Napins

Napins are the low-molecular-weight 2S albumin storage proteins of rapeseed (Brassica napus), the crop grown for canola oil. They accumulate in the seed alongside the larger cruciferin globulins, storing nitrogen and sulfur for germination. In food science they matter on two fronts: as nutritional proteins in canola meal and emerging rapeseed protein isolates for human food, where their amino-acid profile and digestibility are evaluated, and as potential allergens, since seed storage proteins are frequent sensitizers. Breeding and processing research aims to improve their nutritional value while managing allergenic potential in rapeseed-derived food ingredients.