Study and characterization of proteins and polysaccharides of cushuro (Nostoc commune) from the Cotaparaco lagoon - Recuay, Ancash for the development of functional foods and contribute to the reduction of child malnutrition

Bioactive proteins and polysaccharides from algae are increasingly important in the food, biochemical and medical areas, they possess antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have low toxicity and high bioactivity. It can be used in the formation of foams, gels, emulsions and food formulation. In recent years, cases of intolerance and allergies to certain foods have increased, increasing the investigation of new sources of proteins and polysaccharides. The lack of foods with an adequate balance of proteins and bioactive compounds is one of the factors that causes child malnutrition, a global problem with very lethal effects in developing countries. In Peru, 12.2% of children under 5 years of age are malnourished (INEI, 2018) with a prospective for the year 2050 close to 9 billion; It is important to find functional, affordable and sustainable proteins and polysaccharides to cover the nutritional needs.