Bioactive peptides- a hidden treasure in native protein

Abstract

Proteins are serving as source of energy and amino acids that contribute to growth and maintenance of the body. Along with nutritional role, proteins are responsible for various physiochemical and sensory properties of foods, and may act as functional and health-promoting ingredients. Many of the physiological and functional properties of proteins are attributed to biologically active peptides which are often encrypted in the native sequence. Native protein serve as a precursor for bioactive peptides which can be produced from the protein precursor by digestive enzymes (gastrointestinal digestion), during food processing (ripening, fermentation, cooking), storage, or by invitro hydrolysis by proteolytic enzymes. Bioactive peptides are short specific peptides that can alter body functions or conditions and may ultimately influence health positively. Bioactive peptides mainly contain 3–20 amino acid units, but in some cases the size can be larger.