Potential of fish bioactive peptides for the prevention of global pandemic non-communicable disease: production, purification, identification, and health benefits

Abstract The synthesis of bioactive peptides demonstrates strong antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetic attributes. This presents a promising path for developing cost-effective pharmaceuticals that have fewer side effects as they are derived from foods. Production of bioactive peptides through enzymatic hydrolysis exhibits greater potential compared to alternative chemical-assisted hydrolysis. The purification of bioactive peptides involves size fractionation techniques such as ultrafiltration and gel filtration. Further separation using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) techniques aids in the production of peptides with different hydrophobicity which may have specific bioactivities. Sequencing of peptides is commonly completed through Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), electrospray ionization (ESI), and Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Generally, smaller peptides with lower molecular weights exhibit higher bioactivity due to higher absorption within the gastrointestinal tract. While most investigations into bioactive peptides have been conducted in vitro only a few studies have confirmed these findings in vivo, particularly regarding the bioavailability and toxicity of fish protein peptides especially in individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes and chronic respiratory. Bioactivities of peptides derived from fish show cardioprotective, anti-hypertensive, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidative effects, suggesting their promising potential in the treatments and preventive care for NCD. Further research is strongly encouraged to explore these aspects comprehensively. Graphical Abstract