Trends and applications of food protein-origin hydrolysates and bioactive peptides

It was reported that protein hydrolysates or derived peptides have more functionalities than their parent protein. Most functional protein hydrolysates or peptides are identified from various food products, including plant, fish, and land-animal protein sources. Within a few decades, the application of food protein-origin functional hydrolysates or peptides could be divided into two main categories according to their applied intentions: 1) preservatives and bioactive packing materials; 2) nutraceutical ingredients. According to the literature, the applications of food protein-origin functional hydrolysates or peptides on food preservative and nutraceutical ingredients have attracted much attention. However, the approach method should be changed. Multi-activities, compound formulation, comprehensive evaluation, and the added value of by-products are possible strategies. Although there have been great results and findings in the functionalities of food protein-origin bioactive hydrolysates or peptides, there is still a big gap between the lab-scale results and practical applications. Via this narrative review on the current research, scientists, the food/health industry, and government authorities should cooperate to dig into the new material sources and the possible practical application.

Automated summary

It has been reported that protein hydrolysates or derived peptides have more functionalities than their parent protein. The functional hydrolysates or peptides are mostly obtained from various food products, such as plants, fish, and land-animal protein sources. The applications of these functional hydrolysates or peptides can be broadly categorized into two main areas: preservatives and bioactive packing materials, and nutraceutical ingredients. Studies have shown that the applications of functional hydrolysates or peptides for food preservatives and nutraceutical ingredients have gained significant attention. However, changes in approach methods are necessary, such as incorporating multi-activities, compound formulation, comprehensive evaluation, and exploring the added value of by-products.