Antioxidant, antihypertensive and antimicrobial properties of ovine milk caseinate hydrolyzed with a microbial protease

BACKGROUND: Bioactive peptides might be released from precursor proteins through enzymatic hydrolysis. These molecules could be potentially employed in health and food products. In this investigation, ovine milk caseinate hydrolysates obtained with a novel microbial protease derived from Bacillus sp. P7 were evaluated for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory activities. RESULTS: Antioxidant activity measured by the 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline)‐6‐sulfonic acid method increased with hydrolysis time up to 2 h, remaining stable for up to 4 h. Hydrolysates showed low 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging abilities, with higher activity (31%) reached after 1 h of hydrolysis. Fe²⁺‐chelating ability was maximum for 0.5 h hydrolysates (83.3%), decreasing thereafter; and the higher reducing power was observed after 1 h of hydrolysis. ACE‐inhibitory activity was observed to increase up to 2 h of hydrolysis (94% of inhibition), declining afterwards. 3 h hydrolysates were shown to inhibit the growth of Bacillus cereus, Corynebacterium fimi, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Penicillium expansum. CONCLUSION: Ovine caseinate hydrolyzed with Bacillus sp. P7 protease presented antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial activities. Hydrolysis time was observed to affect the evaluated bioactivities. Such hydrolysates might have potential applications in the food industry. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Grass carp peptides hydrolysed by the combination of Alcalase and Neutrase: Angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity,antioxidant activities and physicochemical profiles

In this study, grass carp peptides were prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of grass carp protein using the combination of Alcalase and Neutrase, and angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity in vitro, antihypertensive activity in vivo, antioxidant activities, and physicochemical properties of peptides achieved from grass carp protein were characterised after ultrafiltration and desalted processes using mixed ion exchange resins. The purified peptides exhibited strong ACE inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 105 μg mL^?1), antihypertensive activity with the maximal drop for systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 43 mmHg at a dosage of 100 mg per kg body weight in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), and antioxidant activities indicated by thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance values in a liposome‐oxidising system, radical‐scavenging activity and chelation of metal ions (Fe²⁺). The molecular weight of peptides was <1000 Da. Compared to grass carp protein, the peptides separated from enzymatic hydrolysates possessed similar amino acid compositions, but contained higher concentrations of essential amino acids. Moreover, the peptides exhibited excellent solubility at a wide range of pH values from 2 to 10, and lower apparent viscosity than the protein. The peptides separated from enzymatic hydrolysates might be used as a promising ingredient in antihypertensive functional foods and nutraceuticals.     

Production of bioactive proteins and peptides from the diatom Nitzschia laevis and comparison of their in vitro antioxidant activities with those from Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris

This research focuses on green production of bioactive proteins and hydrolysates from Nitzschia. A comparison of antioxidant activities was established between protein extracts and hydrolysates from Nitzschia and two other well‐known microalgae, chlorella and spirulina. Protein hydrolysates from these microalgae were produced using Alcalase^®, Flavourzyme^® and Trypsin. The hydrolysis process enhanced the antioxidant activities in general, especially those obtained using Alcalase^®. Nitzschia showed the highest (P < 0.05) total phenolic content/reducing capacity (2.4 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100 g) after 90 min of hydrolysis with Alcalase^®. The ABTS [2,2′‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid)] radical scavenging activity (66.77 ± 0.00%) was highest (P < 0.05) after 120 min of hydrolysis, but DPPH (2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical) was low (29.59 ± 0.02%). A correlation between ABTS activity and total phenolic contents was the highest (P < 0.05) for protein hydrolysates from all three organisms using Alcalase^®, but superoxide anion radical scavenging activity was intermediate for Nitzschia. Therefore, Nitzschia protein hydrolysates have the potential to be used as antioxidants.     

