Bioactive Peptides from Algae: Traditional and Novel Generation Strategies, Structure-Function Relationships, and Bioinformatics as Predictive Tools for Bioactivity

Abstract

Over the last decade, algae have been explored as alternative and sustainable protein sources for a balanced diet and more recently, as a potential source of algal-derived bioactive peptides with potential health benefits. This review will focus on the emerging processes for the generation and isolation of bioactive peptides or cryptides from algae, including: (1) pre-treatments of algae for the extraction of protein by physical and biochemical methods; and (2) methods for the generation of bioactive including enzymatic hydrolysis and other emerging methods. To date, the main biological properties of the peptides identified from algae, including anti-hypertensive, antioxidant and anti-proliferative/cytotoxic effects (for this review, anti-proliferative/cytotoxic will be referred to by the term anti-cancer), assayed in vitro and/or in vivo, will also be summarized emphasizing the structure–function relationship and mechanism of action of these peptides. Moreover, the use of in silico methods, such as quantitative structural activity relationships (QSAR) and molecular docking for the identification of specific peptides of bioactive interest from hydrolysates will be described in detail together with the main challenges and opportunities to exploit algae as a source of bioactive peptides.

Bioactivity of Fucoidan-Rich Extracts from Fucus vesiculosus against Rotavirus and Foodborne Pathogens

“…This means that the extracts of these algae are not cytotoxic and could be used as a component in pharmaceuticals. Since the extraction method has been reported to drastically affect the composition [ 42 ] and, therefore, the properties of the final extract, it was important to investigate the potential cytotoxic effect that the extracts produced in this study might have on the cells. For this, MA104 cells were incubated with algae extracts in several concentrations and the viability was measured using the MTS colorimetric assay.…”

Big Things, Small Packages: An Update on Microalgae as Sustainable Sources of Nutraceutical Peptides for Promoting Cardiovascular Health

“…They militate against the onset or progression of cardiovascular diseases and their enablers such as oxidative stress and inflammation. [ 5 , 38 ] In our previous review, older studies elucidating or reporting cardiovascular health‐promoting potentials of peptides from microalgae were thoroughly discussed, and prospects for future research were recommended. [ 2 ] Here, we present an update on microalgae bioactive peptides with potentials for use in the management of hypertension, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and inflammation, published since our first review.…”

“…[ 40 ] In recent studies, some of the regulatory enzyme networks have gained another function as targets for antihypertensive drugs, natural products, or bioactive peptides. [ 38 ]…”

Absolute Stereochemistry Determination of Bioactive Marine-Derived Cyclopeptides by Liquid Chromatography Methods: An Update Review (2018–2022)

“…Among a large number of metabolites from marine-derived organisms, peptides are of pivotal relevance due to their unique structures, chemical properties, and interesting biological effects [ 8 , 9 ]. They are found in marine tunicates [ 10 , 11 ], sponges [ 12 , 13 , 14 ], algae [ 15 , 16 ], bacteria [ 17 , 18 , 19 ], cyanobacteria [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], fungi [ 23 , 24 , 25 ], and other invertebrates [ 26 ]. Several marine-derived peptides are obtained from symbionts [ 27 ], as well as non-symbiotic microorganisms such as sponge-associated fungi [ 28 , 29 ].…”