Search Results (854)

Aquafaba, a legume cooking water typically discarded as waste, represents a sustainable and plant-based protein source with promising functional applications. In this study, aquafaba hydrolysates were produced by enzymatic treatment with flavourzyme and savinase, yielding two products with distinct degrees of hydrolysis (DH: ~10% and ~29%). Aquafaba hydrolysates obtained using flavourzyme (AFHs) and savinase (ASHs), together with aquafaba isolate (AI), were incorporated into muffin cakes as partial flour substitutes (5%). The addition of hydrolysates significantly influenced cake quality parameters, particularly antioxidant capacity and textural attributes. Enzymatic hydrolysis, particularly with savinase, produced the most pronounced functional improvements. Technologically, ASHs supplementation significantly enhanced cake expansion, with specific volume values (2.23 mL/g) nearly doubling compared to the control (1.04 mL/g). Crust color was markedly altered, with L* decreasing and a* and b* rising, reflecting darker, more browned surfaces due to intensified Maillard reactions. Both ABTS and DPPH assays demonstrated increased radical scavenging activity with higher DH, while SDS-PAGE confirmed the release of smaller peptide fractions. The ABTS radical scavenging activity of the control muffin (CM, 262.53 mg TE/100 g) significantly increased in AIM (muffin cake substituted with aquafaba protein isolate, 481.87 mg TE/100 g) and reached its highest values in muffins containing AFHs (489.74 mg TE/100 g) and ASHs (530.56 mg TE/100 g), respectively. Hardness, a critical quality parameter particularly relevant to storage stability, decreased in hydrolysate-enriched samples compared with both control and isolate formulations. Oxitest results showed that extended induction periods for hydrolysate-containing cakes (18:47 h) were longer relative to control muffins (15:08 h). Thermal analysis also indicated improved thermal stability in the presence of aquafaba. Overall, the findings demonstrate that aquafaba hydrolysates can be effectively utilized in bakery systems to enhance antioxidant activity, oxidative stability, and technological properties, while simultaneously contributing to sustainable food valorization. Full article

The growing interest in functional foods has driven research into protein hydrolysates produced by enzymatic hydrolysis, especially from agro-industrial by-products. These compounds stand out for their antioxidant, antihypertensive, and other bioactive properties, which are relevant to the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. In this context, a bibliometric analysis of 1498 articles indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database (2015–2025, collected up to June) was conducted to map the evolution of knowledge, identify consolidated and emerging thematic lines, and recognize the most influential actors in the field. The methodology combined an advanced search strategy with Biblioshiny (RStudio) and VOSviewer to generate co-occurrence maps, collaboration networks, and citation analyses. The results show sustained growth since 2018, with a predominance of research on functional properties, bioactive peptides, and antioxidant activity, along with a growing interest in sustainability, process optimization, and in silico methodologies. Six thematic clusters were identified, encompassing process optimization, biofunctional validation, circular economy, and non-conventional protein sources. The study concludes that the field demonstrates significant thematic maturity, with opportunities for innovation, particularly in functional validation and the integrated use of by-products through sustainable enzymatic technologies. Full article

Cancer remains a primary global health concern, with treatment-related side effects and malnutrition posing significant challenges to patient care and recovery. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the therapeutic potential of functional food components, especially whey proteins (WPs), due to their notable antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer properties. This systematic review explores the effects of WPs across various cancer types and assesses their value as supportive nutritional agents. A thorough literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, identifying 24 relevant studies published between 2000 and 2024. The selection process followed PRISMA guidelines. The evidence, drawn from both laboratory and clinical research, suggests that WPs may exert anticancer effects by inhibiting tumor cell growth, promoting apoptosis, enhancing antioxidant defenses, modulating immune activity, and influencing signaling pathways such as the PI3K/Akt, mTOR, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Colorectal, breast, and liver cancers emerged as the most extensively studied types. Additionally, the form of WP used—whether concentrate, isolate, or hydrolysate—appeared to influence both biological activity and clinical outcomes. Clinical findings suggest that WP supplementation may support nutritional status, mitigate the adverse effects of chemotherapy, and enhance the quality of life in cancer patients. While the preclinical data are compelling, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these benefits and determine optimal use in clinical practice. This review highlights WPs as promising, well-tolerated nutritional agents with potential to enhance current cancer care strategies. Full article