Antioxidant activities and functional properties of soy protein isolate hydrolysates obtained using microbial proteases

Soy protein isolate (SPI) hydrolysates were prepared using microbial proteases to produce peptides with antioxidant activity. The process parameters (substrate and enzyme concentrations), hydrolysis time, functional properties and the effects of ultrafiltration were further investigated. The results showed that the soy protein isolate exhibited a 7.0‐fold increase in antioxidant activity after hydrolysis. The hydrolysis parameters, defined by the experimental design, were a substrate concentration of 90 mg mL^?1 and the addition of 70.0 U of protease per mL of reaction. The maximum antioxidant activities were observed between 120 and 180 min of hydrolysis, where the degree of hydrolysis was approximately 20.0%. The hydrolysis increased solubility of the soy protein isolate; however, the hydrolysates exhibited a tendency to decrease in the interfacial activities and the heat stability. The SPI hydrolysates fractions obtained by ultrafiltration showed that the enzymatic hydrolysis resulted in samples with homogenous size and strong antioxidant activity.     

Limited hydrolysis of β‐casein by cell wall proteinase and its effect on hydrolysates's conformational and structural properties

Optimisation of enzymatic hydrolysis of β‐casein with cell envelope proteinase (CEP) from Lactobacillus acidophilus JQ‐1 to produce the angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides using response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimal conditions (enzyme‐to‐substrate ([E]/[S]) ratio (w/w) of 0.132 and pH of 8.00 at 38.8 °C), the ACE inhibitory activity of hydrolysates was 72.06% and the total peptides was 11.75 mg mL^?1. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs indicated that the tightness of the β‐casein surface structure was gradually weakened and small holes appeared after enzymatic treatment, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra indicated remarkable changes in the chemical composition and macromolecular conformation of β‐casein after enzymatic hydrolysis. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated that the corresponding hydrolysates had higher thermal stability. The enzymatic hydrolysis also led to an increase in the free sulfhydryl content of β‐casein hydrolysates compared with raw β‐casein, which led to the increase in the antioxidant activity of β‐casein hydrolysates.     

Sweet potato protein hydrolysates: antioxidant activity and protective effects on oxidative DNA damage

In this study, sweet potato protein (SPP) hydrolysates were prepared by six enzymes (alcalase, proleather FG‐F, AS1.398, neutrase, papain and pepsin). The antioxidant activities and protective effect against oxidative DNA damage of SPP hydrolysates were investigated. Alcalase hydrolysates exhibited the highest hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 1.74 mg mL^?1) and Fe²⁺‐chelating ability (IC₅₀ 1.54 mg mL^?1) (P < 0.05). Compared with other five hydrolysates, the hydrolysates obtained by alcalase had the most abundant <3‐kDa fractions. In addition, below 3‐kDa fractions of alcalase hydrolysates showed the highest antioxidant activities and protective effects against DNA damage through both scavenging hydroxyl radicals and chelating Fe²⁺, which was probably because of the increase in several antioxidant amino acids, such as His, Met, Cys, Tyr and Phe, as well as the hydrophobic amino acids. The results suggested that enzymatic hydrolysis could be used as an effective technique to produce high value‐added peptides products from SPP.     

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of soya protein isolate hydrolysates with added substrate‐like amino acids

Soya protein isolate (SPI) with or without added substrate‐like amino acid was subject to enzymatic hydrolysis catalysed by commercial proteases (Alcalase 2.4 L, flavourzyme and pancreatin). Addition of a small amount of amino acids (amino acid: SPI = 1: 2500, mol g^?1) during hydrolysis would cause a significantly (P < 0.05) reduced protein recovery, increased degree of hydrolysis, and altered amino acid composition and antioxidant activities of SPI hydrolysates. The SPI hydrolysates prepared with added Asp, Arg or Lys exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than the control. The bitterness of SPI hydrolysates was largely reduced upon addition of Met, Asp or Glu during hydrolysis, whilst the umami taste and mouthfeel‐liking were remarkably increased. Therefore, adding amino acid during hydrolysis is a feasible and beneficial approach to improve both the functional and sensory properties of SPI hydrolysate.     

