A novel calcium-binding peptide from bovine bone collagen hydrolysate and chelation mechanism and calcium absorption activity of peptide-calcium chelate

Improvement of stability and antioxidant capacity of peptide - iron complexes by sonication

In the present study, peptide‑iron complexes derived from Dictyophora rubrovolvata volva (U-VP-Fe) were prepared using ultrasonication. Their structures, interactions, stability and antioxidant activity were systematically characterised. The production conditions optimized by orthogonal tests were as follows: ultrasonic power 90 W, peptide concentration 4 %, mass ratio of peptide/FeCl2 1:1, and pH 4. Under such conditions, the iron binding capacity could reach 66.35 mg/g. Fluorescence spectral analyses revealed that hydrophobic forces dominated the binding to Fe2+, and the binding process was endothermic and spontaneous. Morphological analyses showed that U-VP-Fe featured a dense and smooth surface with significantly improved surface hydrophobicity and particle size. Stability analyses suggested that U-VP-Fe exhibited better resistance to high temperature, pH and gastrointestinal digestion than the hydrothermal control (C-VP-Fe). Antioxidant assays demonstrated that U-VP-Fe presented superior antioxidant capacity than C-VP-Fe. The findings lay the theoretical foundation for applying ultrasound method to produce peptide‑iron complexes as novel iron supplements.

A novel iron fortifier prepared through quinoa protein peptides hydrolyzed with different proteases

Iron deficiency is a widespread global issue that leads to nutritional disorders and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). In this study, quinoa protein peptide (QPP) was selected to design a novel iron supplement, quinoa protein peptide‑iron chelate (QPP-Fe). Notably, QPP with a molecular weight of <2000 Da, prepared using Alcalase, exhibited the highest iron chelation ratio of 79.2 ± 0.36 mg/g. Furthermore, FTIR, UV-Vis, CD, and fluorescence spectroscopy results indicated that the addition of Fe2+ significantly altered the secondary structure of QPP. This alteration was primarily attributed to the interaction of Fe2+ with carboxyl, amino, and imidazole groups. Moreover, we observed that the QPP-Fe form compact spherical structures, leading to reduced and much more uniform particle sizes. The molecular docking results revealed that Fe2+ formed ligand bonds with Glu, His, Ala, and Gly through electrostatic interactions. Then a pocket structure that wrapped Fe2+ around the peptide was formed, which changed the peptide from a free and disordered state to a more stable state. These results can provide a reference for the development of iron-fortified functional foods.

Optimization and Mechanism of Ca2+ Biosorption by Virgibacillus pantothenticus Isolated from Gelatine Wastewater

Gelatine-processing wastewater contains much residual sludge due to its high calcium ion concentration and chemical oxygen demand. In this study, N3-4, a microbial strain with excellent calcium tolerance capacity, was screened and identified as Virgibacillus pantothenticus using morphological observation, physiological and biochemical testing, and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Its growth characteristics were investigated, and the maximum adsorption of calcium reached 572.43 μg/g under the optimal conditions (contact time, 72.68 min; biomass dosage, 1.3 g/l; initial calcium concentration, 142.01 mg/l). Conditions were optimized using response surface methodology and structural characterization. The structure of the bacterial pellets was altered from flat to rough, accompanied by bulges and sediments after Ca2+ treatment, according to structural characterization. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of the bacterial precipitates under calcium(II) treatment revealed the immobilization of Ca2+ species on the bacterial cell surface. The results indicate that -OH, -NH2, C≡C, C=O, -CH2, -C-O-, and -C-N groups play a significant role in calcium dispersion on the surface of V. pantothenticus.