Neopyropia (N.) yezoensis is a widely cultivated red alga in East Asia and valued worldwide for its rich bioactive constituents recognized for their health benefits, including polsaccharides, porphyrans, pigments, phenolic compounds, phycobiliproteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, myosporin-like amino acids, and both synthetic and recombinant peptides. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of N. yezoensis extracts and their bioactive compounds. Based on in vitro, ex vitro, and in vivo experimental data (including those on Drosophila melanogaster larvae), this review comprehensively discusses its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-atopic dermatitis, anti-colitis, anticancer, anti-aging, anti-atrophy, metabolic health-promoting effects, improving renal health, proliferating, anti-osteoarthritic, anti-allergic, antibacterial, and antivirus activities. The prebiotic effect of N. yezoensis porphyran through modulation of the gut microbiota was also investigated. Studies have indicated that protein hydrolysates and peptides derived from N. yezoensis with low molecular weights and aromatic and/or hydrophobic amino acids contribute significantly to these diverse bioactivities. Although N. yezoensis has shown promising bioactivity in preclinical models, validated clinical data in humans are currently lacking. Future research should prioritize the design and implementation of well-controlled human clinical trials to fully explore their therapeutic potential. Full article

Chickpea protein hydrolysates have antihypertensive potential. However, neither the effect of their daily consumption on blood pressure (BP) nor their potential antihypertensive mechanisms has been evaluated. Thus, both the antihypertensive effect of an optimized chickpea protein hydrolysate (OCPH) and its potential mechanisms were assessed in spontaneously hypertensive rats. OCPH (50 mg/kg of body weight) was supplemented daily (5 weeks), BP levels were measured, and mRNA relative levels (angiotensin-converting enzyme-I (ACE1), renin, AT₁R receptor, ACE2 and Mas1) in the kidneys were determined. BP (systolic, diastolic, and mean) levels were lowered after five days of OCPH supplementation (p < 0.05 vs. control group) and the hypotensive effect was up to −39.80 mmHg (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation increased ACE2 (67.30%) and Mas1 (61.1%) mRNA levels (p < 0.05 vs. control group). ACE1, renin and AT₁R receptor mRNA levels were similar between groups (p > 0.05). A negative correlation of ACE2 mRNA levels with BP was found (p < 0.05). The findings support that OCPH activates the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas1 pathway of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, maintaining a reduction in BP after daily supplementation. Further studies to evaluate the potential of the OCPH for functional food and nutraceutical development are justified. Full article

The Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an opportunistic invasive species in the Mediterranean that is negatively affecting biodiversity, fisheries, and tourism. In Italy, it is appreciated for its good meat quality, but the processing yield is low (21.87 ± 2.38%), generating a significant amount of by-products (72.45 ± 4.08%), which are underutilized. Valorizing this biomass is in line with circular economy principles and can improve both environmental and economic sustainability. This study aimed to valorize Atlantic blue crab by-products (BCBP), producing protein hydrolysates and assessing their in vitro bioactivities, in order to plan applications in animal food and related sectors. BCBP hydrolysates were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis using Alcalase and Protamex enzymes. The treatment with Alcalase resulted in a higher degree of hydrolysis (DH = 23% in 205 min) compared to Protamex (DH = 14% in 175 min). Antioxidant activity of the hydrolisates was evaluated through DPPH, ABTS, reducing power and FRAP assays, as well as in vitro test in fibroblasts (HS-68). At 10 mg/mL, hydrolysates from both enzymes exhibited the maximum radical scavenging activity in DPPH and ABTS assays. In HS-68 cells, 0.5 mg/mL hydrolysates protected against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, showing a cell viability comparable to cells treated with 0.5 mM N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), as an antioxidant. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Student–Newman–Keuls (SNK) or Games–Howell post hoc tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Overall, both enzymes efficiently hydrolyzed BCBP proteins, generating hydrolysates with significant antioxidant activity and cytoprotective effects. These results demonstrate the potential to produce high-quality bioactive compounds from BCBPs, suitable for food, nutraceutical, and health applications. Scaling up this valorization process represents a viable strategy to improve sustainability and add economic value to the management of this invasive species, turning a problem in a resource. Full article

