Title:Seaweed Proteins as a Source of Bioactive Peptides
Volume: 27
Issue: 11
Author(s): Mehdi Alboofetileh, Ali Hamzeh and Mehdi Abdollahi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering-Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, SE 412 96 Gothenburg,Sweden
Keywords:
Seaweed, macroalgae, protein, peptides, bioactive properties, hydrolysate, health benefits, nutraceutical.
Abstract: Seaweeds have received great attention as a vegetarian and sustainable marine source of protein,
which does not need irrigation, arable land, and fertilization. Besides, seaweeds are considered as an untapped
resource for discovering bioactive compounds with health benefits where bioactive peptides have shown outstanding
potential. This review provides a detailed overview of available scientific knowledge on production
methods, bioactivity and application of peptides from seaweed proteins. The emphasis is on the effects from
seaweed varieties and peptide production conditions on the bioactivity of the peptides and their potential health
benefits. Bioactive properties of seaweed peptides, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory,
anticancer activities and other potential health benefits, have been discussed. It also covers current
challenges and required future research and innovations for the successful application of seaweeds proteins as a
sustainable source of bioactive peptides. Effects from seasonal variation of seaweed composition on the bioactivity
of their peptides, difficulties in the extraction of proteins from seaweed complex structure, scalability and
reproducibility of the developed methods for the production of bioactive peptides, the safety of the peptides are
examples of highlighted challenges. Further studies on the bioavailability of the seaweed bioactive peptides and
validation of the results in animal models and human trials are needed before their application as functional
foods or pharmaceutical ingredients.