An updated review on food-derived bioactive peptides: Focus on the regulatory requirements, safety, and bioavailability

Assessment of nutraceutical value, physicochemical, and anti-inflammatory profile of Odonthalia floccose and Odonthalia dentata

The nutraceutical value, and physicochemical profile as well as anti-inflammatory activity potential of Odonthalia floccose and Odonthalia dentata (red macroalgae) dry biomass were investigated in this study. Proximate composition study results revealed that the dry biomass of O. floccose and O. dentae were found to be as ash: 9.11 & 8.7 g 100 g-1, moisture: 8.24 & 8.1 g 100 g-1, total fat: 6.9 & 7.2 g 100 g-1, protein: 24.52 & 25.6 g 100 g-1, and total carbohydrate/polysaccharides: 53.84 & 48.85 g 100 g-1 of dry weight biomass respectively. Both algae biomass contain considerable quantity of minerals (Fe, Cu, Mg, and Zn). Furthermore, the major saturated fatty acids (6.24 & 5.82 g FAME 100 g-1 of total fat of O. floccose and O. dentate) (ΣFAs) present in the test algae were stearic acid, palmitic acid, and margaric acids. O. floccose and O. dentata also contain remarkable protein composition profile that compiled with considerable quantity of essential and non-essential amino acids. The vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C, and E of O. floccose and O. dentate biomass were also identified at sufficient quantity level. The swelling capacity (SWC), water holding capacity (WHC), and oil holding capacity (OHC) properties of O. floccose and O. dentate at various temperature conditions (25 and 37 ᵒC) were found to be 8.11 & 7.02 mL g-1 and 8.95 & 7.55 mL g-1, 5.1 & 4.87 and 4.8 & 4.1 mL g-1, as well as 2.11 & 1.81 and 1.96 & 1.89 mL g-1 respectively. Among these two marine red macroalgae samples, the O. dentate showed better anti-inflammatory activity than O. floccose at 150 μg mL-1 dosage. Thus, this O. floccose and O. dentate biomass can be considerable as nutritional supplement and pharmaceutical product development related research.

Bioactive peptides in dry-cured ham: A comprehensive review of preparation methods, metabolic stability, safety, health benefits, and regulatory frameworks

Dry-cured hams contain abundant bioactive peptides with significant potential for the development of functional foods. However, the limited bioavailability of food-derived bioactive peptides has hindered their utilization in health food development. Moreover, there is insufficient regulatory information regarding bioactive peptides and related products globally. This review summarizes diverse bioactive peptides derived from dry-cured ham and by-products originating from various countries and regions. The bioactivity, preparation techniques, bioavailability, and metabolic stability of these bioactive peptides are described, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks in various countries. The primary objectives of this review are to dig deeper into the functionality of dry-cured ham and provide theoretical support for the commercialization of bioactive peptides from food sources, especially the dry-cured ham.

Encapsulation of short-chain bioactive peptides (BAPs) for gastrointestinal delivery: a review

The majority of known peptides with high bioactivity (BAPs) such as antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, are short-chain sequences of less than ten amino acids. These short-chain BAPs of varying natural and synthetic origin must be bioaccessible to be capable of being adsorbed systemically upon oral administration to show their full range of bioactivity. However, in general, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that gastrointestinal digestion reduces BAPs bioactivity unless they are protected from degradation by encapsulation. This review gives a critical analysis of short-chain BAP encapsulation and performance with regard to the oral delivery route. In particular, it focuses on short-chain BAPs with antihypertensive and antidiabetic activity and encapsulation methods via nanoparticles and microparticles. Also addressed are the different wall materials used to form these particles and their associated payloads and release kinetics, along with the current challenges and a perspective of the future applications of these systems.

Current situation, trend, and prospects of research on functional components from by-products of baijiu production: A review

In the present scenario marked by energy source shortages and escalating concerns regarding carbon dioxide emissions, there is a growing emphasis on the optimal utilization of biomass resources. Baijiu, as the Chinese national spirit, boasts remarkably high sales volumes annually. However, the production of baijiu yields various by-products, including solid residues (Jiuzao), liquid wastewater (Huangshui and waste alcohol), and gaseous waste. Recent years have witnessed dedicated research aimed at exploring the composition and potential applications of these by-products, seeking sustainable development and comprehensive resource utilization. This review systematically summarizes recent research, shedding light on both the baijiu brewing process and the bioactive compounds present baijiu production by-products (BPBPs). The primary focus lies in elucidating the potential extraction methods and applications of BPBPs, offering a practical approach to comprehensive utilization of by-products in functional food, medicine, cosmetic, and packaging fields. These applications not only contribute to enhancing production efficiency and mitigating environmental pollution, but also introduce innovative concepts for the sustainable advancement of associated industries. Future research avenues may include more in-depth compositional analysis, the development of utilization technologies, and the promotion of potential industrialization.