Development and characterization of gelatin peptides and peptide‑calcium chelates from tuna processing by-products of skins and bones

This study used hydrothermal extraction to obtain gelatin from tuna processing by-products. After treatment, the yield (w/w dry weight) of gelatin from skins and bones were 70.22 ± 2.07 % and 28 ± 3.03 %, respectively. Enzymatic hydrolysis using alkaline protease and pancreatin converted the gelatins into peptides, with the content of oligopeptide up to 87.67 ± 1.44 %. The tuna bone gelatin peptides exhibiting higher scavenging abilities against hydroxyl radicals (·OH-), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH·), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) compared to tuna skin gelatin peptides. Gelatin peptides were chelated with CaCl2 at 50 °C for 60 min, pH 8.0, and a 1:2 peptide-to‑calcium ratio, achieving a maximum calcium binding capacity of 56.70 ± 1.67 %. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the participation of amino and carboxyl groups in the reaction. These findings provide technical and theoretical support for the development of calcium-chelated gelatin peptides.

Hirudin-Like Noninvasive Polyurethane Solid Anticoagulant Fabricated by One-Pot In Situ Solution Polymerization and Phase Conversion Methods

In the process of blood purification, the use of anticoagulants is necessary to prevent treatment interruptions due to blood clotting. Currently, traditional liquid anticoagulant medications, which enter the bloodstream, may lead to safety concerns, such as internal bleeding and thrombocytopenia. To address these issues, we prepared solid anticoagulant microspheres based on polyurethane (PU) through one-pot in situ solution polymerization and phase conversion methods. The microspheres prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT) by 30-40 s and demonstrate good blood compatibility. Interestingly, we find that polyurethane in the microspheres has the ability to selectively bind thrombin, like the anticoagulant mechanism of hirudin. The strong binding between PU and thrombin is confirmed through microscale thermography (MST) (the dissociation constant Kd is about 71 μM). Furthermore, the anticoagulant microspheres, in combination with other studies of anticoagulation mechanisms, are found to inhibit multiple steps in the coagulation cascade. More importantly, the noninvasive microspheres do not release PU into the bloodstream, ensuring the safety of anticoagulation therapy and suggesting significant potential for application in the field of blood purification.

The negative electrostatic potential of the coordination between calcium and carboxyl/oxygen group in calcium-peptide complexes contributes to calcium utilization

The coordination electrostatic potential has significantly influenced the binding energy of calcium-peptide coordination complexes. However, its impact on calcium bioavailability is unclear. A calcium-binding peptide (CBP) DEDEQIPSHPPR, purified from soybean yogurt was selected. The study selected tetrapeptide residues of acidic amino acids that play an important role in CBP and designed sixteen tetrapeptides rich in carboxyl oxygen atoms to investigate the influence of electrostatic potential on calcium-peptide binding. The results indicated that DEDE exhibited the strongest binding energy (-375.27 kcal/mol) and binding capacity (464.11 ± 2.14 mg/g) with calcium ions compared to other peptides. Moreover, DEDE also increased intracellular calcium concentration the most, being 2.04 times higher than CaCl2. Calcium ions coordinated with carboxyl oxygen atoms possessing negative electrostatic potential, which correlated positively with the bioavailability of calcium ions. This electrostatic potential analysis provides a theoretical basis for developing and screening bioactive peptides with high calcium bioavailability.

Preparation, structural characterisation, absorption and calcium transport studies of walnut peptide calcium chelate

In this study, a walnut peptide (WP) with calcium-binding capacity was prepared using a combination of alkalase and neutrase. The conditions for the preparation of walnut peptide calcium chelate (WP-Ca) were optimised (a peptide/calcium chloride ratio of 1 : 4 for 70 min at 50 °C and pH 9.5). Fractionation via ultrafiltration showed that peptides with a size <1 kDa demonstrated the highest calcium binding capacity at 106.4 mg g-1. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, zeta potential and other analyses were performed to characterize WP-Ca. The combined results indicate that calcium binds by interacting with the carboxyl oxygen, hydroxyl oxygen and amino nitrogen of walnut peptides to form WP-Ca. The chelate showed good gastrointestinal stability. Furthermore, using the Caco-2 cell monolayer model, WP-Ca was shown to significantly increase calcium bioavailability and effectively reverse the inhibitory effects of dietary factors (phytates and phosphates) on calcium absorption. The results provide a scientific basis for developing novel calcium supplements and high-value walnut utilisation.

