Biologically Active Peptides


Book Description

Biologically Active Peptides: From Basic Science to Applications for Human Health stands as a comprehensive resource on bioactive peptide science and applications. With contributions from more than thirty global experts, topics discussed include bioactive peptide science, structure-activity relationships, best practices for their study and production, and their applications. In the interdisciplinary field of bioactive peptides, this book bridges the gap between basic peptide chemistry and human physiology, while reviewing recent advances in peptide analysis and characterization. Methods and technology-driven chapters offer step-by-step guidance in peptide preparation from different source materials, bioactivity assays, analysis and identification of bioactive peptides, encoding bioactive peptides. Later, applications across disease areas and medical specialties are examined in-depth, including the use of bioactive peptides in treating obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, mental health disorders, food allergies, and joint health, among other disorders, as well as bioactive peptides for sensory enhancement, sports and clinical nutrition, lowering cholesterol, improving cardiovascular health, and driving advances in biotechnology. - Discusses the latest advances in bioactive peptide chemistry, functionality and analysis - Offers step-by-step instruction in applying new technologies for peptide extraction, protection, production and encoding, as well as employing bioactive peptide sequencing and bioactivity assays in new research - Effectively links basic peptide chemistry, human biology and disease - Features chapter contributions from international experts across disciplines and applications




Marine Bioactive Peptides: Structure, Function, and Therapeutic Potential


Book Description

This Special Issue Book, “Marine Bioactive Peptides: Structure, Function, and Therapeutic Potential" includes up-to-date information regarding bioactive peptides isolated from marine organisms. Marine peptides have been found in various phyla, and their numbers have grown in recent years. These peptides are diverse in structure and possess broad-spectrum activities that have great potential for medical applications. Various marine peptides are evolutionary ancient molecular factors of innate immunity that play a key role in host defense. A plethora of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, anticoagulant, endotoxin-binding, immune-modulating, etc., make marine peptides an attractive molecular basis for drug design. This Special Issue Book presents new results in the isolation, structural elucidation, functional characterization, and therapeutic potential evaluation of peptides found in marine organisms. Chemical synthesis and biotechnological production of marine peptides and their mimetics is also a focus of this Special Issue Book.




Bioactive Molecules in Food


Book Description

This reference work provides comprehensive information about the bioactive molecules presented in our daily food and their effect on the physical and mental state of our body. Although the concept of functional food is new, the consumption of selected food to attain a specific effect existed already in ancient civilizations, namely of China and India. Consumers are now more attentive to food quality, safety and health benefits, and the food industry is led to develop processed- and packaged-food, particularly in terms of calories, quality, nutritional value and bioactive molecules. This book covers the entire range of bioactive molecules presented in daily food, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, isoflavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, polyphenols, bioactive molecules presented in wine, beer and cider. Concepts like French paradox, Mediterranean diet, healthy diet of eating fruits and vegetables, vegan and vegetarian diet, functional foods are described with suitable case studies. Readers will also discover a very timely compilation of methods for bioactive molecules analysis. Written by highly renowned scientists of the field, this reference work appeals to a wide readership, from graduate students, scholars, researchers in the field of botany, agriculture, pharmacy, biotechnology and food industry to those involved in manufacturing, processing and marketing of value-added food products.




Bioactive Peptides


Book Description

Focuses on Biology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutic Applications The study and diverse applications of bioactive peptides traverse many sub-disciplines within chemistry, biology, physics, and medicine. Answering a long-standing need, Bioactive Peptides focuses on the biology, pharmacology, and therapeutic applications of endogenous peptide mediators and their analogues. Moving peptide science beyond chemical synthesis strategies and into the realms of peptide biology and therapeutics, it presents the overall contribution that peptide science has made to molecular, cellular, and whole organism biology, while also discussing future targets and therapeutic applications. Beneficial for Experts and Novices Alike Part I provides details of bioactive peptides that interact with common drug targets and analyzes some of the most competitive areas of current research worldwide. While it is widely known that mammalian physiological systems utilize bioactive peptides that have yet to be discovered, other animals provide a rich and valuable source of bioactive peptides. This fascinating area of science is the theme of Part II. Parts III and IV investigate the unique bioactivities of various peptides that are ripe for further exploration. This definitive reference also includes: A detailed description and analysis of a broad range of peptides that interact with G protein-coupled receptors, the quantitatively dominant drug target A discussion of non-ribosomal peptides, which hold promise as sources of endogenous mediators Important examples of common methodologies employed to identify, characterize, and further develop bioactive peptides from a range of natural sources With mounting worldwide interest in their therapeutic potential, bioactive peptides--includ




Legumes


Book Description

Legumes have high potential for improving the nutritional quality of foods, but limited data on their bioactive compounds exists. Results of clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that natural antioxidants can protect us against oxidative stress that is closely associated with cancer and cardiovascular disease. Legumes are a valuable source of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, peptides and non-nutritional factors. They are rich in several important micronutrients, including potassium, magnesium, folate, iron, and zinc, and are an important source of protein in vegetarian diets. They are among the only plant foods that provide significant amounts of the amino acid, lysine. Commonly consumed legumes are also rich in total and soluble fibre as well as in resistant starch. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the antioxidant activity and health aspects of legumes. The international spread of contributors will describe the key factors that influence consumer acceptance of legumes in the diet, as well as the known functional properties of legumes and legume based food products. It will serve as an excellent and up-to-date reference for food scientists, food chemists, researchers in human nutrition, dietetics and the chemistry of natural compounds.