Evaluation of free radical‐scavenging activities of sweet potato protein and its hydrolysates as affected by single and combination of enzyme systems

To evaluate the free radical‐scavenging activities of sweet potato protein (SPP) and its hydrolysates, single enzymes alone (alcalase, neutrase, protamex) or in combination with flavourzyme were employed. Compared with SPP, free radical‐scavenging activities of the resulting hydrolysates were all significantly increased (P < 0.05). Alcalase (ALC) hydrolysates exhibited the highest superoxide, hydroxyl and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activities (P < 0.05), which was 18.71 ± 0.22, 27.13 ± 0.24 and 90.10 ± 0.15% respectively. Compared with SPP hydrolysates by single enzymes, the hydrolysates obtained by combination of enzyme systems exhibited higher degree of hydrolysis, but lower free radicals scavenging activities. In addition, the content of several antioxidant amino acid residues, such as His, Met, Tyr and Phe, in ALC hydrolysates was much higher compared with SPP and other hydrolysates using amino acids composition assay. The results suggested that peptides with free radical‐scavenging activity could be released from entire SPP chain via moderate enzymatic hydrolysis.     

Effects of combined high-pressure homogenization and enzymatic treatment on extraction yield,hydrolysis and function properties of peanut proteins

Peanut protein isolate (PPI) was extracted by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) under 0.1 MPa (atmospheric pressure) and 40 or 80 MPa (high pressure). Effects of Alcalase (a proteolytic enzyme) on the enzymatic hydrolysis of PPI and the antioxidant activity of the PPI hydrolysates were investigated. The molecular weight distributions of the PPI hydrolysates were analyzed using Sephadex G-25 gel filtration chromatography while the antioxidant activities, including reducing power, 1,1-dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity and hydroxyl free radical-scavenging activity of the PPI hydrolysates were evaluated. The extraction yields of PPI by HPH under 0.1, 40 and 80 MPa were 16.84, 30.65 and 39.86%, respectively, which showed that HPH treatment improved the PPI extraction. The HPH treatment increased the degree of hydrolysis of PPI and significantly increased the reducing power and hydroxyl radical­scavenging activity. Furthermore, the molecular weight distributions of the PPI hydrolysates appeared principally over the range of 1000–5000 Da, while the HPH treatment enhanced the production of small peptides, which was in agreement with the high PPI hydrolysis degree. These results suggest that HPH treatment in combination with enzymatic hydrolysis could modify PPI properties and increase the antioxidant activities of the PPI hydrolysates.Industrial relevanceThis study was focused to evaluate the effects of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) in combination with enzymatic hydrolysis on extraction yield and enzymatic hydrolysis of PPI and antioxidant activity of the PPI hydrolysates. This study indicated the possibility of improving the availability of PPI by HPH treatment via increasing extraction yield and enzymatic hydrolysis of the PPI, which can provide a better utilization of the peanut by-product.     

Bioactive properties of enzymatic hydrolysates from abdominal skin gelatin of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)

Gelatin (90.6 ± 0.1%) was optimally prepared by response surface methodology from yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares, YT) abdominal skin. To investigate bioactive properties of enzymatic hydrolysates from the abdominal skin gelatin (ASG), ASG was hydrolysed with alcalase, protamex, neutrase and flavourzyme as affected by hydrolysis time. Antioxidant, nitrite scavenging and angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of the hydrolysates were determined. Antioxidant activities of the hydrolysates were found through linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory effects. Alcalase‐derived hydrolysates (AHs) were more effective than others in metal ions chelating, superoxide anion scavenging and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities (P < 0.05). AHs showed significantly stronger nitrite scavenging activities (44.4–60.7%) than others (P < 0.05). Fraction A from AH showed strong ACE inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ of 0.75 mg mL^?1). These results suggest that YT ASG and its enzymatic hydrolysates could be functional food and/or pharmaceutical ingredients with potent antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antihypertensive benefits.     

Effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on the antioxidant properties of porcine liver protein hydrolysates

In this study, the effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on the antioxidant activity of porcine liver protein hydrolysates (PLPHs) was investigated. The results showed that the degree of hydrolysis (DH) and peptide contents of the PLPHs increased as the time of ultrasonication increased. The hydrolysate pretreated with ultrasonication for 60 s exhibited the highest DH and peptide contents. The hydrolysate pretreated with ultrasonication for 45 s exhibited the highest ferrous ion chelating ability and reducing power. The hydrolysate pretreated with ultrasonication for 30 s exhibited the highest 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and the higher inhibitory activity in the linoleic acid autoxidation system. The molecular weight of peptides in the hydrolysates was less than 6.2 kDa. The results clearly demonstrated that ultrasonic pretreatment enhances the antioxidant activities of the PLPHs in a short period of time (15–30 s).     

The effect of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on the antioxidant activity of wheat gluten pancreatin hydrolysates

The antioxidant activities of the fermented wheat gluten hydrolysates with different fermentation times were investigated to elucidate the impact of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation on the wheat gluten hydrolysates. Prior to LAB fermentation, wheat gluten was deamidated by hydrochloric acid and then hydrolysed by pancreatin to 12 and 24 h, respectively. Results showed that LAB fermentation had significant impacts on the enzymatic efficiency and antioxidant activities of wheat gluten. The degree of hydrolysis and protein recovery of hydrolysates gradually increased and then reached maximum values, respectively, when fermenting with LAB for 36 h. The hydrolysis degree and protein recovery of fermented pancreatin 24‐h hydrolysates were larger than that of the fermented pancreatin 12‐h hydrolysates during the whole fermentation. The antioxidant activity analysis revealed a marked increase and improvement in the scavenging activities of 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl·radicals, hydroxyl radicals and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, while the scavenging activities of ABTS⁺ radical decreased as the fermentation time extended. The antioxidant activities of pancreatin 24‐h hydrolysates were higher than that of the pancreatin 12‐h hydrolysates during the whole LAB fermentation.     

Enzymatic hydrolysis of hard‐to‐cook bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) protein concentrates and its effects on biological and functional properties

Inadequate postharvest handling and storage under high temperature and relative humidity conditions produce the hard‐to‐cook (HTC) defect in beans. However, these can be raw material to produce hydrolysates with functional activities. Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and antioxidant capacities were determined for extensively hydrolysed proteins of HTC bean produced with sequential systems Alcalase‐Flavourzyme (AF) and pepsin–pancreatin (Pep‐Pan) at 90 min ACE inhibition expressed as IC₅₀ values were 4.5 and 6.5 mg protein per mL with AF and Pep‐Pan, respectively. Antioxidant activity as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was 8.1 mm  mg^?1 sample with AF and 6.4 mm  mg^?1 sample with Pep‐Pan. The peptides released from the protein during hydrolysis were responsible for the observed ACE inhibition and antioxidant activities. Nitrogen solubility, emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability, foaming capacity and foam stability were measured for limited hydrolysis produced with Flavourzyme and pancreatin at 15 min. The hydrolysates exhibited better functional properties than the protein concentrate.     

Hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant activities of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) protein hydrolysates

BACKGROUND: Some dietary proteins possess biological properties which make them potential ingredients of functional or health‐promoting foods. Many of these properties are attributed to bioactive peptides that can be released by controlled hydrolysis using exogenous proteases. The aim of this work was to test the improvement of hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant activities of chickpea protein isolate by means of hydrolysis with alcalase and flavourzyme. RESULTS: All hydrolysates tested exhibited better hypocholesterolaemic activity when compared with chickpea protein isolate. The highest cholesterol micellar solubility inhibition (50%) was found after 60 min of treatment with alcalase followed by 30 min of hydrolysis with flavourzyme. To test antioxidant activity of chickpea proteins three methods were used: β‐carotene bleaching method, reducing power and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging effect since antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates may not be attributed to a single mechanism. Chickpea hydrolysates showed better antioxidant activity in all assays, especially reducing power and DPPH scavenging effect than chickpea protein isolate. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed the good potential of chickpea protein hydrolysates as bioactive ingredients. The highest bioactive properties could be obtained by selecting the type of proteases and the hydrolysis time. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation and characterisation of isoflavone aglycone‐rich calcium‐binding soy protein hydrolysates

