Search Results (153)

With the acceleration of the pace of life, increased stress levels, and changes in lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, the incidence of diseases such as cancer and immunodeficiency has been on the rise, which is closely associated with the impaired antioxidant capacity of the body. Polypeptides and polysaccharides derived from edible fungi demonstrate significant strong antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory effects. Auricularia auricula, the second most cultivated mushroom in China, is not only nutritionally rich but also offers considerable health benefits. In particular, its polysaccharides have been widely recognized for their immunomodulatory activities, while its abundant protein content holds great promise as a raw material for developing immunomodulatory peptides. To meet the demand for high-value utilization of Auricularia auricula resources, this study developed a key technology for the stepwise extraction of polypeptides (AAPP1) and polysaccharides (AAPS3) using a composite enzymatic hydrolysis process. Their antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects were assessed using cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immune-suppressed mice. The results showed that both AAPP1 and AAPS3 significantly reversed CTX-induced decreases in thymus and spleen indices (p < 0.05); upregulated serum levels of cytokines (e.g., IL-4, TNF-α) and immunoglobulins (e.g., IgA, IgG); enhanced the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT (p < 0.05); and reduced the content of MDA, a marker of oxidative damage. Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that these compounds restored CTX-induced reductions in microbial α-diversity, increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Paramuribaculum, Prevotella; p < 0.05), decreased the proportion of pro-inflammatory Duncaniella, and reshaped the balance of the Bacteroidota/Firmicutes phyla. This study represents the first instance of synergistic extraction of polypeptides and polysaccharides from Auricularia auricula using a single process. It demonstrates their immune-enhancing effects through multiple mechanisms, including “antioxidation-immune organ repair-intestinal microbiota regulation.” The findings offer a theoretical and technical foundation for the deep processing of Auricularia auricula and the development of functional foods. Full article

Peptides play a crucial role in the development of pharmaceuticals and functional foods. Multiple studies have shown that natural bioactive peptides possess antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. Marine bioactive peptides, especially those sourced from fish, constitute a substantial reservoir of these molecules. Although considerable research has been undertaken on fish-derived peptides, studies specifically concerning those from tuna are limited. Tuna, a marine fish of high nutritional value, generates substantial by-product waste during fishing and processing. Therefore, it is essential to conduct an evaluation of the advancements in study on tuna-derived active peptides and to offer a perspective on the direction of future investigations. This review integrates prospective bioactive peptides derived from tuna and reports contemporary strategies for their investigation, including extraction, purification, screening, identification, and activity evaluation procedures, including Yeast Surface Display (YSD) and molecular docking. This review seeks to promote the continued investigation and application of bioactive peptides derived from tuna. Full article

Muscle aging and atrophy in the elderly are closely associated with increased oxidative stress in muscle tissue. Bioactive peptides derived from protein hydrolysates have emerged as promising functional ingredients for alleviating sarcopenia due to their antioxidant properties and enrichment in essential amino acids. In a preliminary screening, mackerel protein hydrolysate (MPH) showed notable protective effects in a myotube atrophy model. This study evaluated the anti-atrophic potential of MPHs produced using different enzymes in H₂O₂-treated C2C12 myotubes. Among five hydrolysates, the alcalase-derived hydrolysate (MHA) demonstrated the most potent effects in maintaining myotube diameter, restoring myosin heavy chain (MYH) expression, and downregulating the atrophy-related genes MAFbx and MuRF1. Mechanistically, MHA activated the Akt/FoxO signaling pathway and inhibited NF-κB activation, thereby reducing muscle protein degradation. Additionally, MHA significantly lowered intracellular ROS levels and showed strong direct antioxidant activity. Amino acid and molecular weight profiling revealed high levels of essential amino acids and low-molecular-weight peptides, suggesting a synergistic contribution to its bioactivity. These findings suggest that MHA is a promising food-derived functional material with anti-atrophic and antioxidant properties and may be useful in preventing or managing age-related muscle loss such as sarcopenia, warranting further preclinical validation. Full article

