Marine Fish Proteins and Peptides for Cosmeceuticals: A Review

Unveiling antibiofilm potential: proteins from Priestia sp. targeting Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation

Staphylococcus aureus is the etiologic agent of many nosocomial infections, and its biofilm is frequently isolated from medical devices. Moreover, the dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains from this pathogen, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, is a worldwide public health issue. The inhibition of biofilm formation can be used as a strategy to weaken bacterial resistance. Taking that into account, we analysed the ability of marine sponge-associated bacteria to produce antibiofilm molecules, and we found that marine Priestia sp., isolated from marine sponge Scopalina sp. collected on the Brazilian coast, secretes proteins that impair biofilm development from S. aureus. Partially purified proteins (PPP) secreted after 24 hours of bacterial growth promoted a 92% biofilm mass reduction and 4.0 µg/dL was the minimum concentration to significantly inhibit biofilm formation. This reduction was visually confirmed by light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, biochemical assays showed that the antibiofilm activity of PPP was reduced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 1,10 phenanthroline (PHEN), while it was stimulated by zinc ions, suggesting an active metallopeptidase in PPP. This result agrees with mass spectrometry (MS) identification, which indicated the presence of a metallopeptidase from the M28 family. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing analysis of Priestia sp. shows that gene ywad, a metallopeptidase-encoding gene, was present. Therefore, the results presented herein indicate that PPP secreted by the marine Priestia sp. can be explored as a potential antibiofilm agent and help to treat chronic infections.

Preparation of Multifunctional Seaweed Polysaccharides Derivatives Composite Hydrogel to Protect Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging In Vitro and In Vivo

Seaweed polysaccharides can be used for protective skin photoaging which is caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB). In this study, a multifunctional composite hydrogel (FACP5) is prepared using sulfated galactofucan polysaccharides, alginate oligosaccharides as active ingredients, and polyacrylonitrile modified κ-Carrageenan as substrate. The properties of FACP5 show that it has good water retention, spreadability, and adhesion. The antiphotoaging activity is evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the components of FACP5 exhibit good biocompatibility, antioxidant, and anti-tyrosinase activities, and could reduce the cell death rate induced by UVB. In vivo experiments demonstrate that, compared with the mice skin in model group, the skin water content treated with FACP5 increases by 29.80%; the thicknesses of epidermis and dermis decrease by 53.56% and 43.98%, respectively; the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase increase by 1.59 and 0.72 times, respectively; the contents of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α decrease by 19.21% and 17.85%, respectively; hydroxyproline content increases by 32.42%; the expression level of matrix metalloproteinase-3 downregulates by 42.80%. These results indicate that FACP5 has skin barrier repairing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and inhibiting collagen degradation activies, FACP5 can be used as a skin protection remedy for photoaging.

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Marine Collagen: A Scientific Exploration for Delaying Skin Aging

Aging is closely associated with collagen degradation, impacting the structure and strength of the muscles, joints, bones, and skin. The continuous aging of the skin is a natural process that is influenced by extrinsic factors such as UV exposure, dietary patterns, smoking habits, and cosmetic supplements. Supplements that contain collagen can act as remedies that help restore vitality and youth to the skin, helping combat aging. Notably, collagen supplements enriched with essential amino acids such as proline and glycine, along with marine fish collagen, have become popular for their safety and effectiveness in mitigating the aging process. To compile the relevant literature on the anti-aging applications of marine collagen, a search and analysis of peer-reviewed papers was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase, covering publications from 1991 to 2024. From in vitro to in vivo experiments, the reviewed studies elucidate the anti-aging benefits of marine collagen, emphasizing its role in combating skin aging by minimizing oxidative stress, photodamage, and the appearance of wrinkles. Various bioactive marine peptides exhibit diverse anti-aging properties, including free radical scavenging, apoptosis inhibition, lifespan extension in various organisms, and protective effects in aging humans. Furthermore, the topical application of hyaluronic acid is discussed as a mechanism to increase collagen production and skin moisture, contributing to the anti-aging effects of collagen supplementation. The integration of bio-tissue engineering in marine collagen applications is also explored, highlighting its proven utility in skin healing and bone regeneration applications. However, limitations to the scope of its application exist. Thus, by delving into these nuanced considerations, this review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the potential and challenges associated with marine collagen in the realm of anti-aging applications.

Use of Collagen in Cosmetic Products

Collagen (CLG) belongs to the family of fibrillar proteins and is composed of left-handed α polypeptide chains, which, twisting around themselves and their axis, form a right-handed superhelix. In the chemical structure, it contains mainly proline, hydroxyproline, glycine, and hydroxylysine. It occurs naturally in the dermis in the form of fibers that provide the skin with proper density and elasticity. The review aimed to present the types of collagen protein, factors affecting its structure and its unusual role in the functioning of the human body. Also, an overview of cosmetic products containing collagen or its derivatives, the characteristics of the formulas of these products, and the effects of their use were presented. Throughout the market, there are many cosmetic and cosmeceutical products containing CLG. They are in the form of fillers administered as injections, belonging to the group of the oldest tissue fillers; products administered orally and for topical use, such as creams, gels, serums, or cosmetic masks. Analyzed studies have shown that the use of products with collagen or its peptides improves the general condition of the skin and delays the aging process by reducing the depth of wrinkles, improving hydration (in the case of oral preparations), reducing transepithelial water loss (TEWL), as well as improving skin density and elasticity. In addition, oral application of bioactive CLG peptides has shown a positive effect on the nails, reducing the frequency of their breakage.

Oral intake of collagen hydrolysate from mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus) attenuates skin photoaging by suppressing the UVB-induced expression of MMP-1 and IL-6

OBJECTIVES

Excessive skin exposure to UVB radiation can induce photoaging caused by an imbalance in oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, damaging the skin's structure and surface layer. A previous study revealed that collagen hydrolisate extracted from the skin of mackarel scads (Decapterus macarellus) had antiaging properties that were tested in vitro, which serves as a foundation for a subsequent study of its use in vivo. This study aimed at investigating the repair effect of the mackerel scad's skin collagen hydrolysate (MSS-CH) in photoaging conditions in a mouse model.

METHODS

MSS-CH was given orally in mice model of skin photoaging under chronic exposure to UVB irradiation for 12 weeks. Morphological and histological changes on the skin were evaluated using SEM and HE staining, along with the measurement of the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1) and cytokine pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6) using ELISA.

