Biopeptides from vegetable proteins: new scientific evidences

Protein hydrolysates prepared by Alcalase using ultrasound and microwave pretreated almond meal and their characterization

The study aimed to optimize ultrasonic (US: 40 kHz/200 W for 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min), and microwave (MW: 160 W for 45, 90, 125, 180, and 225 s) pretreatment conditions on protein extraction yield and degree of protein hydrolysis (DH) from almond de-oiled meal, an industrial by-product. First order model was used to describe the kinetics of almond protein hydrolysates obtained with Alcalase. The highest DH, 10.95% was recorded for the US-50 min and 8.87% for MW-45 s; while it was 5.76% for the untreated/control sample. At these optimized pretreatment conditions, a 1.16- and 1.18-fold increment in protein recovery was observed for the US and MW pretreatments, respectively in comparison to the conventional alkaline extraction. The molecular weight distribution recorded for pretreated samples disclosed a significant reduction in the band thickness in comparison with control. Both the pretreatments resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the antioxidant activity, and TCA solubility index when compared with the control. Results evinced that US and/or MW pretreatments before enzymatic hydrolysis can be a promising approach for the valorization of almond meal for its subsequent use as an ingredient for functional foods/nutraceuticals which otherwise fetches low value as an animal feed.

Are oilseeds a new alternative protein source for human nutrition?

This review focuses on the potential use, nutritional value and beneficial health effects of oilseeds as a source of food protein. The process of extracting oil from oilseeds produces a by-product that is rich in proteins and other valuable nutritional and bioactive components. This product is primarily used for animal feed. However, as the demand for proteins continues to rise, plant-based proteins have a real success in food applications. Among the different plant protein sources, oilseeds could be used as an alternative protein source for human diet. The data we have so far show that oilseeds present a protein content of up to 40% and a relatively well-balanced profile of amino acids with sulphur-containing amino acids. Nevertheless, they tend to be deficient in lysine and rich in anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), which therefore means they have lower anabolic potential than animal proteins. To enhance their nutritional value, oilseed proteins can be combined with other protein sources and subjected to processes such as dehulling, heating, soaking, germination or fermentation to reduce their ANFs and improve protein digestibility. Furthermore, due to their bioactive peptides, oilseeds can also bring health benefits, particularly in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. However, additional nutritional data are needed before oilseeds can be endorsed as a protein source for humans.

Improving quality of poultry and its meat products with probiotics, prebiotics, and phytoextracts

Remarkable changes have occurred in poultry farming and meat processing in recent years, driven by advancements in breeding technology, feed processing technology, farming conditions, and management practices. The incorporation of probiotics, prebiotics, and phytoextracts has made significant contributions to the development of poultry meat products that promote both health and functionality throughout the growth phase and during meat processing. Poultry fed with these substances improve meat quality, while incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and phytoextracts in poultry processing, as additives or supplements, inhibits pathogens and offers health benefits to consumers. However, it is vital to assess the safety of functional fermented meat products containing these compounds and their potential effects on consumer health. Currently, there's still uncertainty in these aspects. Additionally, research on utilizing next-generation probiotic strains and synergistic combinations of probiotics and prebiotics in poultry meat products is in its early stages. Therefore, further investigation is required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the beneficial effects and safety considerations of these substances in poultry meat products in the future. This review offered a comprehensive overview of the applications of probiotics and prebiotics in poultry farming, focusing on their effects on nutrient utilization, growth efficiency, and gut health. Furthermore, potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and phytoextracts in enhancing poultry meat production was explored for improved health benefits and functionality, and possible issues associated with the use of these substances were discussed. Moreover, the conclusions drawn from this review and potential future perspectives in this field are presented.