Antioxidative and mineral-binding food-derived peptides: Production, functions, metal complexation conditions, and digestive fate

The discovery of food-derived biopeptides is becoming increasingly prevalent in the scientific community. Some peptides possess multiple biological functions that can confer health benefits through various mechanisms following ingestion. The present review targets food-derived antioxidant and mineral-binding peptides (AMBPs) including their production procedure i.e., enzymolysis, separation, and purification (through membrane separation, gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography), followed by mass spectrometry for identification. The most effective AMBPs exhibit radical scavenging activity, detoxification of excess metals, and reduction of lipid peroxidation to facilitate mineral bioavailability. The metal complexation of AMBPs necessitates an optimal metal-to-peptide ratio, specific ligands, precursors, and complexation reactions. The bioavailability and absorbability mechanisms of AMBPs are also elucidated, encompassing gastrointestinal stability, binding mode, and cell absorption machinery. Ultimately, further considerations regarding additional research on AMBPs are provided, which will assist researchers in conducting more comprehensive studies to promote the effective and safe use of AMBPs.

Novel Insights Into Peptide-Calcium Chelates From Lentinula edodes: Preparation and Its Structure, Stability, and Calcium Transport Analysis

Peptide-Ca chelates are innovative calcium supplements. Lentinula edodes possesses nutritional advantages for preparing calcium-binding peptides (CBPs), although there are limited studies on this subject. Therefore, this paper investigated the optimal condition for preparing Lentinula edodes CBPs and Lentinula edodes peptide-calcium chelates (LP-Ca), along with analyzing their microstructure, calcium-binding mechanisms, stability, and calcium transporting efficacy. The optimal protease and hydrolysis time for preparing CBPs were neutral protease and 3 h, respectively. The optimized parameters for LP-Ca preparation were as follows: pH9, time 50 min, mass ratio of peptide/CaCl2 5:1, and temperature 65°C. The chelates contain 4.23% ± 0.01% Ca. After chelation, Glu, Asp, Lys, Ser, His, and Cys were enriched. LP-Ca possessed a rough and porous structure, exhibiting a pronounced calcium signal. -COO-, C=O, and N-H groups were contributed to the chelation, with calcium primarily existing in an amorphous form. LP-Ca exhibited enhanced thermal stability and retained most of the calcium (62.33% ± 4.51%) after digestion, and calcium transportation was enhanced in the LP-Ca group (9.57 ± 0.60 μg). Collectively, LP-Ca are studied for the first time and the study is of great significance for developing novel calcium supplements.

Synthesis, structural characterization and in vitro digestion stability of a soluble soybean polysaccharide‑zinc chelate

The chelation reaction of soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) with zinc was investigated. Using response surface methodology, the optimum parameters for SSPS-Zn synthesis were obtained: pH 5.3, SSPS-ZnCl2 mass ratio of 9.44:1, reaction temperature 50.44 °C, and reaction time 1.5 h, with the highest zinc content of 24.73 %. Compared with SSPS, SSPS-Zn increased in rhamnogalacturonan content and decreased in that of neutral monosaccharides (Fuc, Ara, Gal, Glu and Xyl). UV-vis spectra indicated that SSPS-Zn was lower than SSPS in protein content. FTIR spectra indicated that CO group of SSPS was bonded to Zn2+. X-ray diffraction spectra demonstrated that SSPS-Zn had higher crystallinity. Congo red reactions showed that SSPS possessed a triple-helix conformation while SSPS-Zn formed an irregular free-coiled conformation. EDX confirmed SSPS-Zn synthesis successfully. TGA curves exhibited that SSPS-Zn required higher temperature to undergo degradation. AFM revealed that SSPS-Zn was clustered while SSPS was filamentous. SEM micrographs showed the cracked fragments on the surface of SSPS-Zn. By in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion, Zn2+ release reached 68.87 % after 2 h digestion. Consequently, the chelation of SSPS with zinc could change structure and provide a basis for research and application of novel zinc supplements.