The search for sustainable and health-promoting food sources has increased interest in edible insects, which are rich in proteins and bioactive compounds with potential nutraceutical applications. In this study, we evaluated the bioactive properties of protein hydrolysates derived from Aegiale hesperiaris (maguey white worm, WW) and Comadia redtenbacheri (maguey red worm, RW), two culturally and economically significant insect species in Mexico. Hydrolysates were obtained via enzymatic treatments: either single hydrolysis with pepsin (PH) or sequential hydrolysis with pepsin followed by trypsin (PTH). The PTH hydrolysates exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical inhibition above 90% and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity between 75–85%. Additionally, they showed significant angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, reaching IC₅₀ values of 0.35 and 0.017 $\mathsf{\mu }$g/mL for WWPH and RWPH, respectively—the latter outperforming the commercial drug Enalapril (IC₅₀ = 0.11 $\mathsf{\mu }$g/mL). SDS-PAGE analysis revealed low molecular weight peptides (<10 kDa), especially between 5–9 kDa, associated with enhanced bioactivity. Peptides from RW also showed low Hill coefficients, suggesting a gradual and sustained interaction with ACE. These findings support the use of insect-derived hydrolysates as promising multifunctional ingredients for the development of functional foods targeting cardiovascular health. Full article

The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has driven the search for safe and effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This study investigated the probiotic potential and postbiotic properties of Enterococcus faecium (one strain), Pediococcus acidilactici (five strains), and Pediococcus pentosaceus (five strains), identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Among the strains, Pediococcus pentosaceus MI124 and Pediococcus acidilactici MI129 demonstrated robust survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Cell surface analyses revealed strong auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity in selected strains, notably P. pentosaceus MI124 and P. acidilactici MI127. Enzymatic profiling revealed potential complex metabolic capabilities across different strains. Safety assessments confirmed the absence of hemolytic and gelatinase activities across all strains. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed resistance to certain β-lactams, while susceptibility to chloramphenicol and tetracycline varied. All LAB strains demonstrated high freeze-drying survivability, exceeding 78.69%. The antibacterial activity of CFSs was confirmed against 14 Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, with results supporting their potential as antimicrobial agents. The CFSs demonstrated a higher total phenolic content (TPC) and displayed significant antioxidant activity, while the total flavonoid content (TFC) remained consistent across most strains. An FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the presence of key functional groups associated with phenolics, organic acids, and peptides, indicating a complex biochemical profile. Probiotics and their postbiotic derivatives offer promising health benefits, including pathogen inhibition and immune modulation. These findings highlight several LAB strains with promising probiotic traits and postbiotic efficacy, supporting their potential use in functional foods and therapeutic applications. Full article

Soy protein isolate (SPI) is a high-purity protein from defatted soybeans, providing emulsifying and gelling functions for plant-based foods and supplements. Hydrolysis can facilitate the production of bioactive small-molecule proteins or peptides with potential functional applications. In this study, 20% hydrolyzed soy protein (20% HSP) was prepared from SPI, and the effects of 20% HSP and SPI on alleviating oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and regulating immune–gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunocompromised BALB/c mice were investigated. In C. elegans, both SPI and 20% HSP (300 μg/mL) enhanced locomotive activities, including body bending and head thrashing, and improved oxidative stress resistance under high glucose conditions. This improvement was mediated by increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was reduced by 60.15% and 82.28%, respectively. Both of them can also significantly extend the lifespan of normal C. elegans and paraquat-induced oxidative stress models by inhibiting lipofuscin accumulation. This effect was mediated through upregulation of daf-16 and suppression of daf-2 and akt-1 expression. In immunocompromised mice, 20% HSP alleviated CTX-induced immune dysfunction by increasing peripheral white blood cells and lymphocytes, attenuating thymic atrophy, and reducing hepatic oxidative stress via MDA inhibition. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that 20% HSP restored microbial balance by suppressing Escherichia-Shigella and enriching beneficial genera, like Psychrobacter. These findings highlight 20% HSP and SPI’s conserved anti-aging mechanisms via daf-16 activation in C. elegans and immune–gut modulation in mice, positioning them as plant-derived nutraceuticals targeting oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. Full article