Potential of hydrolyzed wheat protein in soy-based meat analogues: Rheological, textural and functional properties

Hydrolyzed proteins, which are considered to possess significant bioactive properties such as antioxidant and high digestibility, have garnered increasing interest as food ingredients. This study investigates the feasibility of using hydrolyzed wheat gluten (HWG) and soy protein concentrate (SPC) in various ratios to create meat analogues using high-moisture extrusion technology. Results indicate that meat analogues with 40% HWG addition to SPC have a better texture and greater similarities in terms of hardness, chewiness, and toughness to chicken meat than meat analogues with 40% wheat gluten (WG) addition to SPC. Additionally, the meat analogues with HWG showed high antioxidant capacity, protein digestibility, and amino acid composition, indicating potential health benefits. These findings indicate that HWG could serve as a texture modifier to improve both the texture and nutritional content of meat analogues.

Metal-binding peptides and their potential to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of minerals

Minerals including calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper have several human nutritional functions due to their metabolic activities. Body tissues require sufficient levels of a variety of micronutrients to maintain their health. To achieve these micronutrient needs, dietary consumption must be adequate. Dietary proteins may regulate the biological functions of the body in addition to acting as nutrients. Some peptides encoded in the native protein sequences are primarily responsible for the absorption and bioavailability of minerals in physiological functions. Metal-binding peptides (MBPs) were discovered as potential agents for mineral supplements. Nevertheless, sufficient studies on how MBPs affect the biological functions of minerals are lacking. The hypothesis is that the absorption and bioavailability of minerals are significantly influenced by peptides, and these properties are further enhanced by the configuration and attribute of the metal-peptide complex. In this review, the production of MBPs is discussed using various key parameters such as the protein sources and amino acid residues, enzymatic hydrolysis, purification, sequencing and synthesis and in silico analysis of MBPs. The mechanisms of metal-peptide complexes as functional food ingredients are elucidated, including metal-peptide ratio, precursors and ligands, complexation reaction, absorbability and bioavailability. Finally, the characteristics and application of different metal-peptide complexes are also described.

Antioxidant capacity and antitumor activity of the bioactive protein prepared from orange peel residues as a by-product using fungal protease

Agricultural and industrial residues (AIR) are renewable biomass sources present in large quantities causing pollution. Converting AIR to eco-friendly products (bioactive materials) reduces their quantity and impact on the environment, in addition to reducing production costs. Therefore, orange peel (OP) protein degradation, antioxidant capacity, and antitumor activity were investigated using Aspergillus niger WA 2017 protease. The highest value of the protein hydrolysate with the highest antioxidant using the DPPH method was obtained after 24 h. The single-factor method boosted the protein hydrolysate and the DPPH antioxidant activity by 3.7 and 1.7-fold, respectively. Statistical optimized conditions (Central Composite Method) increased the hydrolysate value and the DPPH antioxidant activity by 1.6 and 1.1-fold, respectively. The central trial samples exhibited the highest DPPH antioxidant activity (62.37 %), while the control sample recorded 20 %. All antioxidant tests in vitro (DPPH, reducing power, ABTS, and FRAP) confirmed the superiority of the potent hydrolysate as a good antioxidant. In vitro antitumor activity, the potent hydrolysate exhibited the highest effect on the Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cells viability as it recorded 60.62 % dead cells. In vivo antitumor activity, the volume of the untreated tumor mice was found to be 1.4-fold bigger than the volume obtained from the potent hydrolysate. The increase in life span (ILS %) for oral treatment and intraperitoneal injection treatment with the potent hydrolysate increased by 13.91 and 19.42 %, respectively, compared to the untreated tumor.

Nutritional Quality and Biological Application of Mushroom Protein as a Novel Protein Alternative

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Global concerns about population growth, economic, and nutritional transitions and health have led to the search for a low-cost protein alternative to animal origins. This review provides an overview of the viability of exploring mushroom protein as a future protein alternative considering the nutritional value, quality, digestibility, and biological benefits.

RECENT FINDINGS

Plant proteins are commonly used as alternatives to animal proteins, but the majority of them are low in quality due to a lack of one or more essential amino acids. Edible mushroom proteins usually have a complete essential amino acid profile, meet dietary requirements, and provide economic advantages over animal and plant sources. Mushroom proteins may provide health advantages by eliciting antioxidant, antitumor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), inhibitory and antimicrobial properties over animal proteins. Protein concentrates, hydrolysates, and peptides from mushrooms are being used to improve human health. Also, edible mushrooms can be used to fortify traditional food to increase protein value and functional qualities. These characteristics highlight mushroom proteins as inexpensive, high-quality proteins that can be used as a meat alternative, as pharmaceuticals, and as treatments to alleviate malnutrition. Edible mushroom proteins are high in quality, low in cost, widely available, and meet environmental and social requirements, making them suitable as sustainable alternative proteins.

