Work

Fermentation-Driven Generation of α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Whey Peptides by Marine-Derived Probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei DS31: Activity Enrichment and Peptidomics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the generation of α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides from whey protein fermented by the marine-derived probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei DS31 (isolated from the intestinal microbiota of the large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea) and assessed their potential for practical glycemic management. Fermentation markedly increased inhibitory activity, with the freeze-dried crude supernatant exhibiting an IC50 of 2.115 mg/mL. Activity was further enriched through stepwise purification: ultrafiltration (<3 kDa) improved potency (IC50 = 1.206 mg/mL), and subsequent Sephadex (crosslinked dextran) G-15 gel filtration yielded a more active E fraction (IC50 = 1.145 mg/mL). LC–MS/MS characterized 19 peptides, and integrated in silico screening (PeptideRanker combined with molecular docking) highlighted GEPGPEGPAG as a leading candidate, showing a more favorable predicted binding energy (−82.50 kcal/mol) than the positive control acarbose (−69.31 kcal/mol). Docking analysis suggests that GEPGPEGPAG may inhibit α-glucosidase by forming a stable network of hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, and hydrophobic interactions within the catalytic pocket. Overall, DS31-fermented whey and its enriched fractions show promise as functional ingredients for postprandial glycemic control.

Source: Fermentation

DOI: 10.3390/fermentation12020074

Authors: Han Zhang, Xu Tang, Longhe Yang, Shen Yang, Peng Wu

Institutions: Jimei University, Ministry of Natural Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography

Language: English

Topic: Protein Hydrolysis and Bioactive Peptides

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534