RESULTS

MSS-CH inhibits the occurrence of epidermal thickening and damage to the dermal layer of the skin. As a result, it restores the epidermis' barrier function and reduces surface damage caused by photoaging. The skin of the MSS-CH treated group exhibited improved physical appearance with reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and enhanced smoothness. Additionally, administering MSS-CH to the mice groups reduced the expression of MMP-1 and IL-6 in UVB-exposed skin.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, this in vivo study demonstrates the photoaging-protective properties of CH-MSS, aligning with previous in vitro data. Thus, MSS-CH emerges as a strong candidate for use as an ingredient in nutraceuticals and biocosmetics.

Marine Bioactive Peptides: Anti-Photoaging Mechanisms and Potential Skin Protective Effects

Skin photoaging, resulting from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, is a form of exogenous aging that not only impacts the aesthetic aspect of the skin but also exhibits a strong correlation with the onset of skin cancer. Nonetheless, the safety profile of non-natural anti-photoaging medications and the underlying physiological alterations during the process of photoaging remain inadequately elucidated. Consequently, there exists a pressing necessity to devise more secure interventions involving anti-photoaging drugs. Multiple studies have demonstrated the noteworthy significance of marine biomolecules in addressing safety concerns related to anti-photoaging and safeguarding the skin. Notably, bioactive peptides have gained considerable attention in anti-photoaging research due to their capacity to mitigate the physiological alterations associated with photoaging, including oxidative stress; inflammatory response; the abnormal expression of matrix metalloproteinase, hyaluronidase, and elastase; and excessive melanin synthesis. This review provides a systematic description of the research progress on the anti-photoaging and skin protection mechanism of marine bioactive peptides. The focus is on the utilization of marine bioactive peptides as anti-photoaging agents, aiming to offer theoretical references for the development of novel anti-photoaging drugs and methodologies. Additionally, the future prospects of anti-aging drugs are discussed, providing an initial reference for further research in this field.

Antioxidant peptides, the guardian of life from oxidative stress

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during oxidative metabolism in aerobic organisms. Under normal conditions, ROS production and elimination are in a relatively balanced state. However, under internal or external environmental stress, such as high glucose levels or UV radiation, ROS production can increase significantly, leading to oxidative stress. Excess ROS production not only damages biomolecules but is also closely associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as skin photoaging, diabetes, and cancer. Antioxidant peptides (AOPs) are naturally occurring or artificially designed peptides that can reduce the levels of ROS and other pro-oxidants, thus showing great potential in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review, we discussed ROS production and its role in inducing oxidative stress-related diseases in humans. Additionally, we discussed the sources, mechanism of action, and evaluation methods of AOPs and provided directions for future studies on AOPs.

Marine collagen: Unveiling the blue resource-extraction techniques and multifaceted applications

Marine organisms such as fish and shellfish are composed of compounds with properties and characteristics that have been proven useful in a variety of sectors such as cosmetics, healthcare (wound healing), food industries, and tissue engineering. Collagen extraction from fish waste as a "blue resource" has attracted research attention over the past decade. Around 75 % of fish waste contains a high concentration of collagen. This has driven research in the conversion of these low-cost by-products into valuable products. Collagen extracted by acidic or/and enzymatic methods is gaining a lot of attention today due to its low cost and high yield. Fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis stand out as one of the most environmentally sustainable and ecologically friendly methods for collagen extraction. Because of its great biocompatibility, excellent bioactivity, and low antigenicity, marine collagen is receiving more attention. Furthermore, collagen-derived peptides may exhibit interesting antioxidant activity, potent antihypertensive activity, and antimicrobial activity against different strains of bacteria. This review focuses on the advancements in extraction and detection methods of marine collagen, both from a technological and legislative standpoint, in addition to exploring its diverse range of application domains.

Exploring the Potential of Using Marine-Derived Ingredients: From the Extraction to Cutting-Edge Cosmetics

The growing understanding and knowledge of the potential of marine species, as well as the application of "blue biotechnology" have been motivating new innovative solutions in cosmetics. It is widely noted that that marine species are important sources of compounds with several biological activities that are yet to be discovered. This review explores various biological properties of marine-derived molecules and briefly outlines the main extraction methods. Alongside these, it is well known the legislative and normative framework of cosmetics is increasingly being developed. In this research segment, there is a growing concern with sustainability. In this sense, "blue biotechnology", together with the use of invasive species or marine waste products to obtain new active ingredients, haven been emerging as innovative and sustainable solutions for the future's cosmetics industry. This review also examines the regulatory framework and focus on the recent advancements in "blue biotechnology" and its relevance to the sustainable development of innovative cosmetics.

Therapeutic Potential of Marine-Derived Cyclic Peptides as Antiparasitic Agents

Parasitic diseases still compromise human health. Some of the currently available therapeutic drugs have limitations considering their adverse effects, questionable efficacy, and long treatment, which have encouraged drug resistance. There is an urgent need to find new, safe, effective, and affordable antiparasitic drugs. Marine-derived cyclic peptides have been increasingly screened as candidates for developing new drugs. Therefore, in this review, a systematic analysis of the scientific literature was performed and 25 marine-derived cyclic peptides with antiparasitic activity (1-25) were found. Antimalarial activity is the most reported (51%), followed by antileishmanial (27%) and antitrypanosomal (20%) activities. Some compounds showed promising antiparasitic activity at the nM scale, being active against various parasites. The mechanisms of action and targets for some of the compounds have been investigated, revealing different strategies against parasites.

