Explore the cutting-edge research on bioactive peptides, their applications in health, nutrition, and potential in pharmaceuticals and food science.

Keywords: rice dregs, rice peptide, enzymolysis , physicochemical property, antioxidant activity

Introduction to Peptide Research

The exploration and development of peptides, known for their varied biological activities, have garnered increasing attention from scientists worldwide. Over the past decade, substantial foundational and applied research on peptides has been conducted both domestically and internationally. Countries outside China have already commercialized peptide-based pharmaceuticals and nutritional products, demonstrating a promising market outlook. Studies reveal that active peptides typically exist in an inactive state within the long chains of proteins. When hydrolyzed using appropriate methods, these peptides release their biological activities. These activities play critical roles in regulating various bodily functions, endocrine systems, disease onset, and processes such as immunity, aging, and metabolism. Consequently, peptides have wide-ranging applications, including vaccines, drugs, and nutritional supplements.

International Research Trends

Internationally, research on peptide product development and application is vigorous and increasingly broad, encompassing hydrolyzed protein peptides like casein, wheat, soy, corn, rice peptides, and others. Japan, in particular, has conducted extensive research in animal and plant hydrolysates, producing various functional peptide-based food products designed to regulate blood pressure, enhance physical performance, and provide nutrition for infants and patients, among others. Notably, peptides are known for their low osmotic pressure and digestibility, making them suitable as protein nutrition enhancers for human consumption.

Domestic Research Dynamics

China’s research on utilizing protein to prepare bioactive peptides began later, initially focusing on improving protein processing characteristics. However, as understanding of the physiological functions of bioactive peptides deepened, domestic research and production have taken a more serious approach, particularly targeting milk, soy, and rice proteins. Enzymatic extraction methods have been highlighted for their efficiency in producing soluble peptides, which are easier to digest, thus improving protein digestibility and offering a more sustainable and energy-efficient production process. Recent developments include the identification of peptides with blood pressure-reducing and immune-boosting properties, prompting a preference for natural ACE inhibitors over synthetic drugs.

Development Prospects of Peptides

The easy absorption and good acid-heat stability of bioactive peptides position them as a focal point in food science research. Advances in enzyme and protein engineering technologies are expected to deepen research, particularly into immune and anticancer peptides. The integration of gene engineering techniques to increase peptide yield and purity, along with the development of peptidomimetic drugs, represents future research directions aimed at overcoming the limitations of peptide therapeutics.

Significance of the Study

This research underscores the importance of hydrolyzing rice residue to obtain small molecular peptides with nutritional and physiological activities, enhancing the biological value of rice residue. The application of rice peptides in cosmetics, medicine, health food, and fortified nutritional products could revolutionize the food and related industries by leveraging rice resources more effectively and sustainably.

Main Research Content

The study primarily investigates the preparation of rice peptides from pretreated rice residue through enzymatic hydrolysis, analyzing the physicochemical properties and biological activities of the obtained rice peptides. This research aims to provide a basis for the application of rice peptides in food, exploring optimal conditions for rice residue pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and the subsequent analysis of the physicochemical and antioxidative properties of rice peptides.

In conclusion, this comparative analysis highlights the significant strides made in peptide research both domestically and internationally, emphasizing the potential of peptides in various applications. The forward-looking approach to peptide research suggests a promising future for the development of functional peptide-based products and therapies.

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Original research by Xiong Weijie, Wu Weiguo(Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128)

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