Protein Mass Fingerprinting and Antioxidant Power of Hemp Seeds in Relation to Plant Cultivar and Environment

Cannabis sativa (hemp) seeds are considered a functional food for their favorable contents of essential fatty acids, proteins and antioxidants. Beyond phenolics and carotenoids, the bioactivity of proteins has recently been investigated. However, plant genotype and environmental conditions can affect quantity and quality of macronutrients and phytochemicals in seeds, influencing their nutraceutical properties. In this study, the effects of plant variety and seed origin on the protein profile and antioxidant activity of hemp seeds were evaluated. Seeds from two cultivars, Secuieni Jubileu and Finola, were harvested from a mountain field located in Italy and compared with reference seeds used for sowing. Albumin and globulin extracts were obtained using the Osborne method and their antioxidant power was assayed (DPPH and ABTS methods). A matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry method was developed for protein fingerprinting analysis. Albumins from seeds of the mountain site showed higher radical scavenging activity and compounds of lower molecular weight than reference seeds, suggesting a role of proteins in the observed bioactivity. The MALDI-TOF method discriminated samples according to origin and variety, highlighting changes in the protein profile and identifying signals which could be used as markers of hemp cultivars.

Potential Application of High Hydrostatic Pressure on the Production of Hydrolyzed Proteins with Antioxidant and Antihypertensive Properties and Low Allergenicity: A Review

The high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) process has been studied for several applications in food technology and has been commercially implemented in several countries, mainly for non-thermal pasteurization and shelf-life extension of food products. HHP processing has been demonstrated to accelerate proteolytic hydrolysis at a specific combination of pressure and pressure-holding time for a given protein source and enzyme. The enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins is a well-known alternative to producing biologically active peptides, with antioxidant and antihypertensive capacity, from different food protein sources. However, some of these protein sources contain allergenic epitopes which are often not degraded by traditional hydrolysis. Moreover, the peptide profile and related biological activity of a hydrolysate depend on the protein source, the enzymes used, the parameters of the proteolysis process (pH, temperature, time of hydrolysis), and the use of other technologies such as HHP. The present review aims to provide an update on the use of HHP for improving enzymatic hydrolysis, with a particular focus on studies which evaluated hydrolysate antihypertensive and antioxidant capacity, as well as residual allergenicity. Overall, HHP has been shown to improve the biological properties of hydrolysates. While protein allergenicity can be reduced with traditional hydrolysis, HHP can further reduce the allergenicity. Compared with traditional hydrolysis methods, HHP-assisted protein hydrolysis offers a greater opportunity to add value to protein-rich products through conversion into high-end hydrolysate products with enhanced nutritional and functional properties.

Design of glucono-δ-lactone-induced pinto bean protein isolate/κ-carrageenan mixed gels with various microstructures: fabrication, characterization, and release behavior

BACKGROUND

Protein gels are used for different purposes, such as providing good texture, serving as fat replacers, and enhancing the nutritional and functional characteristics of foods. They can also deliver controlled release agents for sensitive drugs. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of κ-carrageenan (kcr) concentration (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 mg g^-1 ) on the morphological and physicochemical properties and release behavior of glucono-δ-lactone (GDL)-induced pinto bean protein aggregate (PBA) gels.