Fish Collagen Peptides Enhance Thymopoietic Gene Expression, Cell Proliferation, Thymocyte Adherence, and Cytoprotection in Thymic Epithelial Cells via Activation of the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway, Leading to Thymus Regeneration after Cyclophosphamide-Induced Injury

Prolonged thymic involution results in decreased thymopoiesis and thymic output, leading to peripheral T-cell deficiency. Since the thymic-dependent pathway is the only means of generating fully mature T cells, the identification of strategies to enhance thymic regeneration is crucial in developing therapeutic interventions to revert immune suppression in immunocompromised patients. The present study clearly shows that fish collagen peptides (FCPs) stimulate activities of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), including cell proliferation, thymocyte adhesion, and the gene expression of thymopoietic factors such as FGF-7, IGF-1, BMP-4, VEGF-A, IL-7, IL-21, RANKL, LTβ, IL-22R, RANK, LTβR, SDF-1, CCL21, CCL25, CXCL5, Dll1, Dll4, Wnt4, CD40, CD80, CD86, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, FoxN1, leptin, cathepsin L, CK5, and CK8 through the NF-κB signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, our study also revealed the cytoprotective effects of FCPs on TECs against cyclophosphamide-induced cellular injury through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, FCPs exhibited a significant capability to facilitate thymic regeneration in mice after cyclophosphamide-induced damage via the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, this study sheds light on the role of FCPs in TEC function, thymopoiesis, and thymic regeneration, providing greater insight into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for effective thymus repopulation for numerous clinical conditions in which immune reconstitution is required.

Preparation, Structural Characterization, and Stability of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptides-Calcium Chelate Derived from Tuna Bones

This study was conducted to prepare calcium chelate of low-molecular-weight tuna bone collagen peptides (TBCPLMW) with a high chelation rate and to identify its structural characteristics and stability. The optimum conditions for calcium chelation of TBCPLMW (TBCPLMW-Ca) were determined through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, and the calcium-chelating capacity reached over 90% under the optimal conditions. The amino acid compositions implied that Asp and Glu played important roles in the formation of TBCPLMW-Ca. Structural characterizations determined via spectroscopic analyses revealed that functional groups such as -COO-, N-H, C=O, and C-O were involved in forming TBCPLMW-Ca. The particle size distributions and scanning electron microscopy results revealed that folding and aggregation of peptides were found in the chelate. Stability studies showed that TBCPLMW-Ca was relatively stable under thermal processing and more pronounced changes have been observed in simulated gastric digestion, presumably the acidic environment was the main factor causing the dissociation of the TBCPLMW-Ca. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the preparation of a novel calcium supplement and is beneficial for comprehensive utilization of tuna bones.

Anti-atopic dermatitis effect of fish collagen on house dust mite-induced mice and HaCaT keratinocytes

Collagen, a major structural protein in mammalian tissues, is effective against skin wounds and osteoarthritis. Although bovine and porcine collagens have mainly been used, several potential risks of mammalian collagen have led to the use of fish collagen (FC) as an alternative. FC and its peptides are used as common cosmeceutical products because of their antihypertensive, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant activities. Despite the effects of FC on wrinkle reduction, UV-protection, and wound healing, the relationship between FC and atopic dermatitis (AD) has not yet been reported. Therefore, we investigated the anti-AD effects of FC against house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae, HDM)-induced AD in NC/Nga mice and TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. FC alleviated AD apparent symptoms, such as dermatitis score, transepidermal water loss, epidermal thickness, and mast cell infiltration upon declining pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, IL-6, IL-5, IL-13, TSLP, and TNF-α. The skin barrier protein, filaggrin, was also recovered by FC administration in vivo and in vitro. Immune response and skin barrier dysfunction are both mitigated by three routes of FC administration: oral, topical, and both routes via the regulation of IκB, MAPKs, and STATs pathways. In summary, FC could be a potential therapeutic agent for AD by regulating immune balance and skin barrier function.

Cyclic Peptides in Pipeline: What Future for These Great Molecules?

Cyclic peptides are molecules that are already used as drugs in therapies approved for various pharmacological activities, for example, as antibiotics, antifungals, anticancer, and immunosuppressants. Interest in these molecules has been growing due to the improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the cyclic structure over linear peptides and by the evolution of chemical synthesis, computational, and in vitro methods. To date, 53 cyclic peptides have been approved by different regulatory authorities, and many others are in clinical trials for a wide diversity of conditions. In this review, the potential of cyclic peptides is presented, and general aspects of their synthesis and development are discussed. Furthermore, an overview of already approved cyclic peptides is also given, and the cyclic peptides in clinical trials are summarized.

Toxicity of a 90-day repeated oral dose of a collagen peptide derived from skate (Raja kenojei) skin: a rat model study

Collagen peptides are widely employed as therapeutic materials due to their numerous beneficial properties, including for the following uses: antiaging, antioxidant applications, antibacterial applications, wound healing, tissue engineering, medication delivery, and cosmetics. Although collagen peptides are useful in these applications, to our knowledge, few published studies have been undertaken on their repeated-dose toxicity. We evaluated the possible subchronic toxicity of a collagen peptide derived from skate (Raja kenojei) skin (CPSS) in Sprague-Dawley rats by administering repeated oral doses over 90 days. Rats of both sexes were assigned randomly to one of four experimental groups, respectively receiving 0, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg/day of CPSS. At all doses tested, repeated oral CPSS administration had no treatment-related adverse effects in terms of clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, detailed clinical observation, sensory reactivity, functional assessment, urinalysis, ophthalmic examination, gross pathology, hematology, serum biochemistry, hormone analysis, organ weight, and histopathology. Even though there were some alterations in hematologic parameters, serum biochemistry parameters, organ weight, and histopathological findings, these did not follow a dose-response pattern and were within historical limits for control rats. The oral no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the CPSS was 2000 mg/kg/day for both male and female rats in the applied experimental circumstances, and no target organs were identified.

The investigation of batch-to-batch variabilities in the composition of isolates from fish and mammalian species using different protocols

The aim of this study was to investigate batch-to-batch inconsistencies in the processing of pig and fish collagen isolates processed using two protocols that differed in terms of the acetic acid concentrations applied and the pre- and post-extraction steps, and which were previously tested in our laboratory with the intention of preserving the biological structures and functions of the collagen isolates for biomedical purposes. Both the major and minor components such as the amino acids, lipids, water, glycosaminoglycan and ash contents and elemental content, as well as the structure and morphology of the raw sources and the resulting batches of isolates were subsequently examined in detail applying standardized analytical methods including high perfomance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectrometry, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, energy dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. All the fish isolates provided severalfold higher yields (8-45 wt%) than did the pig isolates (3-9 wt%). In addition, the variability of the fish isolate yields (the coefficient of variation for processing A: 16.4-32.9 % and B: 6.8-17.4 %) was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05, n = 5) than that of the pig isolates (A: 27.7-69.8 %; B: 35.3-87.9 %). In general, the fish skin batches had significantly higher protein contents (˃60 wt%) and lower lipid contents (<10 wt%) than the pig skin batches (<55 wt% protein and up to 66 wt% lipid). In addition, the fish skin batches did not differ significantly in terms of their composition applying the same processing method, whereas the pig skin batches exhibited considerable variations in terms of their compositions, particularly regarding the protein and lipid contents. It can be stated that, concerning the fish isolates, processing B was, in most cases, slightly more efficient and reproducible than processing A. However, concerning the pig isolates, although processing A appeared to be more efficient than processing B in terms of the yield, it resulted in the production of isolates that contained a certain level of contaminants. The study provides a comprehensive discussion on the suitability of the processing protocol in terms of producing batches of reproducible quality according to the specific type of biomaterial processed from different animal species.