Identification, characterization, and molecular docking of immunomodulatory oligopeptides from bioavailable hempseed protein hydrolysates

Promoting dietary patterns in which the content of vegetables is higher than the current consumption of them is one of the strategies to achieve a sustainable food system while promoting health in humans. Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) protein contains bioactive peptides that can be released via enzymatic hydrolysis. These peptides must reach the target organ in order to potentially exert bioactivity and regulate specific metabolic pathways. The peptides contained in two bioavailable hempseed protein hydrolysates (bioHPHs) showing anti-inflammatory activity were identified using a transwell system employing CACO-2 cell culture as absorption model and subjected to in silico analysis to select 10 unique peptides. These sequences were chemically synthetized to verify their activity in primary human monocytes (assessing gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10, and TLR4), in addition to evaluate the interaction with TRL4/MD2 by molecular docking. Six peptides (DDNPRRF, SRRFHLA, RNIFKGF, VREPVFSF, QADIFNPR and SAERGFLY) showed high immunomodulatory activity in in vitro and the mechanisms of interaction with TLR4/MD2 were described. Bioavailable anti-inflammatory hempseed-derived peptides were identified, and their activity verified, suggesting the health benefits that the ingestion of HPHs could exert in humans. These findings open new opportunities for developing nutritional strategies with hemp as a dietary source of biopeptides to prevent the development and progression of inflammatory-related diseases.

A memory-improving dipeptide, Tyr-Pro, can reach the mouse brain after oral administration

The transport and accumulation of orally administered functional food-derived peptides in the brain was not fully explored. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to provide critical evidence regarding brain accumulation of a memory-improving soy dipeptide, Tyr-Pro, following oral administration. Stable isotope-labeled Tyr-Pro (Tyr-[13C5,15N]Pro) was orally administered to male ICR mice at 10 or 100 mg/kg. Surprisingly, the intact labeled Tyr-Pro exhibited maximal plasma and brain levels 15 min after administration (plasma: area under the curve [AUC0-120 min], 1331 ± 267 pmol·min/mL-plasma; brain: AUC0-120 min of 0.34 ± 0.11 pmol·min/mg-dry brain, at 10 mg/kg). In addition, we detected labeled Tyr-Pro in the brain parenchyma, indicating a validated blood-brain-barrier (BBB) transportability. Moreover, we confirmed the preferable accumulation of Tyr-Pro in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cortex with > 0.02 pmol/mg-tissue. In conclusion, we provided the first evidence that orally administered Tyr-Pro at 10 mg/kg directly entered the blood circulation with an absorption ratio of 0.15%, of which 2.5% of Tyr-Pro was transported from the plasma to the mouse brain parenchyma.

Mass spectrometry as a lens into molecular human nutrition and health

Mass spectrometry (MS) has developed over the last decades into the most informative and versatile analytical technology in molecular and structural biology (). The platform enables discovery, identification, and characterisation of non-volatile biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, DNA, RNA, nutrients, metabolites, and lipids at both speed and scale and can elucidate their interactions and effects. The versatility, robustness, and throughput have rendered MS a major research and development platform in molecular human health and biomedical science. More recently, MS has also been established as the central tool for 'Molecular Nutrition', enabling comprehensive and rapid identification and characterisation of macro- and micronutrients, bioactives, and other food compounds. 'Molecular Nutrition' thereby helps understand bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioefficacy of macro- and micronutrients and related health effects. Hence, MS provides a lens through which the fate of nutrients can be monitored along digestion via absorption to metabolism. This in turn provides the bioanalytical foundation for 'Personalised Nutrition' or 'Precision Nutrition' in which design and development of diets and nutritional products is tailored towards consumer and patient groups sharing similar genetic and environmental predisposition, health/disease conditions and lifestyles, and/or objectives of performance and wellbeing. The next level of integrated nutrition science is now being built as 'Systems Nutrition' where public and personal health data are correlated with life condition and lifestyle factors, to establish directional relationships between nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and health, eventually translating into science-based public and personal heath recommendations and actions. This account provides a condensed summary of the contributions of MS to a precise, quantitative, and comprehensive nutrition and health science and sketches an outlook on its future role in this fascinating and relevant field.

