New Perspective on Bioactive Peptides from Natural Sources: Current Applications and Future Directions

Dear Colleagues,

A plethora of bioactive peptides from various natural sources has gained increasing recognition for their diverse biological activities. Venomous animals are considered specialized predators that have evolved highly sophisticated biochemical and pharmacological systems, enabling them to produce a wide range of toxins with remarkable structural and functional diversity. In addition, peptides derived from plant proteins also contribute to health promotion and disease prevention. They exhibit functional properties such as emulsifying capacity and water and oil retention, which are associated with their physicochemical characteristics. These attributes support the potential of plant-derived bioactive peptides as promising candidates for the development of health-promoting and functional products. Accordingly, numerous peptides obtained from natural sources, including food plants and animal venoms or secretions, have been reported in the literature as bioactive compounds with significant pharmacological effects and potential therapeutic applications.

The aim of this Special Issue is to report the current advances in bioactive peptides from natural sources. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: discovery and characterization of novel bioactive peptides from animal and plant sources; development of novel synthetic derivatives; pharmacological studies; and the development of pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical bioproducts. We are inviting the submission of original research articles or reviews that relate to the above topics.

Dr. Daniel Dias Rufino Arcanjo
Dr. José Roberto de Souza de Almeida Leite
Guest Editors

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