RESULTS

When κ-carrageenan concentration increased from 0 to 1.5 and 3 mg.g^-1 , the firmness of the samples increased significantly, by 2.04 and 3.7 fold, respectively (P < 0.05). A compact and homogenous network with considerable strength and maximum water-holding capacity (97.52 ± 1.17%) was obtained with the addition of 3 mg g^-1 κ-carrageenan to the gel system. Further increasing the κ-carrageenan concentration to 4.5 mg g^-1 produced a coarse gel structure with higher storage modulus (G'), firmness (6.30-fold), thermal stability, and entrapment efficiency (85.6%). Depending on the κ-carrageenan concentration, various microstructures from protein continuous phase to κ-carrageenan continuous phase were observed. The release test indicated that 70.25% of the loaded curcumin was released in the simulated gastrointestinal tract for pure PBA gels. In contrast, for binary gels containing 4.5 mg g^-1 κ-carrageenan, curcumin was protected in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and 64.45% of loaded curcumin was delivered to the colon.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that κ-carrageenan/PBA gels had high entrapment efficiency and could protect curcumin in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The hydrogels are therefore very valuable for colon-targeting delivery purposes. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Probiotic fermentation of polyphenols: potential sources of novel functional foods

Fermented functional food products are among the major segments of food processing industry. Fermentation imparts several characteristic effects on foods including the enhancement of organoleptic characteristics, increased shelf-life, and production of novel health beneficial compounds. However, in addition to macronutrients present in the food, secondary metabolites such as polyphenols are also emerging as suitable fermentable substrates. Despite the traditional antimicrobial view of polyphenols, accumulating research shows that polyphenols exert differential effects on bacterial communities by suppressing the growth of pathogenic microbes while concomitantly promoting the proliferation and survival of probiotic bacteria. Conversely, probiotic bacteria not only survive among polyphenols but also induce their fermentation which often leads to improved bioavailability of polyphenols, production of novel metabolic intermediates, increased polyphenolic content, and thus enhanced functional capacity of the fermented food. In addition, selective fermentation of combinations of polyphenol-rich foods or fortification with polyphenols can result in novel functional foods. The present narrative review specifically explores the potential of polyphenols as fermentable substrates in functional foods. We discuss the emerging bidirectional relationship between polyphenols and probiotic bacteria with an aim at promoting the development of novel functional foods based on the amalgamation of probiotic bacteria and polyphenols.

Graphical abstract

Recent advances in bioactive peptides from cereal-derived Foodstuffs

Cereal-derived proteins account for a major part of human dietary protein consumption. Natural bioactive peptides (NBPs) from these proteins involve a variety of physiological activities and play an important role in the promotion of human health. This review focuses on the characteristics of NBPs obtained from cereals, and the commonly used methods for preparation, separation, purification, and identification. We also discussed the biological functions of cereal-derived NBPs (CNBPs), including the activities of antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and regulation of hyperglycaemia and hypertension. The paper summarised the latest progress in the research and application of CNBPs and analysed the prospects for the development and application of several protein by-products, providing an important way to improve the added value of protein by-products in cereal processing.

Preliminary Characterization of Structural and Rheological Behavior of the Quinoa Hyperprotein-Defatted Flour

Protein functional properties are related to physical and chemical parameters that influence protein behavior in food systems during processing, storage and consumption. The structural and rheological properties of three quinoa hyperprotein flours (without defatting, WD, chemically defatted, CD, and mechanically defatted, MD) were evaluated. The values of the fluidity index (n) were significantly different (p &lt; 0.05), which was associated with changes in protein or starch structures due to solvent treatments or heating of the flour during pressing. In addition, a strong dependence of the consistency index (k) on the shear rate was observed. For dispersions with a concentration of 12% (w/v), CD and WD had a significantly lower setback value than MD. The viscosity peak was affected by the presence of lipid molecules. Greater changes were evident in the β-sheet (1,610 and 1,625 cm−1) and β-spin (1,685 and 1,695 cm−1) structures. The changes identified in these structures were associated with the defatting treatment. Consequently, the intensity ratio 2,920/1,633 cm−1 was more sensitive to changes in the fat content of the flours. It was shown that defatting conditions increase the protein adsorption kinetics and that the viscoelastic properties of the protein increase when the flour has a lower fat content. Hyperprotein quinoa flour could be used to improve the protein content of products such as snacks, pastas, ice cream, bakery products, meat extenders, among others, due to its foaming, gelling or emulsifying capacity. The objective of this work was to study the effect of two types of defatting of hyperprotein quinoa flour on its structural and rheological properties.