Bioactive compounds for human and planetary health

Bioactive compounds found in edible plants and foods are vital for human and planetary health, yet their significance remains underappreciated. These natural bioactives, as part of whole diets, ingredients, or supplements, can modulate multiple aspects of human health and wellness. Recent advancements in omic sciences and computational biology, combined with the development of Precision Nutrition, have contributed to the convergence of nutrition and medicine, as well as more efficient and affordable healthcare solutions that harness the power of food for prevention and therapy. Innovation in this field is crucial to feed a growing global population sustainably and healthily. This requires significant changes in our food system, spanning agriculture, production, distribution and consumption. As we are facing pressing planetary health challenges, investing in bioactive-based solutions is an opportunity to protect biodiversity and the health of our soils, waters, and the atmosphere, while also creating value for consumers, patients, communities, and stakeholders. Such research and innovation targets include alternative proteins, such as cellular agriculture and plant-derived protein; natural extracts that improve shelf-life as natural preservatives; upcycling of agricultural by-products to reduce food waste; and the development of natural alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Translational research and innovation in the field of natural bioactives are currently being developed at two levels, using a systems-oriented approach. First, at the biological level, the interplay between these compounds and the human host and microbiome is being elucidated through omics research, big data and artificial intelligence, to accelerate both discovery and validation. Second, at the ecosystem level, efforts are focused on producing diverse nutrient-rich, flavorful, and resilient, yet high-yield agricultural crops, and educating consumers to make informed choices that benefit both their health and the planet. Adopting a system-oriented perspective helps: unravel the intricate and dynamic relationships between bioactives, nutrition, and sustainability outcomes, harnessing the power of nature to promote human health and wellbeing; foster sustainable agriculture and protect the ecosystem. Interdisciplinary collaboration in this field is needed for a new era of research and development of practical food-based solutions for some of the most pressing challenges humanity and our planet are facing today.

Food Peptides for the Nutricosmetic Industry

In recent years, numerous reports have described bioactive peptides (biopeptides)/hydrolysates produced from various food sources. Biopeptides are considered interesting for industrial application since they show numerous functional properties (e.g., anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties) and technological properties (e.g., solubility, emulsifying, and foaming). Moreover, they have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs. Nevertheless, some challenges must be overcome before their administration via the oral route. The gastric, pancreatic, and small intestinal enzymes and acidic stomach conditions can affect their bioavailability and the levels that can reach the site of action. Some delivery systems have been studied to avoid these problems (e.g., microemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid particles). This paper summarizes the results of studies conducted on biopeptides isolated from plants, marine organisms, animals, and biowaste by-products, discusses their potential application in the nutricosmetic industry, and considers potential delivery systems that could maintain their bioactivity. Our results show that food peptides are environmentally sustainable products that can be used as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory agents in nutricosmetic formulations. Biopeptide production from biowaste requires expertise in analytical procedures and good manufacturing practice. It is hoped that new analytical procedures can be developed to simplify large-scale production and that the authorities adopt and regulate use of appropriate testing standards to guarantee the population's safety.

Research progress in lipid metabolic regulation of bioactive peptides

Hyperlipidemia poses a serious threat to human health and evaluating the ability of natural active substances to regulate disorders of lipid metabolism is the focus of food functionality research in recent years. Bioactive peptides are distinguished by their broad range of sources, high nutritional content, ease of absorption and use by the body, and ease of determining their sequences. Bioactive peptides have a wide range of potential applications in the area of medicines and food. The regulation of lipid metabolism disorder caused by bioactive peptides from different sources provides a reference for the development and research of bioactive peptides for lipid reduction.

Graphical Abstract

An In Silico Framework to Mine Bioactive Peptides from Annotated Proteomes: A Case Study on Pancreatic Alpha Amylase Inhibitory Peptides from Algae and Cyanobacteria

Bioactive peptides may exert beneficial activities in living organisms such as the regulation of glucose metabolism through the inhibition of alpha amylases. Algae and cyanobacteria are gaining a growing interest for their health-promoting properties, and possible effects on glucose metabolism have been described, although the underlying mechanisms need clarification. This study proposes a computer-driven workflow for a proteome-wide mining of alpha amylase inhibitory peptides from the proteome of Chlorella vulgaris, Auxenochlorella protothecoides and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. Overall, this work presents an innovative and versatile approach to support the identification of bioactive peptides in annotated proteomes. The study: (i) highlighted the presence of alpha amylase inhibitory peptides within the proteomes under investigation (including ELS, which is among the most potent inhibitory tripeptides identified so far); (ii) mechanistically investigated the possible mechanisms of action; and (iii) prioritized further dedicated investigation on the proteome of C. vulgaris and A. flos-aquae, and on CSSL and PGG sequences.