Antioxidant peptides derived from woody oil resource by-products exhibit strong free radical scavenging abilities and offer potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. This review summarizes the latest advances in preparation technologies, including enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, chemical synthesis, recombinant expression, and molecular imprinting, each with distinct advantages in yield, selectivity, and scalability. The structure–activity relationships of antioxidant peptides are explored with respect to amino acid composition, molecular weight, and 3D conformation, which collectively determine their bioactivity and stability. Additionally, emerging delivery systems—such as nanoliposomes, microencapsulation, and cell-penetrating peptides—are discussed for their role in enhancing peptide stability, absorption, and targeted release. Mechanistic studies reveal that antioxidant peptides from woody oil resources act through network pharmacology, engaging core signaling pathways, including Nrf2/ARE, PI3K/Akt, AMPK, and JAK/STAT, to regulate oxidative stress, mitochondrial health, and inflammation. Preliminary safety data from in vitro, animal, and early clinical studies suggest low toxicity and favorable tolerability. The integration of omics technologies, molecular docking, and bioinformatics is accelerating the mechanism-driven design and functional validation of peptides. In conclusion, antioxidant peptides derived from woody oil resources represent a sustainable, multifunctional, and scalable solution for improving human health and promoting a circular bioeconomy. Future research should focus on structural optimization, delivery enhancement, and clinical validation to facilitate their industrial translation. Full article

Broccoli, a highly valued Brassica vegetable, is renowned for its rich content of bioactive substances, including glucosinolates, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and essential minerals. Glucosinolates (GSLs), secondary plant metabolites, are particularly abundant in broccoli. The global consumption of broccoli has increased due to its high nutritional value. This review examines the essential bioactive compounds in broccoli and their biological properties. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that broccoli exhibits various biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects. This review analyzes several aspects of the chemical and biological activity of GSLs and their hydrolysis products, isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane, as well as phenolic compounds. Particular emphasis is placed on sulforaphane’s chemical structure, the reactivity of its isothiocyanate fraction (-NCS), and given the different behavior of SFN enantiomers, a wide and detailed review of the chemical synthesis methods described, by microbial oxidation, or using a chiral ruthenium catalyst and more widely using chiral auxiliaries for synthesizing sulforaphane enantiomers. In addition, the methods of chiral resolution of racemates by HPLC are reviewed, explaining the different chiral fillers used for this resolution and a third section on resolution using the formation of diastereomeric complexes and subsequent separation on achiral columns. Additionally, this review highlights the presence of antimicrobial peptides in broccoli, which have shown potential applications in food preservation and as natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics. The antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from broccoli target bacterial membranes, enzymes, oxidative stress pathways and inflammatory mediators, contributing to their effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens and with potential therapeutic applications. Full article

The functional exploration of marine-derived proteins is at the forefront of nutritional research. The Argentine squid protein (ASP) was extracted from Argentine squid carcasses and was hydrolyzed using neutral protease, with the degree of hydrolysis serving as the response variable. Using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, we identified optimal conditions for preparing Argentine squid protein peptides (ASPP). The hydrolysis degree reached 41.32% ± 0.27 under the conditions of 7% enzyme preparation addition, 2.4 h enzyme digestion time, and 6% substrate concentration. The ASPP was subsequently chelated with zinc sulfate to produce Zn-ASPP, whose structural and functional properties—including particle size, FTIR, DSC, viscosity, SEM, solubility, emulsibility, foamability, and antioxidant capacity—were systematically characterized. The results indicate that Zn-ASPP forms stable nanoparticles with strong antioxidant activity. The strongest antioxidant capacity reached 73.79% at a solution pH of 8, making it particularly valuable for food industry applications. This work may provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the development of zinc-fortified marine protein supplements with enhanced antioxidant properties. Full article

