In vitro and in vivo protein hydrolysis of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) genetically modified to express different phaseolin types

Experiments were conducted to study whether phaseolin type could influence proteolysis susceptibility and nutritional value of total bean protein. The DOR-390 bean cultivar was genetically modified to express different phaseolin types (S, T or I). Beans were soaked and autoclaved. A sequential hydrolysis was carried out in vitro with pepsin and pancreatin. Differences in the degree of protein hydrolysis among bean lines started at 30 min and remained until 240 min, with the S bean proteins presenting lower values (P < 0.05). Subsequently, rats were fed with diets containing beans expressing different phaseolin types as the only source of protein for N digestibility and nutritional value determination. No differences (P > 0.05) in ileal protein digestibility and rat growth were observed. In conclusion, the differences in in vitro hydrolysis between bean lines expressing different phaseolin types had no consequences on growth and N retention in rats.