Credit: Lucio Alfonsi from Pixabay
In recent times, there have been numerous reports highlighting the production of bioactive peptides (biopeptides) and hydrolysates derived from various food sources. Both traditional medicine and modern scientific research acknowledge the utility of bioactive peptides in the formulation of food supplements and cosmetic products. Biopeptides possess a range of functional properties (such as anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties) as well as technological properties (including solubility, emulsifying, and foaming capabilities), making them particularly intriguing for industrial applications. Additionally, biopeptides tend to have fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs. However, there are certain challenges that need to be addressed before considering their oral administration, such as large-scale production, dietary interactions, bioavailability, and human absorption. To mitigate these issues, various delivery systems have been investigated, such as microemulsions, liposomes, and solid lipid particles.
This review, recently published in Antioxidants, aims to consolidate the latest advancements in purification and identification methods for obtaining natural peptides, as well as the strategies employed to enhance their bioavailability. The ultimate goal is to provide a foundation for their application in the nutricosmetic market and stimulate further research endeavors.
The findings of the study demonstrated that food peptides are sustainable products with versatile applications as antioxidants, antimicrobials, anti-aging agents, and anti-inflammatory agents in nutricosmetic formulations. The production of biopeptides from biowaste materials can contribute to sustainable development and offer economic advantages. However, the conversion of abundant, inexpensive, and renewable biomass into biopeptides for nutricosmetic formulation necessitates purification processes and tailored manipulation of precursor structures. This calls for expertise in analytical procedures and adherence to good manufacturing practices to ensure public safety. Therefore, the development of technologies capable of large-scale biopeptide production, along with the implementation of regulated analytical tests, is essential to guarantee consumer safety before considering the widespread retrieval of biopeptides from food waste. It is hoped that novel analytical procedures will be devised to simplify large-scale production, and that regulatory authorities will adopt and enforce appropriate testing standards to ensure the well-being of the population.
Moreover, nanotechnology is emerging as a crucial tool for the development of new cosmetic and personal care products, including the incorporation of biopeptides in their industrial formulations to improve their delivery and bioavailability.
