Bioactive Peptides (BP) are described as specific protein fragments that have a favourable effect on physiological conditions or processes and may have a health-promoting product. A database called “Biopep” currently contains more than 1500 special BP reports. It is crucial to undertake thorough clinical trials to gather sufficient proof that bioactive peptides are effective functional agents to prevent and treat diseases.
Lets first start with what bioactive peptides are then we will look into the sources, extraction and production
Sources Of Bioactive Peptides
Proteins are polypeptides with a higher molecular weight, whereas BP is an organic compound made of amino acids connected by covalent bonds, also known as an amide or peptide bonds. (MW).
Proteins and peptides are essential macronutrients because they act as a source of energy and the building blocks for creating proteins. Various plant and animal sources have isolated or developed bioactive peptides.
Two factors influence the choice of food proteins as a reference for bioactive peptides:
- The desire to add value to abundant underutilised proteins or protein-rich industrial food waste.
- Using proteins with specific peptide sequences or amino acid residues with clear pharmacological benefits.
Extractions Of Bioactive Peptides
Bioactive peptides get isolated by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis and fermentation.
New approaches, such as microwave, ultrasound-assisted extraction, ohmic heating, pulsed electric fields, and subcritical water hydrolysis, have been investigated.
These enhance the degree of hydrolysis in generating bioactive peptides and physical processes are at the core of these techniques.
Production Of Bioactive Peptides
Yoghurt, milk, cheese, plants, marine species, and human saliva are all sources of bioactive peptides. The following is a discussion of the procedures used to create bioactive peptides:
- Enzymatic hydrolysis produces low molecular weight peptides that are effective antihypertensive, anti-oxidative agents.
- Microbial fermentation involves culturing bacteria or yeast on protein substrates to release peptides, which differ in their degree of proteolysis. Lactobacillus brevis has a vigorous ACE inhibitory activity compared to other lactobacillus strains.
- Pharmaceutical properties of bioactive peptides have different pharmacological properties depending on the N- and C-terminal amino acid type, chain length, charge character, and composition.
- Food Peptidomics is a field of proteomics that uses high-resolution techniques to improve food safety and quality.
- Milk-derived bioactive peptides have multiple therapeutic functions, such as immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and antagonistic activities against toxic agents.
- Plastering is a protease-induced peptide that can increase the nutritional value of low-quality proteins and promote health.
Final Thoughts:
Developing functional meals and nutraceuticals using bioactive peptides from dietary proteins has considerable potential. Bioactive peptides have a variety of essential roles in the live body, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, and antihypertensive properties.
It is crucial to undertake thorough clinical trials to gather sufficient proof that bioactive peptides are effective functional agents to prevent and treat diseases. This is because consumers are becoming more aware of the health-promoting advantages of nutraceuticals.
So, when it comes to buying peptides for clinical research, it is always better to opt for the best quality peptides available at the top manufacturers. You can also avail their safe and secure shipping services.