Decellularized squid mantle scaffolds as tissue-engineered corneal stroma for promoting corneal regeneration

Corneal blindness is a worldwide major cause of vision loss, and corneal transplantation remains to be the most effective way to restore the vision. However, often there is a shortage of the donor corneas for transplantation. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a novel tissue-engineered corneal substitute. The present study envisaged the development of a novel and efficient method to prepare the corneal stromal equivalent from the marine biomaterials-squid. A chemical method was employed to decellularize the squid mantle scaffold to create a cell-free tissue substitute using 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution. Subsequently, a novel clearing method, namely clear, unobstructed brain imaging cocktails (CUBIC) method was used to transparent it. Decellularized squid mantle scaffold (DSMS) has high decellularization efficiency, is rich in essential amino acids, and maintains the regular fiber alignment. In vitro experiments showed that the soaking solution of DSMS was non-toxic to human corneal epithelium cells. DSMS exhibited a good biocompatibility in the rat muscle by undergoing a complete degradation, and promoted the growth of the muscle. In addition, the DSMS showed a good compatibility with the corneal stroma in the rabbit inter-corneal implantation model, and promoted the regeneration of the corneal stroma without any evident rejection. Our results indicate that the squid mantle can be a potential new type of tissue-engineered corneal stroma material with a promising clinical application.

Antioxidants for improved skin appearance: Intracellular mechanism, challenges and future strategies

Recent advances in molecular and biochemical processes relevant to the skincare field have led to the development of novel ingredients based on antioxidants that can improve skin health and youthfulness. Considering the plethora of such antioxidants and the many implications for the skin's appearance, this review focuses on describing the critical aspects of antioxidants, including cosmetic functions, intracellular mechanisms and challenges. In particular, specialized substances are suggested for the treatment of each skin condition, such as skin ageing, skin dehydration and skin hyperpigmentation, which treatments can maximize effectiveness and avoid side effects during skin care processes. In addition, this review proposes advanced strategies that either already exists in the cosmetic market or should be developed to improve and optimize cosmetic' beneficial effects.

Antimicrobial Peptides: Challenging Journey to the Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Cosmeceutical Use

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), or host defence peptides, are short proteins in various life forms. Here we discuss AMPs, which may become a promising substitute or adjuvant in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cosmeceutical uses. Their pharmacological potential has been investigated intensively, especially as antibacterial and antifungal drugs and as promising antiviral and anticancer agents. AMPs exhibit many properties, and some of these have attracted the attention of the cosmetic industry. AMPs are being developed as novel antibiotics to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens and as potential treatments for various diseases, including cancer, inflammatory disorders, and viral infections. In biomedicine, AMPs are being developed as wound-healing agents because they promote cell growth and tissue repair. The immunomodulatory effects of AMPs could be helpful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In the cosmeceutical industry, AMPs are being investigated as potential ingredients in skincare products due to their antioxidant properties (anti-ageing effects) and antibacterial activity, which allows the killing of bacteria that contribute to acne and other skin conditions. The promising benefits of AMPs make them a thrilling area of research, and studies are underway to overcome obstacles and fully harness their therapeutic potential. This review presents the structure, mechanisms of action, possible applications, production methods, and market for AMPs.

Photoprotective and Anti-Aging Properties of the Apical Frond Extracts from the Mediterranean Seaweed Ericaria amentacea

There is a growing interest in using brown algal extracts thanks to the bioactive substances they produce for adaptation to the marine benthic environment. We evaluated the anti-aging and photoprotective properties of two types of extracts (50%-ethanol and DMSO) obtained from different portions, i.e., apices and thalli, of the brown seaweed, Ericaria amentacea. The apices of this alga, which grow and develop reproductive structures during summer when solar radiation is at its peak, were postulated to be rich in antioxidant compounds. We determined the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of their extracts and compared them to the thallus-derived extracts. All the extracts contained polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidants and showed significant biological activities. The hydroalcoholic apices extracts demonstrated the highest pharmacological potential, likely due to the higher content of meroditerpene molecular species. They blocked toxicity in UV-exposed HaCaT keratinocytes and L929 fibroblasts and abated the oxidative stress and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, typically released after sunburns. Furthermore, the extracts showed anti-tyrosinase and anti-hydrolytic skin enzyme activity, counteracting the collagenase and hyaluronidase degrading activities and possibly slowing down the formation of uneven pigmentation and wrinkles in aging skin. In conclusion, the E. amentacea apices derivatives constitute ideal components for counteracting sunburn symptoms and for cosmetic anti-aging lotions.

Improving the Sustainability of Processing By-Products: Extraction and Recent Biological Activities of Collagen Peptides

Society and consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety and the sustainability of food production systems. A significant amount of by-products and discards are generated during the processing of aquatic animals, which still needs to be fully utilized by the food industry. The management and sustainable use of these resources are essential to avoiding environmental pollution and resource waste. These by-products are rich in biologically active proteins, which can be converted into peptides by enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation treatment. Therefore, exploring the extraction of collagen peptides from these by-products using an enzymatic hydrolysis technology has attracted a wide range of attention from numerous researchers. Collagen peptides have been found to possess multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antitumor, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can enhance the physiological functions of organisms and make collagen peptides useful as ingredients in food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics. This paper reviews the general methods for extracting collagen peptides from various processing by-products of aquatic animals, including fish skin, scales, bones, and offal. It also summarizes the functional activities of collagen peptides as well as their applications.