Long-term stable water-in-oil-in-water emulsion for effective protection and sustained release of lysine-calcium using chitosan and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose

The poor tolerance to gastric acid and low absorption of calcium supplements in the intestinal tract remain a serious limitation in applications. Herein, lysine-calcium (Lys-Ca) has been synthesized via the chelation of Lys and high-temperature calcination scallop shell powder (HCSP), and subsequently encapsulated in a carefully designed water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsion with a high encapsulation efficiency of 93 % using chitosan (CS) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Owing to the interfacial film formed by CS and HPMC between the droplets, the resulting emulsion demonstrates good acid and thermal stability, as well as long-term stability even after 60 d of storage at 25 °C. Meanwhile, the emulsion effectively protects the encapsulated Lys-Ca from damage in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). with only about 20 % Lys-Ca escaping into SGF (after 4 h). In simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), it sustainedly releases with a 61 % ratio at 1 h under the influence of bile salts and lipase, and near-complete release occurred after 6 h. Additionally, the emulsion presents no cytotoxicity and possesses appreciable calcium transport capacity. This work provides a well-designed double-emulsion strategy that offers a promising approach for developing efficient calcium supplements, aiming at improving the bioavailability of biomass calcium.

Characterization, in vitro antioxidant activity and stability of cattle bone collagen peptides‑selenium chelate

In this study, cattle bone collagen peptides-selenium chelate (CCP-Se) was prepared and its structure, oxidation resistance and stability were characterized. The selenium binding capacity was 33.65 ± 0.13 mg/g by optimized preparation conditions. Structural analysis showed that selenium ions bound mainly to the amino nitrogen, carboxyl oxygen and hydroxyl oxygen atoms of the cattle bone collagen peptide (CCP). The microstructure and particle size analyses showed that the particle size of CCP-Se was increased and formed a regular and compact crystal structure compared with CCP. Additionally, CCP-Se exhibited excellent antioxidant activity. Stability analysis showed that CCP-Se was stable in thermal processing, simulated in vitro digestion and acid/alkali tolerance tests. The intestinal selenium permeability of CCP-Se was significantly better than sodium selenite (p < 0.05). This study provides reference for the high-value application of cattle bone and suggests the potential of CCP-Se as a new effective selenium supplement.

Casein phosphopeptide interferes the interactions between ferritin and ion irons

Ferritin, a vital protein required to store iron in a cage-like structure, is critical for maintaining iron balance. Ferritin can be attacked by free radicals during iron reduction and release, thereby leading to oxidative damage. Whether other biomacromolecules such as casein phosphopeptides (CPP) could influence the ferritin's function in iron oxidation and release and affect the ferritin stability remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of CPP on the ferritin‑iron ion interaction, thereby focusing on role of CPP on ferritin stability. Results showed that CPP weakened the iron oxidation activity of ferritin but promoted iron release. Moreover, CPP could effectively chelate iron, capture hydroxyl radicals, and reduce the degradation of ferritin. This study highlights the role of CPP in the ferritin‑iron relationship, and lays a foundation for understanding the interaction between ferritin, peptides, and metal ions.

Optimization of the Preparation Process and Ameliorative Efficacy in Osteoporotic Rats of Peptide-Calcium Chelates from Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Meat

This study aimed to establish the preparation process of peptide-calcium chelates (TMP-Ca) using skipjack tuna meat and investigate the function and mechanism of TMP-Ca in an osteoporosis model of rats. The results indicated that trypsin is more suitable for preparing the Ca-chelating hydrolysates of tuna meat, and the optimal hydrolysis conditions were derived as follows: digestion time 4 h, material-liquid ratio 1:10, and enzyme dose 3%. The conditions for chelating Ca with tuna meat hydrolysate were optimized to be chelation time 50 min, temperature 50 °C, pH 8.0, and a peptide-Ca ratio 1:10. The prepared hydrolysate was subjected to ultrafiltration, and the fraction (TMP) (MW <1 kDa) showed the highest Ca chelation rate (51.27 ± 1.42%) and was made into the peptide-Ca chelates (TMP-Ca). In osteoporotic rats, TMP-Ca significantly improved the decrease in ovarian indexes caused by retinoic acid. It also elevated serum Ca, phosphorus, and bone turnover indexes, increased the number of bone trabeculae, and improved bone microstructure. In addition, we confirmed that TMP-Ca could regulate the OPG/TRAF6 pathway to reduce osteoclast differentiation, inhibit bone resorption, and promote bone formation. Therefore, TMP-Ca could significantly ameliorate osteoporosis, and this study provides a functional component for the preparation of healthcare products using skipjack tuna meat to treat osteoporosis.

