Kowalczewski, Przemysław ŁukaszGumienna, MałgorzataJeżowski, PawełŚwiątek, MichałGórna-Szweda, BarbaraRybicka, IgaRuszkowska, MillenaKluz, Maciej IreneuszBordiga, Matteo2026-01-202026-01-202026-01-03Nutrients 2026, Vol. 18, Issue 1https://hdl.handle.net/11315/31543Introduction: The increasing global interest in plant-based diets has led to the development of innovative meat analogs that not only mimic the sensory properties of traditional products but may also offer potential health benefits. In this study, we investigated the nutritional characteristics and biological activity of potato protein-based vegan burgers (PBBs) enriched with plant-derived iron and fiber sources. Methods: The burgers were subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, followed by evaluation of their cytotoxic potential against human intestinal cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and HT-29) and normal colon epithelial cells (CCD 841 CoN). Additionally, their influence on the intestinal microbiota composition and enzymatic activity of β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase was assessed. Results: PBBs demonstrated favorable nutritional profiles, high protein and fiber contents, and a balanced fatty acid ratio (n-6/n-3). After digestion, bioaccessible fractions showed selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells, while maintaining safety for normal intestinal cells. Furthermore, PBBs modulated the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial genera (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and reducing potentially harmful Enterobacteriaceae, accompanied by decreased β-glucuronidase activity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that potato protein-based burgers could represent a functional plant-based alternative to conventional meat products, contributing to intestinal health and potentially reducing colorectal cancer risk.enCopyright: © 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.potato proteinplant-based burgerintestinal microbiotacytotoxicityβ-glucuronidasevegan meat analoguesgut healthDietetykaArtykuł2072-6643https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010160