This review is dedicated to exploring recent advancements in the study of amaranth grain and presents research primarily on Amaranthus species such as Amaranthus cruentus, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, and Amaranthus caudatus, and to a lesser extent Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus mantegazzianus, Amaranthus muricatus, Amaranthus tuberculatus, Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthus spinosus, and Amaranthus tenuifoliu. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a promising, high-yield pseudocereal crop with significant commercial potential for developing functional food products. It contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, including squalene, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, phytates, and vitamins, which possess important physiological properties. Amaranth grain is characterized by high levels of starch, proteins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Moreover, amaranth proteins are distinguished by a balanced amino acid composition and exhibit greater resistance to external factors compared to animal-derived proteins. Grains of amaranth are free of gliadin, making it a valuable nutritional source for individuals with celiac disease, an immune-mediated disorder. Unlike traditional cereals, where prolamins and glutelins dominate the protein composition, the proteins of pseudocereals like amaranth primarily consist of albumins and globulins. The processing methods of amaranth grain influence their quantitative and qualitative composition, often significantly improving their physicochemical, antioxidant, functional, and rheological properties. This work provides a detailed analysis of amaranth’s chemical composition and bioactive components, along with its evaluation of therapeutic and preventive properties. Amaranth protein fractions (albumin, globulin, and glutelin) and squalene exhibit increased antioxidant activity, contributing to notable resistance to radiation and X-ray exposure. Bioactive compounds such as phytol, α-tocopherol, and a lunasin-like peptide (AhLun) with potential anticancer properties have also been identified in amaranth. Furthermore, six bioactive peptides were isolated and identified from amaranth, which, according to predictive models, demonstrate a high capacity to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, suggesting potential hypotensive effects. Certain amaranth peptides are considered promising functional food ingredients for the prevention and comprehensive treatment of conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Amaranthus spp. and its processed products hold significant interest for the development of innovative food products, contributing to the expansion of their range and enhancement of nutritional value. Full article

The valorization of cheese whey, a rich by-product of the dairy industry that is rich in lactose (approx. 70%), proteins (14%), and minerals (9%), represents a promising approach for microbial fermentation. With global whey production exceeding 200 million tons annually, the high biochemical oxygen demand underlines the important need for sustainable processing alternatives. This review explores the biotechnological potential of whey as a fermentation medium by examining its chemical composition, microbial interactions, and ability to support the synthesis of valuable metabolites. Functional microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus helveticus, L. acidophilus), yeasts (Kluyveromyces marxianus), actinobacteria, and filamentous fungi (Aspergillus oryzae) have demonstrated the ability to efficiently convert whey into a wide range of bioactive compounds, including organic acids, exopolysaccharides (EPSs), bacteriocins, enzymes, and peptides. To enhance microbial growth and metabolite production, whey fermentation can be carried out using various techniques, including batch, fed-batch, continuous and immobilized cell fermentation, and membrane bioreactors. These bioprocessing methods improve substrate utilization and metabolite yields, contributing to the efficient utilization of whey. These bioactive compounds have diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biofuels and strengthen the role of whey as a sustainable biotechnological resource. Patents and clinical studies confirm the diverse bioactivities of whey-derived metabolites and their industrial potential. Whey peptides provide antihypertensive, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial benefits, while bacteriocins and EPSs act as natural preservatives in foods and pharmaceuticals. Also, organic acids such as lactic acid and propionic acid act as biopreservatives that improve food safety and provide health-promoting formulations. These results emphasize whey’s significant industrial relevance as a sustainable, cost-efficient substrate for the production of high-quality bioactive compounds in the food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and bioenergy sectors. Full article

The projected global population of 9.22 billion by 2075 necessitates sustainable food sources that provide health benefits beyond essential nutrition, as the relationship between food biochemistry and human well-being is becoming increasingly significant. Microalgae are simple microscopic organisms rich in various bioactive compounds, such as pigments, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, bioactive peptides, and polyphenols, which can be used to develop novel foods with potential health benefits. Bioactive substances offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and heart-protective effects. However, incorporating microalgal biomass into functional food products presents several challenges, including species diversity, fluctuations in biomass production, factors affecting cultivation, suboptimal bioprocessing methods, inconclusive evidence regarding bioavailability and safety, and undesirable flavors and aromas in food formulations. Despite these challenges, significant opportunities exist for the future development of microalgae-derived functional food products. Extensive investigations are essential to overcome these challenges and enable the large-scale commercialization of nutritious microalgae-based food products. This review aims to examine the potential of microalgae as natural ingredients in functional food production, explore the factors limiting their industrial acceptance and utilization, and assess the safety issues associated with human consumption. Full article