Effect of sheep bone protein hydrolysate on promoting calcium absorption and enhancing bone quality in low-calcium diet fed rats

Calcium deficiency is prone to fractures, osteoporosis and other symptoms. In this study, sheep bone protein hydrolysates (SBPHs) were obtained by protease hydrolysis. A low-calcium-diet-induced calcium-deficiency rat model was established to investigate the effects of SBPHs on calcium absorption and intestinal flora composition. The results showed that an SBPHs + CaCl2 treatment significantly increased the bone calcium content, bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume, and trabecular thickness, and reduced trabecular separation, and changed the level of bone turnover markers (P < 0.05). Supplementation of SBPHs + CaCl2 can remarkably enhance the bone mechanical strength, and the microstructure of bone was improved, and the trabecular network was more continuous, complete, and thicker. Additionally, SBPHs + CaCl2 dietary increased the abundance of Firmicutes and reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobiota, and promoted the production of short chain fatty acids. This study indicated that SBPHs promoted calcium absorption and could be applied to alleviate osteoporosis.

Enhancement of Calcium Chelating Activity in Peptides from Sea Cucumber Ovum through Phosphorylation Modification

Recently, phosphorylation has been applied to peptides to enhance their physiological activity, taking advantage of its modification benefits and the extensive study of functional peptides. In this study, water-soluble peptides (WSPs) of sea cucumber ovum were phosphorylated in order to improve the latter's calcium binding capacity and calcium absorption. Enzymatic hydrolysis methods were screened via ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), the fluorescence spectrum, and calcium chelating ability. Phosphorylated water-soluble peptides (P-WSPs) were characterized via high-performance liquid chromatography, the circular dichroism spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, surface hydrophobicity, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The phosphorus content, calcium chelation rate and absorption rate were investigated. The results demonstrated that phosphorylation enhanced the calcium chelating capacity of WSPs, with the highest capacity reaching 0.96 mmol/L. Phosphate ions caused esterification events, and the carboxyl, amino, and phosphate groups of WSPs and P-WSPs interacted with calcium ions to form these bonds. Calcium-chelated phosphorylated water-soluble peptides (P-WSPs-Ca) demonstrated outstanding stability (calcium retention rates > 80%) in gastrointestinal processes. Our study indicates that these chelates have significant potential to develop into calcium supplements with superior efficacy, bioactivity, and stability.

Preparation of Calcium-Binding Peptides Derived from Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) Protein and Structural Characterization and Stability Analysis of Its Calcium Complexes

The purpose of this study was to prepare mackerel peptides (MPs) with calcium-binding capacity through an enzyme method and to investigate the potential role they play in improving the bioavailability of calcium in vitro. The calcium-binding capacity, degree of hydrolysis (DH), molecular weight (MW), and charge distribution changes with the enzymolysis time of MPs were measured. The structural characterization of mackerel peptide-calcium (MP-calcium) complexes was performed using spectroscopy and morphology analysis. The results showed that the maximum calcium-binding capacity of the obtained MPs was 120.95 mg/g when alcalase was used for 3 h, with a DH of 15.45%. Moreover, with an increase in hydrolysis time, the MW of the MPs decreased, and the negative charge increased. The carboxyl and amino groups in aspartic (Asp) and glutamate (Glu) of the MPs may act as calcium-binding sites, which are further assembled into compact nanoscale spherical complexes with calcium ions through intermolecular interactions. Furthermore, even under the influence of oxalic acid, MP-calcium complexes maintained a certain solubility. This study provides a basis for developing new calcium supplements and efficiently utilizing the mackerel protein resource.

