Elsewhere on Ulster
Type 2 diabetes and obesity pose a major financial challenge to the NHS now and in the future. In recent times incretin hormone (GLP-1 and GIP) derived peptide analogues as well as DPP-4 inhibitors have helped improve management of diabetes and metabolic disease (He et al., 2025) . However, new approaches need to be considered including the use of functional foods/ingredients which may help improve glycaemic control and reduce food intake (Nair et al., 2025). Work at Ulster demonstrated that consumption of certain seaweeds (e.g., Palmaria palmata) can reduce appetite, and stimulate insulin secretion thus improving overall glycaemic and metabolic control (McLaughlin et al., 2020). Other marine derived protein hydrolysates were found to alleviate metabolic dysregulation associated with Type 2 diabetes (Harnedy-Rothwell et al., 2020; Parthsarathy et al., 2021). Reported benefits of seaweed include alleviation of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and weight loss (Cherry et al., 2019).
Much less if known about the therapeutic potential of a blue-green microalgae species called Spirulina. Spirulina contains a very high protein content (55-69%) and should be a suitable substrate for formation of protein hydrolysates, containing bioactive peptides (Ramos-Romero et al., 2021; Ashraf et al., 2025). The best known species include Spirulina platensis, S maxima and S. fusiformis (Koite et al., 2022). Spirulina contains both macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for health, as well as several bioactives that play a role in improving metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular health as determined by human clinical trials (Firdaus & Priambodo, 2025). Thus, Spirulina is regarded as a superfood associated with several health benefits. In this project we will determine if Spirulina protein hydrolysates can improve metabolic control with a focus on obesity/diabetes
Objectives of the research:
Research Hypothesis – ‘Spirulina protein hydrolysates will have beneficial effects which have potential utility in enhancing metabolic control in obesity/diabetes’
The key aims of this proposed project are;
Methods to be used:
Optimal means for extraction and isolation of peptide components from Spirulina will need to be developed. Reversed-phase HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry will be used for isolation and characterization of bioactive peptide components. Antidiabetic potential will be assessed using cultured clonal pancreatic BRIN-BD11 cells. These will be used for assessing insulin secretion from crude Spirulina and its associated peptide derived components. A fluorescent assay will be used to screen for DPP-4 inhibitory actions of crude Spirulina and HPLC purified peptide derived hydrolysate components.
Skills required of applicant:
The student will need to be highly motivated to undertake research and be prepared to work in an active laboratory setting. Training in protein isolation/extraction and use of in vitro screening assay tools and RP-HPLC will be provided. Data will be analysed using GraphPad Prism software.
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.
We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Appointment will be made on merit.
This opportunity is open to UK/ROI applicants only.
MRes studentships will be available to top ranked candidates to cover tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant of £900. All applicants will be considered automatically for an MRes studentship. Applicants who do not receive a studentship but meet admission requirements may be offered admission on a self-funded basis.
Applicants who already hold an MRes or a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of an MRes or doctoral degree are NOT eligible to apply for an award. Applicants who hold or who are registered on a taught Master’s degree are eligible to apply.
Ashraf A, Guo Y, Yang T, Ud Din AS, Ahmad K, Li W, Hou H. Microalgae-Derived Peptides: Exploring Bioactivities and Functional Food Innovations. J Agric Food Chem. 2025;73(2):1000-1013. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c06800
Cherry, P., O’Hara, C., Magee, P.J., McSorley, E.M. and Allsopp, P.J. (2019). Risks and benefits of consuming edible seaweeds. Nutrition Reviews, [online] 77(5):307–329. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuy066.
Firdaus M, Priambodo AF. Impact of Spirulina Supplementation on Obesity, Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review. Scientifica (Cairo) 2025;2025:6637793. doi: 10.1155/sci5/6637793.
Harnedy-Rothwell, Pádraigín A., McLaughlin, Chris M.,O'Keeffe, Martina B., Le Gouic, Aurélien V., Allsopp, Philip J., McSorley, Emeir M., Sharkey, Shaun, Whooley, Jason, McGovern, Brian, O'Harte, Finbarr P.M. and FitzGerald, Richard J. (2020) Identification and characterisation of peptides from a boarfish (Capros aper) protein hydrolysate displaying in vitro dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory and insulinotropic activity. Food Res. Inter. Open Access Volume 131 Article number 108989 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.108989
He X, Zhao W, Li P, Zhang Y, Li G, Su H, Lu B, Pang Z. Research progress of GLP-1RAs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Front Pharmacol. 2025;15:1483792. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1483792.
McLaughlin, C.M., Sharkey, S.J., Harnedy-Rothwell, P., Parthsarathy, V., Allsopp, P.J., McSorley, E.M., FitzGerald, R.J. and O’Harte, F.P.M. (2020). Twice daily oral administration of Palmaria palmata protein hydrolysate reduces food intake in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice, improving glycaemic control and lipid profiles. J. Funct. Foods, 73, p.104101. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2020.104101.
Nair A, Anish RJ, Moorthy SN. A review on the role of functional foods and derivatives for diabetes management. J Food Sci Technol. 2025;62(5):799-809. doi: 10.1007/s13197-025-06234-x.
Parthsarathy, V., McLaughlin, C.M., Sharkey, S.J., Harnedy-Rothwell, P.A., Lafferty, R.A., Allsopp, P.J., McSorley, E.M., Fitzgerald, R.J. and O’Harte, F.P.M. (2021). Protein hydrolysates from boarfish (Capros aper) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) skin gelatin improve metabolic control in genetically obese diabetic (ob/ob) mice. J. Food Bioactives, 16. doi:https://doi.org/10.31665/jfb.2021.16292.
Ramos-Romero S, Torrella JR, Pagès T, Viscor G, Torres JL. Edible Microalgae and Their Bioactive Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Alterations. Nutrients. 2021;13(2):563. doi: 10.3390/nu13020563.
Submission deadline
Monday 16 June 2025
04:00PM
Interview Date
End of June / Start of July
Preferred student start date
15/09/2025
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Email
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