Isoflavone aglycone‐rich calcium‐binding soy protein hydrolysates were prepared by subcritical water treatment and subsequent protease hydrolysis. Contaminated β‐glucosidase in the Protease M preparation could effectively convert glycosides into aglycones. Compared with Alcalase hydrolysates, Protease M hydrolysates exhibited higher molecular weight (>5000 Da) and more hydrophobic characteristics because of its weaker proteolytic activity. The antioxidant activity of Protease M hydrolysates was obviously improved. Initial increased DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rate of Protease M hydrolysates may be ascribed to the conversion of isoflavones (<30 min) and a gradual release of antioxidant peptides. In the later hydrolysis, a gradual exposure of isoflavones involved in the interior of heat‐induced protein aggregates was mainly responsible for further improved antioxidant activities. Higher calcium‐binding capacity (up to 7.86%) with lower yield of peptide–calcium complex was observed for Protease M hydrolysates. These results could help researchers to develop a feasible protocol for producing nutrient‐enhanced soy protein hydrolysates.     

Effect of degree of hydrolysis on the antioxidant activity of loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) protein hydrolysates

Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) proteins were hydrolysed by papain and Protamex, the antioxidant activity of loach protein hydrolysates (LPH) was investigated. The results demonstrated that extensive hydrolysis by papain and Protamex led to the browning of the hydrolysates. When the degree of hydrolysis (DH) was 23%, hydrolysates prepared by papain (HA) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity. The maximum values of the hydroxyl, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and the reducing power were 56.1%, 95.5%, 2.80 mM and 1.46, respectively. The hydrolysates prepared by Protamex (HB) showed the strongest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (55.0%) at DH 28%, DPPH radical scavenging activity (92.2%) and ABTS radical scavenging activity (2.81 mM) at DH 23%, and the reducing power (1.17) at DH 33%. At the same DH value, there were significant (p < 0.05) differences between HA and HB. Several antioxidant amino acid residues, especially Trp and His, contributed significantly to the antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates. An increase of peptides with molecular weight below 500 Da was observed as the DH increased for all LPH. The above results indicated that DH and protease greatly influenced the molecular weight and amino acid residue composition of LPH, and further influenced the antioxidant activity.Industrial relevanceLoach has long been employed as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of many kinds of diseases. From our previous work, loach was determined to be a good source of protein (accounts for approximately 17% (w/w) of the body weight). In this work, loach proteins were hydrolyzed by papain and Protamex to specific extent. The effect of DH on the antioxidant activities of hydrolysates was investigated. The results indicated that loach protein hydrolysates were potent antioxidants which were significantly affected by DH. This research is helpful for extensive development of loach product.     

Biochemical properties and antioxidant activity of myofibrillar protein hydrolysates obtained from patin (Pangasius sutchi)

Antioxidant activities of myofibrillar protein hydrolysates (MPH) prepared from patin (Pangasius sutchi) using papain and Alcalase^® 2.4 L with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) were investigated. With a DH of 65.83%, the hydrolysate prepared with papain exhibited the maximum of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity (71.14%) with a reducing power of 0.310. At a concentration of 1 mg mL^?1, the papain‐MPH exhibited a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of 70.50 ± 1.22 μmol g^?1 protein. With a DH of 83.6%, the Alcalase‐MPH had the highest metal‐chelating activity. Low molecular weight peptides showed higher antioxidant activities than high molecular weight peptides. Both papain‐MPH and Alcalase‐MPH contained high amounts of the essential amino acids (48.71% and 48.10%, respectively) with glutamic acid, aspartic acid and lysine as the dominant amino acids. These results suggest that the protein hydrolysates derived from patin may be used as an antioxidative ingredient in both functional food and nutraceutical applications.     