The study presents the potential of milkfish frame, a by-product of milkfish processing, as a source of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory and antioxidant peptides with potential applications in type 2 diabetes management. Proteomic analysis identified key proteins, including 65 kDa warm temperature acclimation protein 1 and myosin heavy chain. In silico prediction (BIOPEP-UWM) guided the selection of proteases for generating DPP-IV inhibitory peptides. Enzymatic hydrolysates were produced and evaluated for bioactivity. Among the treatments, pepsin hydrolysis (2% v/v, 8 h) yielded the highest peptide content (283.64 mg/g), soluble protein (86.46%), and DPP-IV inhibitory activity (68.47%). The resulting milkfish frame pepsin hydrolysate (MFH) was further enhanced through ultrafiltration and simulated gastrointestinal digestion, which improved the DPP-IV inhibitory and antioxidant capacities. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed that MFH (0–100 μg/mL) was non-toxic to FL83B hepatocytes after 24 h. Moreover, treating TNF-α-induced FL83B cells with 10 μg/mL MFHs improved cell viability, reducing the toxicity induced by TNF-α in cells. These findings show that MFHs exhibit promising antidiabetic potential and could serve as natural alternatives to synthetic drugs for type 2 diabetes management. This also demonstrates the valorization of fish processing by-products into functional food ingredients, advancing sustainable approaches in food innovation. Full article

Protein hydrolysates have potential as sustainable functional feed ingredients or additives for the aquaculture industry. This study examined the growth-promoting effects of duck-blood protein hydrolysate (DBPH, <10 kDa) on the flowerhorn cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus × Cichlasoma trimaculatum). Fish with an average weight of 3.24 ± 0.22 g were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: a negative control (basal diet) and basal diets supplemented with 0.5%, 1%, and 2% DBPH. After 90 days of the feeding trial, growth parameters indicated that supplementation with 1% and 2% DBPH enhanced growth. However, the muscle composition and skin coloration did not differ significantly. Transcriptome sequencing of the liver tissue yielded 39.83 GB of high-quality clean data. De novo transcriptome assembly identified 32,824 unigenes, of which 21,385 were successfully annotated based on public databases. Differential expression analysis identified 269 upregulated and 232 downregulated genes. To clarify the growth-promoting effects of DBPH, five glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-related genes (tpi, gapdh, pck1, ldh, and adh) were validated by liver qRT-PCR, and the results were consistent with those of the transcriptomic analysis. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms by which DBPH supplementation could enhance growth, as evidenced by alterations in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways, indicating potential as a novel feed additive in aquaculture. Full article

The tree bean (Parkia timoriana), an underutilized legume valued for its nutritional profile, represents a potential source of bioactive peptides for diabetes management. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify and characterize DPP-IV inhibitory peptides derived from tree bean seed protein hydrolysates. The tree bean proteins were digested with trypsin, thermolysin, chymotrypsin, pepsin, and simulated gastrointestinal (SGI) enzymes, among which SGI hydrolysis yielded the highest degree of hydrolysis (14%) and strongest DPP-IV inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 1289 ± 58 µg/mL). Guided by DPP-IV inhibitory assays, sequential fractionation using strong cation exchange and RP-HPLC yielded the most potent fraction, H5, with an IC₅₀ of 949 ± 50 µg/mL. After peptide identification and synthesis, APLGPF (AF6) emerged as the most potent inhibitor, with an IC₅₀ of 396 ± 18 µM. Enzyme kinetics revealed a non-competitive inhibition mechanism, corroborated by molecular docking, which indicated binding at an allosteric site of DPP-IV. Furthermore, AF6 remained stable under simulated gastrointestinal digestion and enzymatic exposure, highlighting its resistance to proteolysis. Taken together, these findings highlight P. timoriana as an underexplored source of peptides with DPP-IV inhibitory activity and identify AF6 as a promising lead for developing functional foods or nutraceuticals aimed at type 2 diabetes management. Full article

Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) are enzymes that oxidize mono- and diphenolic compounds to o-quinones, facilitating pigment formation and protein crosslinking in food systems, thereby improving their techno-functional properties. However, most PPOs function optimally near neutral pH, limiting their application in acidic food products. This study aimed to extract acid-adapted PPOs from various fruit by-products, including Hass avocado seeds (pH 5.9), Anjou pears (pH 4.0), Bartlett pears (pH 4.0), Red Delicious apples (pH 4.0), and McIntosh apples (pH 3.3), and characterize PPO properties and its substrate specificity using colorimetric assay. SDS-PAGE was used to assess PPOs’ molecular weight and PPOs’ capacity for plant protein crosslinking. The results showed that PPOs from Anjou and Bartlett pear pomace exhibited the most robust acid-adapted activity, with effective catalytic performance in the pH ranges of 4.0–5.0 and 5.0–8.0, respectively, and an optimal temperature of 20 °C. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed bands at ~44 kDa and ~25.6 kDa, consistent with previously found pear PPO isoforms. Both pear pomace PPO oxidized L-DOPA and EGCG efficiently, but showed minimal activity toward L-tyrosine, gallic acid, caffeic acid, tannic acid, and ferulic acid. In the presence of EGCG, both pear pomace PPOs are capable of crosslinking plant proteins at pH 4.0. These findings provide the first evidence that agricultural by-products are a promising but underutilized source of acid-adapted PPO for modifying soy protein hydrolysates. Full article

Due to its high content of lignocellulose, cotton stalk is difficult to degrade naturally and utilize effectively, so it is often regarded as waste. In this study, the effects of Pleurotus ostreatus XH005, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP-2, and cellulase enzyme on the cotton stalk substrate under aerobic solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions were investigated, and the metabolites were analyzed to identify potential functional compounds in the cotton-stalk-fermented feed. Preliminary optimization results obtained through single-factor experiments were as follows: fermentation time 14 days, XH005 inoculum size 8.00% (v/m), material-to-water ratio 1:0.50 (v/m), LP-2 inoculum size 2.00% (v/m), and cellulase addition 0.60% (m/m). Based on these single-factor experimental results, XH005 inoculum size, LP-2 inoculum size, material-to-water ratio, and cellulase addition were selected as independent variables. Through response surface methodology (RSM) optimization experiments, 29 experimental groups were designed. Subsequently, based on Box–Behnken analysis of variance (ANOVA) of lignin and cellulose content, along with contour and response surface plots, the optimal aerobic solid-state fermentation parameters were determined as follows: fermentation time 14 days, XH005 inoculum: 7.00% (v/m), material-to-water ratio: 1:0.55 (v/m), LP-2 inoculum: 2.00% (v/m), and cellulase enzyme addition: 0.65% (m/m). Results showed that compared with the control group (CK), the optimized group exhibited a 27.65% increase in lignin degradation rate and a 47.14% increase in cellulose degradation rate. Crude protein (CP) content increased significantly, while crude fiber (CF), detergent fiber and mycotoxin contents decreased significantly. Non-targeted metabolic analysis indicated that adding cellulase and inoculating Pleurotus ostreatus XH005 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP-2 in aerobic SSF of cotton straw feed produced functionally active substances such as kaempferol (C343), carvone (C709) and trilobatin (C604). Therefore, this study demonstrates that microbial-enzyme co-action SSF significantly enhances the nutritional composition of cotton stalk hydrolysate. Furthermore, this hydrolysate is suitable for the production of functional compounds, endowing the fermented feed with health-promoting properties and enhancing the utilization of cotton processing byproducts in the feed industry. Full article

Obesity is a worldwide problem, and lowering pancreatic lipase (PL) activity is an effective strategy to counteract it. In this study, pancreatic lipase-inhibitory (PL-I) peptides were isolated and purified from Chlorella pyrenoidosa protein hydrolysates (CPPHs) using ultrafiltration and Sephadex gel chromatography (Sephadex G-25). A total of 858 peptides were identified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Four novel PL-I peptides (FLSQPF, VWTPI, IVGPF, and IPYPL) were virtually screened using molecular docking and subsequently synthesized, with VWTPI exhibiting the highest PL inhibition. Moreover, the inhibition of the enzyme by VWTPI was a mixture of competitive and non-competitive inhibition, with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 7.27 mg/mL. Molecular docking showed that VWTPI interacts with the PL active center by hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic contacts, van der Waals forces, and π-π stacking. This study suggests that peptides from Chlorella pyrenoidosa could be used as lipid-lowering agents to prevent and cure obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wheat bran is known for its anti-aging effects, primarily due to its antioxidant properties. Our previous study identified novel antioxidants in wheat bran (xylo-oligosaccharides and protein hydrolysates) using an innovative extraction method. However, the anti-aging potential of these wheat bran extracts (WBEs) remains unclear. Methods: This study evaluated the anti-aging effects of WBE in a D-galactose-induced aging model using Wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups: (1) saline-injected control, (2) D-galactose-injected control, (3) D-galactose + 5% WBE, and (4) D-galactose + 10% WBE. After six weeks, body weight, food intake, body fat percentage, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and liver senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) levels were assessed. Results: D-galactose significantly reduced food intake in positive control 87 ± 21%/weekly (negative control; p < 0.05, 107 ± 20%/weekly for 10%WBE; p < 0.01. Body fat percentage (positive control: 84 ± 19% vs. 5% WBE: 110 ± 20%, p < 0.05 in 100% convert). It also lowered erythrocyte SOD activity; 68.6 ± 9%, p < 0.01 in 100% conversion). WBE supplementation restored SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner (5% WBE: 32,479 ± 12,773 U/mL; 10% WBE: 42,368 ± 20,281 U/mL. Although D-galactose did not elevate significantly SA-β-gal activity in the liver, WBE supplementation still led to a dose-dependent reduction in baseline SA-β-gal levels (294 ± 84 nmol/min/mg protein vs. 5% WBE: 181 ± 65 nmol/min/mg protein, and 10% WBE: 146 ± 40 nmol/min/mg protein. p < 0.001). No significant group differences were found in hepatic SOD2, catalase (liver and skin), or telomerase reverse transcriptase expression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that wheat bran extracts mitigate D-galactose-induced oxidative stress in circulation, indicating potential anti-aging benefits. However, their effects at the tissue level remain inconclusive. Further studies are needed to explore molecular mechanisms and refine intervention duration. Full article