Preventive effect of tilapia skin collagen hydrolysates on ulcerative colitis mice based on metabonomic and 16 S rRNA gene sequencing

BACKGROUND

Tilapia skin collagen hydrolysates (TSCHs) are the product of enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen, which is mainly extracted from tilapia skin. The components of TSCHs have recently been reported to play a preventive role in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it has not been illustrated whether TSCHs can prevent against DSS-induced UC via the gut microbiota and its derived metabolites.

RESULTS

TSCHs are mainly composed of amino acids, which have similar characteristics to collagen, with most having a molecular weight below 5 kDa. In a mouse model of UC, TSCHs had no toxic effect at a dose of 60 g kg^-1 and could reduce body weight changes, colon length, histopathological changes and score, and the level of the serum inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6. Concurrently, 16 S rRNA sequencing showed that TSCHs significantly reduced the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria at the phylum level and norank_f__Muribaculaceae and Escherichia-Shigella at the genus level, while they increased the abundance of Firmicutes at the phylum level and Lachnoclostridium, Allobaculum, Enterorhabdus, and unclassified__f__Ruminococcaceae at the genus level. Target metabolomic analysis showed that TSCHs elevated the concentration of total acid, acetic acid, propanoic acid, and butanoic acid, but reduced isovaleric acid concentrations. Moreover, Pearson correlation analysis revealed that Allobaculum, unclassified_Ruminococcaceae, and Enterorhabdus were positively correlated with acetic acid and butyric acid, but not Escherichia-Shigella.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that TSCHs can prevent UC by modulating gut microbial and microbiota-derived metabolites. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Thermostable Type I Collagen from Swim Bladder of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

As a major component of the extracellular matrix, collagen has been used as a biomaterial for many purposes including tissue engineering. Commercial collagen derived from mammals is associated with a risk of prion diseases and religious restrictions, while fish-derived collagen can avoid such issues. In addition, fish-derived collagen is widely available and low-cost; however, it often suffers from poor thermal stability, which limits its biomedical application. In this study, collagen with a high thermal stability was successfully extracted from the swim bladder of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) (SCC). The results demonstrated that it was a type I collagen with high purity and well-preserved triple-helix structure. Amino acid composition assay showed that the amounts of threonine, methionine, isoleucine and phenylalanine in the collagen of swim bladder of silver carp were higher than those of bovine pericardium. After adding salt solution, swim-bladder-derived collagen could form fine and dense collagen fibers. In particular, SCC exhibited a higher thermal denaturation temperature (40.08 °C) compared with collagens from the swim bladder of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) (GCC, 34.40 °C), bovine pericardium (BPC, 34.47 °C) and mouse tail (MTC, 37.11 °C). Furthermore, SCC also showed DPPH radical scavenging ability and reducing power. These results indicate that SCC presents a promising alternative source of mammalian collagen for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

Marine Bioactive Peptides-Structure, Function and Application

Marine organisms live in harsh marine habitats, causing them to have significantly different and more diverse proteins than those of terrestrial organisms [...].

Potential of Atlantic Codfish (Gadus morhua) Skin Collagen for Skincare Biomaterials

Collagen is the major structural protein in extracellular matrix present in connective tissues, including skin, being considered a promising material for skin regeneration. Marine organisms have been attracting interest amongst the industry as an alternative collagen source. In the present work, Atlantic codfish skin collagen was analyzed, to evaluate its potential for skincare. The collagen was extracted from two different skin batches (food industry by-product) using acetic acid (ASColl), confirming the method reproducibility since no significant yield differences were observed. The extracts characterization confirmed a profile compatible with type I collagen, without significant differences between batches or with bovine skin collagen (a reference material in biomedicine). Thermal analyses suggested ASColl's native structure loss at 25 °C, and an inferior thermal stability to bovine skin collagen. No cytotoxicity was found for ASColl up to 10 mg/mL in keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). ASColl was used to develop membranes, which revealed smooth surfaces without significative morphological or biodegradability differences between batches. Their water absorption capacity and water contact angle indicated a hydrophilic feature. The metabolic activity and proliferation of HaCaT were improved by the membranes. Hence, ASColl membranes exhibited attractive characteristics to be applied in the biomedical and cosmeceutical field envisaging skincare.

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.

Marine Natural Products as Innovative Cosmetic Ingredients

Over the course of the last 20 years, numerous studies have identified the benefits of an array of marine natural ingredients for cosmetic purposes, as they present unique characteristics not found in terrestrial organisms. Consequently, several marine-based ingredients and bioactive compounds are under development, used or considered for skin care and cosmetics. Despite the multitude of cosmetics based on marine sources, only a small proportion of their full potential has been exploited. Many cosmetic industries have turned their attention to the sea to obtain innovative marine-derived compounds for cosmetics, but further research is needed to determine and elucidate the benefits. This review gathers information on the main biological targets for cosmetic ingredients, different classes of marine natural products of interest for cosmetic applications, and the organisms from which such products can be sourced. Although organisms from different phyla present different and varied bioactivities, the algae phylum seems to be the most promising for cosmetic applications, presenting compounds of many classes. In fact, some of these compounds present higher bioactivities than their commercialized counterparts, demonstrating the potential presented by marine-derived compounds for cosmetic applications (i.e., Mycosporine-like amino acids and terpenoids’ antioxidant activity). This review also summarizes the major challenges and opportunities faced by marine-derived cosmetic ingredients to successfully reach the market. As a future perspective, we consider that fruitful cooperation among academics and cosmetic industries could lead to a more sustainable market through responsible sourcing of ingredients, implementing ecological manufacturing processes, and experimenting with inventive recycling and reuse programs.

Torilis japonica Extract Suppresses the Induction of Atopic Inflammation

As one of the major intractable allergic disorders, atopic inflammation is commonly accompanied by itching, dry skin, and inflammation. Atopic inflammation deteriorates the quality of life and has no fundamental cure, so it is crucial to urgently explore and develop natural resources for long-term treatment without any side effects. This study aimed to verify Torilis japonica extract (TJE)'s relieving effect and mechanism against atopic inflammation using skin cells and skin equivalent models, as well as to investigate torilin's effect (obtained from TJE) and other unknown components as marker compounds. Torilin concentration was verified in TJE using high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed the unknown components using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Furthermore, TJE's cytotoxicity, regenerative effect, and cell cycle regulation effects were confirmed using skin cells with atopic inflammation (human dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes) by using TNF-α and IFN-γ treatments. Consequently, TJE was demonstrated to regulate TARC and CTACK expressions as chemokines and those of interleukin-4, -5, and -13 as cytokines related to atopic inflammation. TJE was further confirmed to affect the matrix metalloproteinase-1, -2, and -9 expressions, which are essential in skin damage. Lastly, this study confirmed TJE's relieving effect against atopic inflammation through a 3D skin model and RhCE model using human dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes. These findings on atopic inflammation verified torilin's relieving effects and TJE's other components.