Protein hydrolysates derived from aquaculture and marine byproducts through autolytic hydrolysis

Autolysis technology has shown potential for protein hydrolysates production from marine and aquaculture byproducts. Viscera are a source of cheap proteolytic enzymes for producing protein hydrolysates from the whole fish or processing byproducts of the most valuable commercial species by applying autolysis technology. The use of autolysis allows economical production of protein hydrolysate and provides an opportunity to valorize downstream fish and shellfish processing byproducts at a lower cost. As a result, production and application of marine byproduct autolysates is increasing in the global protein hydrolysates market. Nevertheless, several restrictions occur with autolysis, including lipid and protein oxidation mediated by the heterogeneous composition of byproducts. The generally poor storage and handling of byproducts may increase the formation of undesirable metabolites during autolysis, which can be harmful. The formation of nitrogenous compounds (i.e., biogenic amines), loss of freshness, and process of autolysis in the byproducts could increase the rate of quality and safety loss and lead to more significant concern about the use of autolysates for human food applications. The current review focuses on the autolysis process, which is applied for the hydrolysis of aquaculture and marine discards to obtain peptides as functional or nutritive ingredients. It further addresses the latest findings on the mechanisms and factors contributing the deterioration of byproducts and possible ways to control oxidation and other food quality and safety issues in raw materials and protein hydrolysates.

Proteomics Characterization of Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides with Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Bioactive peptides are found in foods and dietary supplements and are responsible for health benefits with applications in human and animal medicine. The health benefits include antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antithrombotic, immunomodulatory, opioid, antioxidant, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory functions. Bioactive peptides can be obtained by microbial action, mainly by the gastrointestinal microbiota from proteins present in food, originating from either vegetable or animal matter or by the action of different gastrointestinal proteases. Proteomics can play an important role in the identification of bioactive peptides. High-resolution mass spectrometry is the principal technique used to detect and identify different types of analytes present in complex mixtures, even when available at low concentrations. Moreover, proteomics may provide the characterization of epitopes to develop new food allergy vaccines and the use of immunomodulating peptides to induce oral tolerance toward offending food allergens or even to prevent allergic sensitization. In addition, food-derived bioactive peptides have been investigated for their anti-inflammatory properties to provide safer alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). All these bioactive peptides can be a potential source of novel drugs and ingredients in food and pharmaceuticals. The following review is focused on food-derived bioactive peptides with antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties and summarizes the new insights into the use of proteomics for their identification and quantification.

A Practical Peptide Synthesis Workflow Using Amino-Li-Resin

Herein we report a practical approach for peptide synthesis using second-generation fibrous polyacrylamide resin (Li-resin, “Li” is coming from the name of its inventor, Yongfu Li). This resin with the corresponding handle was used for solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) using a fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) approach. We reveal that the most appropriate mixing and filtration strategy when using amino-Li-resin in SPPS is via shaking and gravity filtration, instead of mechanical stirring and suction filtration used with other resins. The strategy was demonstrated with the SPPS of H-Tyr-Ile-Ile-Phe-Leu-NH₂, which contains the difficult sequence Ile-Ile. The peptide was obtained with excellent purity and yield. We are confident that this strategy will be rapidly implemented by other peptide laboratories.

Food-derived bioactive oligopeptide iron complexes ameliorate iron deficiency anemia and offspring development in pregnant rats