Salinity is a major stress factor that limits tomato yield and fruit quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether vegetal-derived protein hydrolysates (PHs) can alleviate salt stress in tomato plants and how they affect sugar metabolism at the molecular level. A greenhouse experiment was carried out to test three PHs, containing mainly peptides and aminoacids and derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of protein sources belonging to Leguminosae (PH1), Malvaceae (PH2), and Solanaceae (PH3) plants under non-saline (1 mM NaCl) and saline (50 mM NaCl) conditions. PH1 and PH3 increased marketable yield under non-saline conditions, while no yield improvement was observed under salinity. Nevertheless, all PHs reduced leaf Cl⁻ accumulation and improved fruit nutritional quality by increasing antioxidant activity and total phenol content. Under salt stress, PH1 and PH2 raised the content of total soluble solids, whereas PH3 enhanced titratable acidity. Gene expression analysis revealed that PHs modulated sugar metabolism, shifting it towards starch synthesis and accumulation in fruits, consistent with the observed increase in soluble solids. These results demonstrate that PHs exert family-specific effects on tomato fruit quality and provide molecular evidence of their role in metabolic adjustment under salinity. Practically, vegetal-derived PHs can represent a sustainable agronomic strategy to enhance fruit quality traits and improve tomato marketability in salt-affected cultivation systems. Full article

The research aimed to examine the effects of fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis of cottonseed protein on body weight changes, serum biochemistry, rumen function, intestinal health, and liver metabolism of suckling lambs. A total of twelve 7-day-old healthy male Hu sheep body weights (5.27 ± 0.48 kg) were randomly distributed into two groups. Starter feed regimens containing microbial fermentation of cottonseed protein (MFCP) or enzymatic hydrolysate of cottonseed protein (EHCP) were administered to lambs during the initial 60-day period. Results showed that compared with EHCP group, the serum glucose, ruminal acetic, propionic, butyric and valeric acids concentrations, jejunal immunoglobulin G content and mRNA expressions of Claudin 1 and Occludin, as well as the relative abundance of actinobacteriota and pseudoscardovia in the rumen were significantly increased in the MFCP group (p < 0.05), whereas an opposite trend was observed in the jejunum. α-amylase and trypsin enzymatic activities were observed between the two groups. Relative to EHCP treatment, the MFCP group exhibited 69 elevated and 103 reduced hepatic metabolites, and these metabolites displayed distinct enrichment patterns within specific metabolic networks, including fructose and mannose metabolism (p = 0.003), arachidonic acid metabolism (p = 0.017), glycerophospholipid metabolism (p = 0.036), and the cAMP signaling pathway (p = 0.047). Overall, microbial fermentation of cottonseed protein may be beneficial for strengthening intestinal barrier function and facilitating hepatic lipid metabolism and immune regulation, while enzymatic hydrolysis of cottonseed protein enhances gastrointestinal digestive enzyme activity, thereby promoting nutrient digestion of suckling lambs. Full article