Recent patent applications in beverages enriched with plant proteins

Recently, many consumers have been adding plant-based beverages to their diets, due to different reasons. The addition of plant proteins to enrich these products in order to make them more nutritionally balanced has become a trend, mainly because of their lower prices and reduced environmental damage. Thus, the aims of the present patent review are to discuss the potential of, and challenges posed by, plant proteins to the beverage industry, as well as to check market trends, focused on raw materials and beverage types. Based on the results, pea, rapeseed, bean, peanut, chickpea, lentil, hempseed, sunflower seed, and cottonseed were among the most often addressed raw materials. Furthermore, this enrichment process is not limited to create products that mimic dairy, therefore expansion in plant proteins used to enrich carbonated beverages, sports drinks, or even juices is expected to happen. Thus, plant-derived proteins have been promising to high-quality beverage production, as well as to ensure food security, animal welfare, and low environmental impacts.

Physicochemical properties of seed protein isolates extracted from pepper meal by pressure-assisted and conventional solvent defatting

Pepper seed is one by-product in pepper processing, rich in protein, fat, and fiber, and is a new plant-based protein source. In this paper, the physicochemical and functional properties of pepper seed protein isolates (PSPIs) extracted from pepper meal by pressure-assisted defatting (PAD) and conventional solvent defatting (CSD) were investigated. The yields of SPIs extracted by CSD and PAD were 22.8% and 20.5%, respectively. Compared with the PSPIs obtained by CSD, the solubility, water-holding and oil-holding capacities, and emulsifying and foaming abilities of the PSPIs obtained by PAD were significantly increased by 11.22%, 29.17%, 40%, 160%, and 100%, respectively. Additionally, UV-visible, intrinsic fluorescence and infrared spectroscopic characterization revealed the tertiary and secondary conformation changes of the PSPIs, which might contribute to the improvement of their functional properties. Overall, PAD significantly improved the functional properties of the PSPIs. The PSPIs extracted by this innovative technology would be a new plant protein alternative for food formulations with better functional properties.

Enzyme-Assisted Release of Antioxidant Peptides from Porphyra dioica Conchocelis

The conchocelis life cycle stage of P. dioica represents an unexplored source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to generate and characterise, for the first time, hydrolysates of conchocelis using a specific combination of proteases (Prolyve^® and Flavourzyme^®). Hydrolysate molecular mass distribution and free amino acid contents were assessed, and the antioxidant activity was determined using a range of in vitro assays. The protein content and the total amino acid profiles of conchocelis were also studied. Conchocelis contained ~25% of protein (dry weight basis) and had a complete profile of essential amino acids. Direct sequential enzymatic treatment modified the profile of the generated compounds, increasing the amount of low molecular weight peptides (<1 kDa). There was a significant improvement in the antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates compared with the control (up to 2.5-fold), indicating their potential as a novel source of antioxidant ingredients.

Functional and Bioactive Properties of Peptides Derived from Marine Side Streams

In fish processing, a great amount of side streams, including skin, bones, heads and viscera, is wasted or downgraded as feed on a daily basis. These side streams are rich sources of bioactive nitrogenous compounds and protein, which can be converted into peptides through enzymatic hydrolysis as well as bacterial fermentation. Peptides are short or long chains of amino acids differing in structure and molecular weight. They can be considered as biologically active as they can contribute to physiological functions in organisms with applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the food industry, such bioactive peptides can be used as preservatives or antioxidants to prevent food spoilage. Furthermore, peptides contain several functional qualities that can be exploited as tools in modifying food ingredient solubility, water-holding and fat-binding capacity and gel formation. In the pharmaceutical industry, peptides can be used as antioxidants, but also as antihypertensive, anticoagulant and immunomodulatory compounds, amongst other functions. On the basis of their properties, peptides can thus be used in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. This review focuses on the bioactive peptides derived from seafood side streams and discusses their technological properties, biological activities and applications.

