Review: Production and functionality of active peptides from milk

Food Sci Technol Int. 2011 Aug;17(4):293-317. doi: 10.1177/1082013211398801.

Abstract

In recent years, research on the production of active peptides obtained from milk and their potential functionality has grown, to a great extent. Bioactive peptides have been defined as specific protein fragments that have a positive impact on body functions or conditions, and they may ultimately have an influence on health. Individual proteins of casein or milk-derived products such as cheese and yogurt have been used as a protein source to study the isolation and activity of peptides with several applications. Currently, the milk whey waste obtained in the production of cheese also represents a protein source from which active peptides could be isolated with potential industrial applications. The active properties of milk peptides and the results found with regard to their physiological effects have led to the classification of peptides as belonging to the group of ingredients of protein nature, appropriate for use in functional foods or pharmaceutical formulations. In this study, the main peptides obtained from milk protein and the past research studies about its production and biological activities will be explained. Second, an analysis will be made on the methods to determinate the biological activities, the separation of bioactive peptides and its structure identification. All of these form the base required to obtain synthetic peptides. Finally, we explain the experimental animal and human trials done in the past years. Nevertheless, more research is required on the design and implementation of equipment for the industrial production and separation of peptides. In addition, different authors suggest that more emphasis should therefore be given to preclinical studies, proving that results are consistent and that effects are demonstrated repeatedly by several research human groups.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caseins / metabolism
  • Dairy Products / analysis
  • Drug Discovery
  • Food-Processing Industry / economics
  • Humans
  • Milk / metabolism*
  • Milk Proteins / metabolism
  • Peptide Fragments / chemistry
  • Peptide Fragments / isolation & purification
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / isolation & purification
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Protein Hydrolysates / chemistry
  • Protein Hydrolysates / metabolism
  • Protein Hydrolysates / pharmacology
  • Waste Products / analysis
  • Waste Products / economics
  • Whey Proteins

Substances

  • Caseins
  • Milk Proteins
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Peptides
  • Protein Hydrolysates
  • Waste Products
  • Whey Proteins