R Kapel JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN OIL CHEMISTS SOCIETY 98, 100-100 , 2021 2021
High metal chelating properties from rapeseed meal proteins to counteract lipid oxidation in foods: controlled proteolysis and characterization E Durand, S Beaubier, F Fine, P Villeneuve, R Kapel European journal of lipid science and technology 123 (6), 2000380 , 2021 2021 Citations: 21
A rational approach for the production of highly soluble and functional sunflower protein hydrolysates S Beaubier, S Albe-Slabi, A Aymes, M Bianeis, O Galet, R Kapel Foods 10 (3), 664 , 2021 2021 Citations: 27
A new approach for modelling and optimizing batch enzymatic proteolysis S Beaubier, X Framboisier, F Fournier, O Galet, R Kapel Chemical Engineering Journal 405, 126871 , 2021 2021 Citations: 27
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Production and antioxidant capacity of bioactive peptides from plant biomass to counteract lipid oxidation E Durand, S Beaubier, I Ilic, R Kapel, P Villeneuve Current Research in Food Science 4, 365-397 , 2021 2021 Citations: 71
Simultaneous quantification of the degree of hydrolysis, protein conversion rate and mean molar weight of peptides released in the course of enzymatic proteolysis S Beaubier, X Framboisier, I Ioannou, O Galet, R Kapel Journal of Chromatography B 1105, 1-9 , 2019 2019 Citations: 54
Improving the in vitro digestibility of rapeseed albumins resistant to gastrointestinal proteolysis while preserving the functional properties using enzymatic hydrolysis S Beaubier, C Pineda-Vadillo, O Mesieres, X Framboisier, O Galet, ... Food Chemistry 407, 135132 , 2023 2023 Citations: 42
Selective extraction of napins: Process optimization and impact on structural and functional properties S Albe-Slabi, C Defaix, S Beaubier, O Galet, R Kapel Food Hydrocolloids 122, 107105 , 2022 2022 Citations: 28
A rational approach for the production of highly soluble and functional sunflower protein hydrolysates S Beaubier, S Albe-Slabi, A Aymes, M Bianeis, O Galet, R Kapel Foods 10 (3), 664 , 2021 2021 Citations: 27
A new approach for modelling and optimizing batch enzymatic proteolysis S Beaubier, X Framboisier, F Fournier, O Galet, R Kapel Chemical Engineering Journal 405, 126871 , 2021 2021 Citations: 27
High metal chelating properties from rapeseed meal proteins to counteract lipid oxidation in foods: controlled proteolysis and characterization E Durand, S Beaubier, F Fine, P Villeneuve, R Kapel European journal of lipid science and technology 123 (6), 2000380 , 2021 2021 Citations: 21
Chelating peptides from rapeseed meal protein hydrolysates: identification and evaluation of their capacity to inhibit lipid oxidation S Beaubier, E Durand, C Lenclume, F Fine, A Aymes, X Framboisier, ... Food chemistry 422, 136187 , 2023 2023 Citations: 20
Ultrafiltration fractionation of bovine hemoglobin hydrolysates: Prediction of separation performances for optimal enrichment in antimicrobial peptide S Beaubier, R Przybylski, A Bodin, N Nedjar, P Dhulster, R Kapel Membranes 11 (2), 73 , 2021 2021 Citations: 19
Optimization of selective hydrolysis of cruciferins for production of potent mineral chelating peptides and napins purification to valorize total rapeseed meal proteins N Kaugarenia, S Beaubier, E Durand, A Aymes, P Villeneuve, F Lesage, ... Foods 11 (17), 2618 , 2022 2022 Citations: 8
The role of extraction and purification conditions in flaxseed protein isolate production and its emulsifying properties S Albe-Slabi, O Mesieres, S Beaubier, L Beau, A Aymes, ... LWT 215, 117170 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Multiobjective decision making strategy for selective albumin extraction from a rapeseed cold-pressed meal based on Rough Set approach S Beaubier, C Defaix, S Albe-Slabi, A Aymes, O Galet, F Fournier, ... Food and Bioproducts Processing 133, 34-44 , 2022 2022 Citations: 7
Study on Rapeseed Albumin Hydrolysis by PrtS Protease from Streptococcus thermophilus and Bioactivity Characterization of Resulting Hydrolysates Z Hafeez, S Beaubier, A Aymes, S Christophe, S Akbar, R Kapel, L Miclo Foods 14 (13), 2235 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Study of the in vitro digestibility of oilseed protein concentrates compared to isolates for food applications S Beaubier, S Albe-Slabi, L Beau, O Galet, R Kapel Food Chemistry 464, 141737 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Using the dual isotope method to assess cecal amino acid absorption of goat whey protein in rats, a pilot study J Calvez, N Khodorova, S Beaubier, A Eymard, D Tomé, C Gaudichon Amino acids 54 (5), 811-821 , 2022 2022 Citations: 3
Enzymatic crosslinking of rapeseed albumins: kinetic monitoring, physical characteristics, and functional property enhancements R Faure, R Kapel, P Marchal, G Génin, S Beaubier Food Hydrocolloids, 112100 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Role of interfacial elasticity (E′) as an indicator for the foam characteristics of plant proteins MM Assaf, P Marchal, F Michaux, V Sadtler, S Beaubier, R Kapel, ... Journal of Molecular Liquids, 129676 , 2026 2026
Mechanistic and kinetic modeling of enzymatic crosslinking of rapeseed albumins: influence of temperature, pH, and enzyme concentration R Faure, S Beaubier, G Génin, R Kapel Journal of Food Engineering, 113163 , 2026 2026
Extraits protéiques de lies de vin blanc: vers de nouveaux agents de collage pour les vins rouges: Article prenant sa source de l’article de recherche “White wine lees protein … L Garcia, A Douliez, B Poulain, L Gagnepain, F Gallo, R Kapel, ... IVES Technical Reviews, vine and wine , 2026 2026
White Wine Lees Protein Extract: A Promising Fining Agent for Red Wine Clarification L Garcia, A Douliez, B Poulain, L Gagnepain, F Gallo, R Kapel, ... LWT, 118867 , 2025 2025