Potential Health Benefits of Biologically Active Peptides Derived from Underutilized Grains: Recent Advances in their Isolation, Identification, Bioactivity and Molecular Analysis


Book Description

This volume is a complete review of the cutting-edge scientific evidence about the isolation, identification, bioactivity and molecular analysis of the biologically active peptides (BAPs) obtained from several underutilized grains. It provides a general review of current and new technologies in isolating and bioprospecting BAPs before going into the details of 11 grains. Amaranth, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, sorghum, lupin, mung bean, chickpea, broad bean, cocoa bean and chia are extensively discussed in dedicated chapters. Additionally, these chapters provide information about the characteristics of the crop, its main varieties, traditional uses, economic importance, nutritional aspects, structure and chemical composition of the grains, as well as the classification and distribution of the grain protein fractions. Moreover, the advances in the analytical techniques used for the concentration, purification and molecular characterization of BAPs are described. The impact of BAPs in the promotion of health is highlighted, as well as their potential incorporation as promising ingredients in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Finally, the main findings related to the potential antiviral and anti-COVID-19 activities of BAPs derived from underutilized grains are described. This reference will be of interest for academics, professionals and researchers focused in food science, biotechnology, pharmacology and agriculture, and to professionals involved in the research and development of natural products, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals.




Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing


Book Description

Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing A comprehensive review of algae as novel and sustainable sources of algal ingredients, their extraction and processing This comprehensive text offers an in-depth exploration of the research and issues surrounding the consumption, economics, composition, processing and health effects of algae. With contributions from an international team of experts, the book explores the application of conventional and emerging technologies for algal processing. The book includes recent developments such as drying and milling technologies along with advancements in sustainable greener techniques. The text also highlights individual groups of compounds including polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, carotenoids, lipids and fibres from algae. The authors provide insightful reviews of the traditional and more recent applications of algae/algal extracts in food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products. Offering a holistic view of the various applications, the book looks at the economic feasibility, market trends and considerations, and health hazards associated with algae for industrial applications. This important book: Provides a comprehensive overview of algal biomolecules and the role of emerging processing technologies Explores the potential biological and health benefits of algae and their applications in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products Includes a current review of algal bioactives and processing technologies for food and ingredient manufacturers Contains contributions from leading academic and industrial experts Written for food scientists, allied researchers and professional food technologists, Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing: Food and Health Perspectives offers a guide to the novel processing and extraction techniques for exploring and harnessing the immense potential of algae.




Dietary Polyphenols


Book Description

Presents recent research on metabolism and the health effects of polyphenols Consumer interest in the health benefits of many phenolic compounds found in plant foods and derivatives has grown considerably in recent years, giving rise to an increased demand for functional foods. Although preclinical and observational studies have promoted the protective properties of polyphenols for a range of chronic diseases, evidence has shown that most dietary polyphenols have little bioavailability. Once ingested, most of them are metabolized by either the intestinal enzymes or by the gut microbiota and then undergo extensive phase-II metabolism reaching significant concentrations of conjugated metabolites. They remain in the systemic circulation and target systemic tissues where trigger biological effects. The polyphenol-derived metabolites produced in humans are dependent upon the composition of the gut microbiota and the subject genetics. Thus all the metabolites do not show the same biological activity in different individuals. To fully understand the health effects of polyphenols, further clinical investigations are required. Dietary Polyphenols describes the latest findings on the polyphenol metabolism and reviews the current evidence on their health effects and that of their bioavailable metabolites. Emphasizing the importance of interindividual variability and the critical role of gut microbiota, this authoritative volume features contributions from recognized experts in the field, exploring specific families of extractable and non-extractable phenolic compounds that exhibit potential health effects. Topics include structural diversity of polyphenols and distribution in foods, bioavailability and bioaccessibility of phenolics, metabolism, and gastrointestinal absorption of various metabolites and their health effects. This comprehensive volume: Discusses the bioavailability, bioaccessibility, pharmacokinetics studies, and microbial metabolism of different groups of phenolic compounds Examines the interaction between polyphenols and gut microbiota Describes analytical methods for identifying and quantifying polyphenols in foods and biological samples Reviews recent epidemiological and clinical intervention studies showing protective effects of polyphenols Dietary Polyphenols: Metabolism and Health Effects is an important resource for scientists working in the area of dietary polyphenols and health effects, microbiota, and their interaction with other nutritional compounds, and for health professionals, nutritionists, dieticians, and clinical researchers with interest in the role of polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.




Edible Films and Coatings


Book Description

The search for better strategies to preserve foods with minimal changes during processing has been of great interest in recent decades. Traditionally, edible films and coatings have been used as a partial barrier to moisture, oxygen, and carbon dioxide through selective permeability to gases, as well as improving mechanical handling properties. The advances in this area have been breathtaking, and in fact their implementation in the industry is already a reality. Even so, there are still new developments in various fields and from various perspectives worth reporting. Edible Films and Coatings: Fundamentals and Applications discusses the newest generation of edible films and coatings that are being especially designed to allow the incorporation and/or controlled release of specific additives by means of nanoencapsulation, layer-by-layer assembly, and other promising technologies. Covering the latest novelties in research conducted in the field of edible packaging, it considers state-of-the-art innovations in coatings and films; novel applications, particularly in the design of gourmet foods; new advances in the incorporation of bioactive compounds; and potential applications in agronomy, an as yet little explored area, which could provide considerable advances in the preservation and quality of foods in the field.