Wider availability of marine proteins for the development of food and biomedical applications has a high importance. Sea cucumber body wall proteins have specific functional properties that could be very promising for such product development. However, protein extraction from whole animals is costly and complex, whereas peptide hydrogel production using biotechnological methods can be considered an economically viable approach. Body-wall derived peptides from sea cucumber Parastichopus tremulus have been suggested as a nontraditional source of potentially edible hydrocolloids. In the current work, four peptides were produced through custom synthesis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the combined mix of the four peptides (1:1 ratio; 15 mM concentration) in a calcium ion-containing buffer confirmed untargeted self-assembly with long, thick fibrillar formations at a microscale (measured mean cross-section 2.78 µm and length sizes of 26.95 µm). The antioxidant activity of the peptides separately, and in combination (1:1 molar ratio), was studied in vitro through ORAC (values in the range from 279 to 543 µmol TE/g peptide), ABTS (from 80.4 to 1215 µmol TE/g peptide), and DPPH (from 5.2 to 19.9 µmol TE/g) assays, and confirmed for protection against oxidation in a Caco-2 cell culture model. Angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory activity was also confirmed for two of the four peptides, with the highest IC 50 of 7.11 ± 0.84 mg/mL. Full article

Microalgae are a promising source of bioactive compounds, particularly proteins and peptides, with potential applications in skin health and the cosmetic industry. This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-aging properties of peptide fractions derived from Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris. Both microalgae were cultivated, and their proteins were subsequently extracted, enzymatically hydrolyzed with alcalase, and fractionated through ultrafiltration. Alkaline extraction yielded 82% protein from S. platensis and 72% from C. vulgaris. Enzymatic hydrolysis predominantly yielded <3 kDa peptides, which exhibited strong antioxidant activity reaching 78% for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazol (DPPH), 82% for 2,2′-azinobis-3-etilbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and 74% for ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), with IC₅₀ values as low as 23.44 µg/mL for ABTS inhibition in C. vulgaris. These peptides also significantly inhibited skin-aging enzymes, showing 84% inhibition of elastase, 90% of collagenase, and 66% of tyrosinase. Mass spectrometry and GNPS molecular networking of the <3 kDa fraction identified several di- and tri-peptides, including Lys-Val, Val-Arg, His-Ile, Lys-Leu, Ile-Leu, and Leu-Phe, Tyr-Phe, and Leu-Gly-Leu, potentially contributing to these bioactivities. These findings suggest that the enzymatic hydrolysis of S. platensis and C. vulgaris proteins provides a sustainable and natural source of bioactive peptides for antioxidant and anti-aging applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Full article

The marine environment, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, serves as a reservoir of bioactive molecules, including peptides and proteins. Due to the unique and often extreme marine conditions, these molecules exhibit distinctive structural features and diverse functional properties, making them promising candidates for therapeutic applications. Marine-derived bioactive peptides, typically consisting of 3 to 40 amino acid residues—though most commonly, 2 to 20—are obtained from parent proteins through chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, or gastrointestinal digestion. Like peptides, protein hydrolysates from collagen, a dominant protein of such materials, play an important role. Peptide bioactivities include antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and anti-cancer effects as well as immunoregulatory and wound-healing activities. These peptides exert their effects through mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition, receptor modulation, and free radical scavenging, among others. Fish, algae, mollusks, crustaceans, microbes, invertebrates, and marine by-products such as skin, bones, and viscera are some of the key marine sources of bioactive proteins and peptides. The advancements in the extraction and purification processes, e.g., enzymatic hydrolysis, ultrafiltration, ion-exchange chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and molecular docking, facilitate easy identification and purification of such bioactive peptides in greater purity and activity. Despite their colossal potential, their production, scale-up, stability, and bioavailability are yet to be enhanced for industrial applications. Additional work needs to be carried out for optimal extraction processes, to unravel the mechanisms of action, and to discover novel marine sources. This review emphasizes the enormous scope of marine-derived peptides and proteins in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and functional food industries, emphasizing their role in health promotion and risk reduction of chronic diseases. Full article