Collagen Derived from Fish Industry Waste: Progresses and Challenges

Fish collagen garnered significant academic and commercial focus in the last decades featuring prospective applications in a variety of health-related industries, including food, medicine, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics. Due to its distinct advantages over mammalian-based collagen, including the reduced zoonosis transmission risk, the absence of cultural-religious limitations, the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing process, and its superior bioavailability, the use of collagen derived from fish wastes (i.e., skin, scales) quickly expanded. Moreover, by-products are low cost and the need to minimize fish industry waste's environmental impact paved the way for the use of discards in the development of collagen-based products with remarkable added value. This review summarizes the recent advances in the valorization of fish industry wastes for the extraction of collagen used in several applications. Issues related to processing and characterization of collagen were presented. Moreover, an overview of the most relevant applications in food industry, nutraceutical, cosmetics, tissue engineering, and food packaging of the last three years was introduced. Lastly, the fish-collagen market and the open technological challenges to a reliable recovery and exploitation of this biopolymer were discussed.

Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Isolated Marine Compounds

To combat the ineffectiveness of currently available pharmaceutical medications, caused by the emergence of increasingly resistant bacterial and fungal strains, novel antibacterial and antifungal medications are urgently needed. Novel natural compounds with antimicrobial activities can be obtained by exploring underexplored habitats such as the world's oceans. The oceans represent the largest ecosystem on earth, with a high diversity of organisms. Oceans have received some attention in the past few years, and promising compounds with antimicrobial activities were isolated from marine organisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, sea cucumbers, sea sponges, etc. This review covers 56 antifungal and 40 antibacterial compounds from marine organisms. These compounds are categorized according to their chemical structure groups, including polyketides, alkaloids, ribosomal peptides, and terpenes, and their organismal origin. The review provides the minimum inhibitory concentration MIC values and the bacterial/fungal strains against which these chemical compounds show activity. This study shows strong potential for witnessing the development of new novel antimicrobial drugs from these natural compounds isolated and evaluated for their antimicrobial activities.

Transformation of Seafood Side-Streams and Residuals into Valuable Products

Seafood processing creates enormous amounts of side-streams. This review deals with the use of seafood side-streams for transformation into valuable products and identifies suitable approaches for making use of it for different purposes. Starting at the stage of catching fish to its selling point, many of the fish parts, such as head, skin, tail, fillet cut-offs, and the viscera, are wasted. These parts are rich in proteins, enzymes, healthy fatty acids such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated ones, gelatin, and collagen. The valuable biochemical composition makes it worth discussing paths through which seafood side-streams can be turned into valuable products. Drawbacks, as well as challenges of different aquacultures, demonstrate the importance of using the various side-streams to produce valuable compounds to improve economic performance efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture. In this review, conventional and novel utilization approaches, as well as a combination of both, have been identified, which will lead to the development of sustainable production chains and the emergence of new bio-based products in the future.

Absolute Stereochemistry Determination of Bioactive Marine-Derived Cyclopeptides by Liquid Chromatography Methods: An Update Review (2018-2022)

Cyclopeptides are considered as one of the most important classes of compounds derived from marine sources, due to their structural diversity and a myriad of their biological and pharmacological activities. Since marine-derived cyclopeptides consist of different amino acids, many of which are non-proteinogenic, they possess various stereogenic centers. In this respect, the structure elucidation of new molecular scaffolds obtained from natural sources, including marine-derived cyclopeptides, can become a very challenging task. The determination of the absolute configurations of the amino acid residues is accomplished, in most cases, by performing acidic hydrolysis, followed by analyses by liquid chromatography (LC). In a continuation with the authors' previous publication, and to analyze the current trends, the present review covers recently published works (from January 2018 to November 2022) regarding new cyclopeptides from marine organisms, with a special focus on their biological/pharmacological activities and the absolute stereochemical assignment of the amino acid residues. Ninety-one unreported marine-derived cyclopeptides were identified during this period, most of which displayed anticancer or antimicrobial activities. Marfey's method, which involves LC, was found to be the most frequently used for this purpose.

Peptide-pro complex serum: Investigating effects on aged skin

BACKGROUND

Effective anti-aging treatments are an unmet consumer need.

AIM

Ex vivoand clinical tests have evaluated the efficacy of a topical facial serum containing a proprietary blend of neuropeptides, proteins, amino acids, and marine extracts on aged skin.

METHODS

In the ex vivo study the facial serum was compared to a commercially marketed face serum and to an untreated control on skin explants using microrelief, smoothness, and epidermal thickness endpoints. The 12 weeks monadic clinical study was designed for the test product to be used on the whole face. Subjects functioned as their own control; evaluating change from baseline. Skin was evaluated clinically by a Dermatologist for tolerability and for efficacy. Also part of the product assessment was skin hydration measurements, imaging, and a subject questionnaire.

RESULTS

The facial serum improved skin condition by significant reductions in skin surface area occupied by microfolds and in skin roughness. Additionally, it increased epidermal thickness as compared to the untreated control as well as the commercially marketed face serum. The facial serum provided a statistically increased skin moisturization compared to pretreatment values. Dermatological evaluation of the skin concluded that there were statistically and clinically significant improvements in skin smoothness, wrinkles severity, fine lines visibility and lifting, and tightening effects at crow's feet area, forehead, and upper lip.

CONCLUSION

A facial serum, containing a proprietary blend of neuropeptides, proteins, amino acids, and marine extracts, has been shown to improve the overall quality of aged skin in a series of ex vivo and clinical tests.