Antioxidant function of tea dregs protein hydrolysates in liposome–meat system and its possible action mechanism

Tea dregs possess abundant proteins, and the objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of tea dregs protein hydrolysate with limited hydrolysis by protamex and its possible action mechanism. Tea dregs protein was hydrolysed by alcalase, protamex or neutrase. The hydrolysis condition was optimised, and the hydrolysate was characterised for 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activity and antioxidant activity in linoleic acid (LA) system and in chicken products. Tea dregs protein hydrolysate (TDPH) was formulated (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, w/w) into chicken products to determine in situ antioxidant efficacy. Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxide value (POV) formed in chicken products during storage (4 °C, 0–7 days) were analysed. Results showed that the optimum hydrolysis condition was at 50 °C, pH 7.0 for 20 min, and the concentration of tea dregs protein was 1.5%; ratio of protamex to substrate was 6000 U g^?1. The radical‐scavenging ratio of TDPH to 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) was 90.30% at the concentration of 0.1 mg mL^?1 and that to hydroxyl radical was 65.18% at the concentration of 1.0 mg mL^?1. Moreover, it also showed strong antioxidant activity both in linoleic acid (LA) system and in chicken products. The molecular weight distribution of tea dregs hydrolysates was determined by nanofiltration tubular membrane, and the protein hydrolysates with molecular weight above 8000 Da had more effective antioxidant activity. The radical‐scavenging activities to DPPH and hydroxyl radical were 85.72% at 0.1 mg mL^?1 and 71.52% at 1.0 mg mL^?1, respectively. These findings suggest that the enzymatic hydrolysate of tea dregs protein probably possesses the specific peptides/amino acids which could stabilise or terminate the radicals through donating hydrogen. In addition, the hydrolysate could form a physical barrier around the fat droplets.     

Indigenous marine diatoms as novel sources of bioactive peptides with antihypertensive and antioxidant properties

Several bioactive compounds from microalgae have demonstrated diverse biological activities with positive effects on human health. However, the potential of bioactive peptides as functional foods is still undervalued. Therefore, the exploration of microalgae strains as sources of bioactive peptides could reveal strong and unique bioactivities, especially when these marine sources have never been explored before. For this aim, protein extracts from six indigenous marine diatoms were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using four proteases (flavourzyme, pepsin, papain and trypsin). The hydrolysates were then tested for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory, antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. Results showed that papain hydrolysates from all microalgae strains exhibited strong ACE-inhibitory activities and antioxidant properties. In particular, protein hydrolysates from Bellerochea malleus were found to reduce blood pressure properties of 17 mmHg after 5 days of oral administration to SHR animals. These results revealed the potential of bioactive peptides from indigenous marine diatoms for use as functional foods or nutraceuticals.     

Production and characterisation of duck albumen hydrolysate using enzymatic process

Influences of different ultrasound treatments combined with heat pretreatment on enzymatic hydrolysis, emulsifying properties and antioxidant activities of hydrolysates from duck egg albumen were studied. Heat pretreatment at 95 °C for 30 min inhibited both serine and cysteine protease inhibitors effectively. Ultrasonication of heated duck albumen at 60% amplitude for 10 min yielded the highest surface hydrophobicity. Coincidentally, aforementioned pretreatment rendered the hydrolysate with highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) than other pretreatments when Alcalase was used. The resulting hydrolysate showed the highest antioxidant activities including DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power as well as emulsifying properties when hydrolysis time of 90 min was used. The hydrolysate possessed the peptides with molecular weight of 219–255 Da with the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity. Thus, heat pretreatment, followed by ultrasonication of duck albumen under appropriate condition could increase DH, antioxidant activities and emulsifying properties of duck albumen hydrolysate.