Identification and characterization of bioactive peptides from marine crustacean crabs: a possible drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease

Peptide-based drugs have become the most promising drug therapy in the pharmaceutical industry. It accommodates a major part in treating diseases like neurodegenerative disorders, type 2 diabetes, and blood pressure. This study aims to isolate and characterize marine peptides from the crustacean crab species named Scylla serrata. The hemolymph was collected and subjected to thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for identifying amine groups. Furthermore, peptide groups in the sample were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) for the crude was performed to identify peak intensities. The sample was further purified with Sephadex G-25 to elute the small molecular peptides. Antioxidant activity (DPPH) for the crude sample showed 55% of activity at 100 mu g/ml concentration, and the fractions showed significant activity. The eluted fractions from the column chromatography were then subjected to SDS PAGE to identify the molecular weight of the peptides in which the peptide bands ranged between 75 and 100 kDa. Furthermore, prospective compounds must be screened for potential drug candidates for Alzheimer's disease with an in silico approach.

Automated summary

Peptide-based drugs have shown great potential in pharmaceutical industry for treating neurodegenerative disorders, type 2 diabetes, and blood pressure. This study focused on isolating and characterizing marine peptides from Scylla serrata crab species. Various techniques such as thin-layer chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, NMR analysis, UPLC, and Sephadex G-25 purification were employed. The samples displayed significant antioxidant activity, and the molecular weight of the peptides was determined to be between 75 and 100 kDa. Prospective compounds need further screening for potential drug candidates for Alzheimer's disease.