Purification and Identification of Peptides from Oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) Protein Enzymatic Hydrolysates and Their Anti-Skin Photoaging Effects on UVB-Irradiated HaCaT Cells

This study aimed to purify and identify antiphotoaging peptides from oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) protein enzymatic hydrolysates (OPEH) and to investigate the possible mechanism underlying its antiphotoaging effect. Multiple methods (Ultrafiltration, G25 Chromatography, RP-HPLC, and LC/MS/MS) had been used for this purpose, and eventually, two peptides, including WNLNP and RKNEVLGK, were identified. Particularly, WNLNP exerted remarkable antiphotoaging effect on the UVB-irradiated HaCaT photoaged cell model in a dose-dependent manner. WNLNP exerted its protective effect mainly through inhibiting ROS production, decreasing MMP-1 expression, but increasing extracellular pro-collagen I content. Furthermore, WNLNP downregulated p38, JNK, ERK, and p65 phosphorylation in the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and attenuated bax over-expressions but reversed bcl-2 reduction in UVB- irradiated HaCaT cells. The molecular docking analysis showed that WNLNP forms five and seven hydrogen bonds with NF-κB (p65) and MMP-1, respectively. This study suggested that a pentapeptide WNLNP isolated from OPEH had great potential to prevent and regulate skin photoaging.

Cosmeceutical Potential of Extracts Derived from Fishery Industry Residues: Sardine Wastes and Codfish Frames

The fishery industry generates large amounts of waste (20–75% (w/w) of the total caught fish weight). The recovery of bioactive compounds from residues and their incorporation in cosmetics represents a promising market opportunity and may contribute to a sustainable valorisation of the sector. In this work, protein-rich extracts obtained by high-pressure technologies (supercritical CO₂ and subcritical water) from sardine (Sardina pilchardus) waste and codfish (Gadus morhua) frames were characterized regarding their cosmeceutical potential. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities were evaluated through chemical (ORAC assay), enzymatic (inhibition of elastase and tyrosinase), antimicrobial susceptibility (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes) and cell-based (in keratinocytes-HaCaT) assays. Sardine extracts presented the highest antibacterial activity, and the extract obtained using higher extraction temperatures (250 °C) and without the defatting step demonstrated the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (1.17; 4.6; 0.59 mg/mL for K. pneumoniae, S. aureus and C. acnes, respectively). Codfish samples extracted at lower temperatures (90 °C) were the most effective anti-inflammatory agents (a concentration of 0.75 mg/mL reduced IL-8 and IL-6 levels by 58% and 47%, respectively, relative to the positive control). Threonine, valine, leucine, arginine and total protein content in the extracts were highlighted to present a high correlation with the reported bioactivities (R² ≥ 0.7). These results support the potential application of extracts obtained from fishery industry wastes in cosmeceutical products with bioactive activities.

Therapeutic Potential of Marine Bioactive Peptides against Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Recent Evidence, Challenges, and Future Trends

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal ailment caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and remains a major health problem worldwide. In recent years, the research focus has shifted to a greater emphasis on complementing treatment regimens involving conventional antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapies with novel lead structures isolated from various marine organisms that have the potential to be utilized as therapeutics for the management of HIV-AIDS. The present review summarizes the recent developments regarding bioactive peptides sourced from various marine organisms. This includes a discussion encompassing the potential of these novel marine bioactive peptides with regard to antiretroviral activities against HIV, preparation, purification, and processing techniques, in addition to insight into the future trends with an emphasis on the potential of exploration and evaluation of novel peptides to be developed into effective antiretroviral drugs.

Physicochemical Properties of Collagen from the Bone of Harpadon nehereus and Its Protective Effects against Angiotensin II-Induced Injury in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

The physicochemical characterization of a new collagen from the bone of Harpadon nehereus (HNBC) and its protective effects against Ang II-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were investigated. The triple helix of HNBC analyzed by SDS-PAGE was formed as (α₁)₂α₂, belonging to type I collagen. UV spectra showed that HNBC had a maximum absorbance at 230 nm. FTIR spectra indicated the triple helical structure and activity of HNBC. The high solubility of HNBC was observed in the low pH ranges (≤4) and NaCl concentrations (≤2%, w/v). The maximum transition (T _m) of HNBC was determined to be 48.5 °C. The amino acid composition analysis showed that glycine, glutamic acid, proline, and alanine were the abundant amino acids available in HNBC. HNBC showed free radical (DPPH and OH·) scavenging activities in the tested concentrations (0.5-6 mg/mL). In addition, HNBC could effectively protect against Ang II-induced injury of HUVEC by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px. Overall, collagen from the bone of H. nehereus has promising prospects in functional food and biomedical industries.

Effects of Collagen Hydrolysate From Large Hybrid Sturgeon on Mitigating Ultraviolet B-Induced Photodamage

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation leads to the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which subsequently promote inflammation, degradation of the extracellular matrix, and photoaging in skin. Thus antioxidant activity is particularly important when screening for active substances to prevent or repair photodamage. Marine fish-derived bioactive peptides have become a trend in cosmetics and functional food industries owing to their potential dermatological benefits. In this study, 1-diphenyl- 2-pycryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity was selected to optimize the hydrolysis conditions of sturgeon skin collagen peptides with antioxidant activity. The optimal hydrolysis conditions for sturgeon skin collagen hydrolysate (SSCH) were determined by response surface methodology, which comprised an enzyme dosage of flavorzyme at 6,068.4 U/g, temperature of 35.5°C, pH of 7, and hydrolysis time of 6 h. SSCH showed good radical-scavenging capacities with a DPPH scavenging efficiency of 95%. Then, the effect of low-molecular-weight SSCH fraction (SSCH-L) on UVB irradiation-induced photodamage was evaluated in mouse fibroblast L929 cells and zebrafish. SSCH-L reduced intracellular ROS levels and the malondialdehyde content, thereby alleviating the oxidative damage caused by UVB radiation. Moreover SSCH-L inhibited the mRNA expression of genes encoding the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and Cox-2. SSCH-L treatment further increased the collagen Ⅰα1 content and had a significant inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase expression. The phosphorylation level of JNK and the expression of c-Jun protein were significantly reduced by SSCH-L. Additionally, SSCH-L increased the tail fin area at 0.125 and 0.25 mg/ml in a zebrafish UVB radiation model, which highlighted the potential of SSCH-L to repair UVB-irradiated zebrafish skin damage. Peptide sequences of SSCH-L were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the 3D-QSAR modeling prediction, six total peptides were selected to test the UVB-protective activity. Among these peptides, DPFRHY showed good UVB-repair activity, ROS-scavenging activity, DNA damage-protective activity and apoptosis inhibition activity. These results suggested that DPFRHY has potential applications as a natural anti-photodamage material in cosmetic and functional food industries.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Porcine Collagen Peptide in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice by Regulating Adipogenesis