Phosphorylation modification of bovine bone collagen peptide enhanced its effect on mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells via improving calcium-binding capacity

This study aimed to investigate the effect of phosphorylation modification of collagen peptide on its calcium-binding capacity and pro-mineralization activity. In this study, collagen peptide (Leu-Thr-Phe, LTF) and phosphorylated LTF (P-LTF) were synthesized and further chelated with calcium ions. The results showed that phosphorylation of LTF significantly enhanced its calcium-binding capacity. Spectra analysis revealed that the calcium-binding sites of P-LTF were mainly carbonyl, carboxyl, and phosphate groups. Molecular docking further demonstrated that the phosphate group introduced by phosphorylation enhanced the calcium-binding capacity of LTF by ionic bonds and coordination bonds. The stability analysis results suggested that intestinal fluid could repair the peptide-calcium complex destroyed by gastric fluid. The cell experiment displayed that P-LTF-Ca significantly improved the mineralization activity of MC3T3-E1 cells, and the order of effective influence was P-LTF-Ca > LTF-Ca > P-LTF > LTF. This study provided the theoretical basis for the potential application of phosphorylation modification in improving bone health.

Preparation, characterization, and property evaluation of Hericium erinaceus peptide-calcium chelate

Recently, owing to the good calcium bioavailability, peptide-calcium chelates made of various foods have been emerging. Hericium erinaceus, an edible fungus, is rich in proteins with a high proportion of calcium-binding amino acids. Thus, mushrooms serve as a good source to prepare peptide-calcium chelates. Herein, the conditions for hydrolyzing Hericium erinaceus peptides (HP) with a good calcium-binding rate (CBR) were investigated, followed by the optimization of HP-calcium chelate (HP-Ca) preparation. Furthermore, the structure of the new chelates was characterized along with the evaluation of gastrointestinal stability and calcium absorption. Papain and a hydrolysis time of 2 h were selected for preparing Hericium erinaceus peptides, and the conditions (pH 8.5, temperature 55°C, time 40 min, and mass ratio of peptide/CaCl2 4:1) were optimal to prepare HP-Ca. Under this condition, the chelates contained 6.79 ± 0.13% of calcium. The morphology and energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed that HP-Ca was loose and porous, with an obvious calcium element signal. The ultraviolet-visible (UV) absorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis indicated that calcium possibly chelates to HP via interaction with free -COO- from acidic amino acids and C = O from amide. HP-Ca displayed good stability against stimulated gastrointestinal digestion. Moreover, HP-Ca significantly improved the calcium absorption by Caco-2 epithelial cells. Thus, HP-Ca is a promising Ca supplement with high calcium bioavailability.

Purification, Identification, Chelation Mechanism, and Calcium Absorption Activity of a Novel Calcium-Binding Peptide from Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Protein Hydrolysate

A novel calcium-binding peptide was purified from peanut protein hydrolysate using gel filtration chromatography and identified using HPLC-MS/MS. Its amino acid sequence was determined as Phe-Pro-Pro-Asp-Val-Ala (FPPDVA, named as FA6) with the calcium-binding capacity of 15.67 ± 0.39 mg/g. Then, the calcium chelating characteristics of FPPDVA were investigated using ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size, and zeta potential. The results showed that FPPDVA interacted with calcium ions, the chelation of calcium ions induced FPPDVA to fold and form a denser structure, the calcium-binding sites may mainly involve oxygen atoms from the carboxyl residues of Asp and Ala, and Phe possessed contact energy and carbonyl residues of Val. Microstructure analysis showed that FPPDVA-calcium chelate exhibited a regularly ordered and tightly aggregated sheets or block structures. Additionally, FPPDVA-calcium chelate had good gastrointestinal digestive stability and thermal stability. The results of everted rat intestinal sac and Caco-2 cell monolayer experiments showed that FPPDVA-calcium chelate could promote calcium absorption and transport through the Cav1.3 and TRPV6 calcium channels. These data suggest that FPPDVA-calcium chelate possesses the potential to be developed and applied as calcium supplement.