This study aimed to investigate anemia treatment and other potential effects of two food-derived bioactive oligopeptide iron complexes on pregnant rats with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and their offspring. Rats with IDA were established with a low iron diet and then mated. There were one control group and seven randomly assigned groups of pregnant rats with IDA: Control group [Control, 40 ppm ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄)]; IDA model group (ID, 4 ppm FeSO₄), three high-iron groups (H-FeSO₄, 400 ppm FeSO₄; MCOP-Fe, 400 ppm marine fish oligopeptide iron complex; WCOP-Fe, 400 ppm whey protein oligopeptide iron complex) and three low-iron groups (L-FeSO₄, 40 ppm FeSO₄; MOP-Fe, 40 ppm marine fish oligopeptide iron complex; WOP-Fe, 40 ppm whey protein oligopeptide iron complex). Rats in each group were fed the corresponding special diet during pregnancy until the day of delivery. After different doses of iron supplement, serum hemoglobin, iron, and ferritin levels in rats with IDA were significantly increased to normal levels (P < 0.05). Serum iron levels were significantly lower in two food-derived bioactive oligopeptide low-iron complex groups than in the low FeSO₄ group (P<0.05). Liver malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the three high-iron groups compared with the other five groups (P < 0.05), and hemosiderin deposition was observed in liver tissue, indicating that the iron dose was overloaded and aggravated the peroxidative damage in pregnant rats. Liver inflammation was reduced in the three low-iron groups. Tumor necrosis factor α secretion was significantly decreased in all groups with supplemented oligopeptide (P < 0.05), with the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α declining to normal levels in the two whey protein oligopeptide iron complex groups. In the marine fish oligopeptide iron complex groups, body length, tail length, and weight of offspring were significantly increased (P < 0.05) and reached normal levels. Therefore, food-derived bioactive oligopeptide (derived from marine fish skin and milk) iron complexes may be an effective type of iron supplement for pregnancy to improve anemia, as well as reduce the side effects of iron overload, and improve the growth and nutritional status of offspring.

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of curdione in mice by UPLC-MS/MS

A UPLC-MS/MS method was developed to determinate curdione in the mouse blood, and the pharmacokinetics of curdione in mice after intravenous (5 mg kg−1) and oral (20 mg kg−1) administration were studied. The HSS T3 column was used for separation, and column temperature was set at 40 °C. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode were used for determination of curdione. Blood samples were taken from the caudal vein of Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice after administration of curdione. It showed a good linear relationship in the range of 1–500 ng mL−1 (r > 0.998); the intra-day precision was <13%, the inter-day precision was <15%, and the accuracy was 90%–105%, the recovery was >77%, and the matrix effect was 97%–107%. The half-life was relatively short, and the bioavailability was 6.5%. The developed method was suitable for the pharmacokinetics of curdione in mice.

Exploring bioactive peptides as potential therapeutic and biotechnology treasures: A contemporary perspective

In preceding years, bioactive peptides (BAPs) have piqued escalating attention owing to their multitudinous biological features. To date, many potential BAPs exhibiting anti-cancer activities have been documented; yet, obstacles such as their safety profiles and consumer acceptance continue to exist. Moreover, BAPs have been discovered to facilitate the suppression of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CoVID-19) and maybe ideal for treating the CoVID-19 infection, as stated by published experimental findings, but their widespread knowledge is scarce. Likewise, there is a cornucopia of BAPs possessing neuroprotective effects that mend neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) by regulating gut microbiota, but they remain a subject of research interest. Additionally, a plethora of researchers have attempted next-generation approaches based on BAPs, but they need scientific attention. The text format of this critical review is organized around an overview of BAPs' versatility and diverse bio functionalities with emphasis on recent developments and novelties. The review is alienated into independent sections, which are related to either BAPs based disease management strategies or next-generation BAPs based approaches. BAPs based anti-cancer, anti-CoVID-19, and neuroprotective strategies have been explored, which may offer insights that could help the researchers and industries to find an alternate regimen against the three aforementioned fatal diseases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review that has systematically discussed the next-generation approaches in BAP research. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the BAPs may be optimal for the management of cancer, CoVID-19, and NDs; nevertheless, experimental and preclinical studies are crucial to validate their therapeutic benefits.

Plant-derived proteins as a sustainable source of bioactive peptides: recent research updates on emerging production methods, bioactivities, and potential application

The development of novel protein sources to compensate for the expected future shortage of traditional animal proteins due to their high carbon footprint is a major contemporary challenge in the agri-food industry currently. Therefore, both industry and consumers are placing a greater emphasis on plant proteins as a sustainable source of protein to meet the growing nutritional demand of ever increasing population. In addition to being key alternatives, many plant-based foods have biological properties that make them potentially functional or health-promoting foods, particularly physiologically active peptides and proteins accounting for most of these properties. This review discusses the importance of plant-based protein as a viable and sustainable alternative to animal proteins. The current advances in plant protein isolation and production and characterization of bioactive hydrolysates and peptides from plant proteins are described comprehensively. Furthermore, the recent research on bioactivities and bioavailability of plant protein-derived bioactive peptides is reviewed briefly. The limitations of using bioactive peptides, regulatory criteria, and the possible future applications of plant protein-derived bioactive peptides are highlighted. This review may help understand plant proteins and their bioactive peptides and provide valuable suggestions for future research and applications in the food industry.