Obesity is one of the most common diseases caused by an imbalance in the intake and expenditure of energy, and it is associated with various metabolic complications. This study aimed at investigating the anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of porcine collagen peptide (PCP) using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The PCP treatment significantly inhibited the adipocyte differentiation and attenuated the mRNA expression of transcription factors (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha [C/EBPα] and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma [PPARγ]) and the lipogenic gene (fatty acid synthase [FAS]) expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. In the in vivo study, HFD-fed mice were fed low- (1.5 g/kg body weight/day) and high- (4.5 g/kg body weight/day) PCP for 12 weeks and compared with the normal diet-fed group and HFD-fed control group. The PCP-fed groups showed significantly lower body weight gain, white fat weight gain, serum triglycerides, and adipocyte size compared with the HFD-fed group. The changes in body fat were associated with the upregulation of adiponectin and the downregulation of leptin, C/EBPα, PPARγ, and FAS. These results suggest that PCP has the potential to reduce obesity by suppressing adipogenesis and could be applied as a functional food material.

Purification, structural characterization, and anticoagulant activity evaluation of chondroitin sulfate from codfish (Gadus macrocephalus) bones

Chondroitin sulfate (CCS) was purified from discarded codfish (Gadus macrocephalus) bones, and its chemical structure and anticoagulant activity were assessed. CCS was obtained via enzymatic lysis and ion-exchange column chromatography, with a yield of approximately 0.15%. High-performance gel performance chromatography revealed CCS to be a largely homogeneous polysaccharide with a relatively low molecular weight of 12.3 kDa. FT-IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and SAX-HPLC indicated that CCS was composed of monosulfated disaccharides (ΔDi4S 73.85% and ΔDi6S 19.06%) and nonsulfated disaccharides (ΔDi0S 7.09%). In vitro anticoagulation analyses revealed that CCS was able to significantly prolong activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT) (p < 0.05). At a CCS concentration of 5 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL, APTT and TT were approximately 1.08 and 1.12 times higher, respectively, compared to the negative control group. The results indicated that CCS might offer value as a dietary fiber supplement with the potential to prevent the incidence of coagulation-related thrombosis.

Anti-cancer peptides: their current trends in the development of peptide-based therapy and anti-tumor drugs

Human cancer remains a cause of high mortality throughout the world. The conventional methods and therapies currently employed for treatment are followed by moderate-to-severe side effects. They have not generated curative results due to the ineffectiveness of treatments. Besides, the associated high costs, technical requirements, and cytotoxicity further characterize their limitations. Due to relatively higher presidencies, bioactive peptides with anti-cancer attributes have recently become treatment choices within the therapeutic arsenal. The peptides act as potential anti-cancer agents explicitly targeting tumor cells while being less toxic to normal cells. The anti-cancer peptides are isolated from various natural sources, exhibit high selectivity and high penetration efficiency, and could be quickly restructured. The therapeutic benefits of compatible anti-cancer peptides have contributed to the significant expansion of cancer treatment; albeit, the mechanisms by which bioactive peptides inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells remain unclear. This review will provide a framework for assessing anti-cancer peptides' structural and functional aspects. It shall provide appropriate information on their mode of action to support and strengthen efforts to improve cancer prevention. The article will mention the therapeutic health benefits of anti-cancer peptides. Their importance in clinical studies is elaborated for reducing cancer incidences and developing sustainable treatment models.

Recent research progress of biologically active peptides

With the rapid development of molecular biology and biochemical technology, great progress has been made in the study of peptides. Peptides are easy to digest and absorb, with lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol, improving immunity, regulating hormones, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Peptides also have physiological regulation and biological metabolism functions with applications in the fields of feed production and biomedical research. In the future, the research focus of bioactive peptides will focus on their efficient preparation and application. This article introduces a comprehensive review of the types, synthesis, functionalization, and bio-related applications of bioactive peptides. For this aim, we introduced in detail various biopeptides and then presented the production methods of bioactive peptides, such as enzymatic synthesis, microbial fermentation, chemical synthesis, and others. The applications of bioactive peptides for anticancers, immune therapy, antibacterial, and other applications have been introduced and discussed. And discussed the development prospects of biologically active peptides.

Biological Functions and Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides

Abstract:

Despite antimicrobial resistance, which is attributed to the misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics, antibiotics can indiscriminately kill pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms. These events disrupt the delicate microbial balance in both humans and animals, leading to secondary infections and other negative effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are functional natural biopolymers in plants and animals. Due to their excellent antimicrobial activities and absence of microbial resistance, AMPs have attracted enormous research attention. We reviewed the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, as well as antitumor properties of AMPs and research progress on AMPs. In addition, we highlighted various recommendations and potential research areas for their progress and challenges in practical applications.

Oral supplementation of sea cucumber and its hydrolysate mitigates ultraviolet A-induced photoaging in hairless mice

BACKGROUND

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation promotes skin photoaging, which is clinically characterized by dryness, laxity, and wrinkling. Sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus) (SC) is a marine organism with culinary and medicinal applications, especially in Asian countries. It is also a potential nutraceutical as it exhibits bioactive effects, such as antioxidant, antitumor, and anticancer activity. This study examined the effects of SC and its hydrolysate (SCH) on ultraviolet A (UVA) induced skin barrier function and wrinkle formation using hairless mice.

RESULTS

Ultraviolet A significantly induced transepidermal water loss and wrinkle formation, which were significantly mitigated upon oral administration of SC and SCH. Sea cucumber also mitigated the UVA-induced downregulation of epidermal natural moisturizing factors and the upregulation of Aqp3, Mmp13, Tnfa, and Il6 mRNA levels in the mouse skin.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that dietary SC and SCH exert anti-photoaging effects by modulating filaggrin synthesis and desquamation in the epidermis and regulating the NF-κB pathway in the skin. Our research indicates that SC and SCH have potential applications in nutricosmetics for photoaging. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.