Selenium-Containing Proteins/Peptides from Plants: A Review on the Structures and Functions

Selenium is an essential microelement required for biological processes. Traditional selenium supplements (selenite and selenomethionine mainly) remain concerns due to toxicity and bioavailability. In recent decades, biofortification strategies have been applied to produce selenium-enriched edible plants to address the challenges of superior nutritional quality requirements. Plant-derived selenium-containing proteins/peptides offer potential health benefits beyond the basic nutritional requirements of Se. Highly nucleophilic seleno-amino acids, special peptide sequences, and favorable bioavailability contribute to the biological activities of selenium-containing proteins/peptides, such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. However, their applications on a commercial scale are insufficient owing to the complexity of purification and identification techniques and the sparse information on bioavailability and metabolism. In this review, selenium status, structural features, bioactivities, structure-activity relationships, and bioavailability, as well as the mechanisms underlying the bioactivities and metabolism of plant-derived selenium-containing proteins/peptides, are summarized and discussed for their nutraceutical use.

Proteins and peptides from vegetable food sources as therapeutic adjuvants for the type 2 diabetes mellitus

Proteins and peptides are fundamental components of the cereals, pseudocereals, and legumes, giving them numerous health-beneficial properties. Previous studies have demonstrated that these molecules exerted effects on current therapeutic targets related to type 2 diabetes mellitus, such as incretin hormones (responsible for appetite suppression), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (an enzyme involved in the inactivation and degradation of the incretin hormones), and glucose transporters (molecules that transport glucose in or out of cells). Therefore, this review presents the current biological activity of protein derivatives and peptides isolated from cereals, pseudocereals, and legumes on these therapeutic markers, highlighting their potential as a possible pharmacological treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Brewer’s Spent Grains: Possibilities of Valorization, a Review

This review was based on updated research on how to use brewer’s spent grains (BSG). The use of BSG was considered both in food, as an ingredient or using value-added components derived from brewer’s spent grain, or in non-food products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, construction, or food packaging. BSG is a valuable source of individual components due to its high nutritional value and low cost that is worth exploiting more to reduce food waste but also to improve human health and the environment. From the bioeconomy point of view, biological resources are transformed into bioenergetically viable and economically valuable products. The pretreatment stage of BSG biomass plays an important role in the efficiency of the extraction process and the yield obtained. The pretreatments presented in this review are both conventional and modern extraction methods, such as solvent extractions or microwave-assisted extractions, ultrasonic-assisted extractions, etc.

Bioactive Peptides and Dietary Polyphenols: Two Sides of the Same Coin

The call for health-promoting nutraceuticals and functional foods containing bioactive compounds is growing. Among the great diversity of functional phytochemicals, polyphenols and, more recently, bioactive peptides have stood out as functional compounds. The amount of an ingested nutrient able to reach the bloodstream and exert the biological activity is a critical factor, and is affected by several factors, such as food components and food processing. This can lead to unclaimed interactions and/or reactions between bioactive compounds, which is particularly important for these bioactive compounds, since some polyphenols are widely known for their ability to interact and/or precipitate proteins/peptides. This review focuses on this important topic, addressing how these interactions could affect molecules digestion, absorption, metabolism and (biological)function. At the end, it is evidenced that further research is needed to understand the true effect of polyphenol-bioactive peptide interactions on overall health outcomes.

Antidiabetic Food-Derived Peptides for Functional Feeding: Production, Functionality and In Vivo Evidences

Bioactive peptides released from the enzymatic hydrolysis of food proteins are currently a trending topic in the scientific community. Their potential as antidiabetic agents, by regulating the glycemic index, and thus to be employed in food formulation, is one of the most important functions of these peptides. In this review, we aimed to summarize the whole process that must be considered when talking about including these molecules as a bioactive ingredient. In this regard, at first, the production, purification and identification of bioactive peptides is summed up. The detailed metabolic pathways described included carbohydrate hydrolases (glucosidase and amylase) and dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibition, due to their importance in the food-derived peptides research field. Then, their characterization, concerning bioavailability in vitro and in situ, stability and functionality in food matrices, and ultimately, the in vivo evidence (from invertebrate animals to humans), was described. The future applicability that these molecules have due to their biological potential as functional ingredients makes them an important field of research, which could help the world population avoid suffering from several diseases, such as diabetes.