Selective Enrichment of Antibacterial Peptides from Chicken Hemoglobin Hydrolysates by Electrodialysis with Ultrafiltration Membranes (EDUF)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Chicken hemoglobin represents a source of bioactive peptides that could replace synthetic additives. This study evaluated the antibacterial and antifungal potential of chicken hemoglobin hydrolysates and the effect of their fractionation by EDUF. Hemoglobin was hydrolyzed with pepsin at pH 3 for 0.5 h and 6 h, followed by discoloration, and then fractionated by EDUF for 180 min at pH 7. Fractions were characterized using RP-UPLC-MS/MS, and antimicrobial activity was assessed. Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli was observed only in EDUF fractions (P+180 and P−180), while crude hydrolysates showed no effect. However, MIC values of these EDUF fractions indicated weak inhibition. Antifungal activity was primarily detected in the final feed fractions against Mucor racemosus and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (MIC: 0.04–20.00 mg/mL). Database matching of the fractions identified 22 sequences corresponding to peptides previously reported as bioactive, including ALARL, FDK, LARL, and VVYPW, which have been associated with antioxidant, ACE-inhibitory, antihypertensive, and enzyme-inhibitory properties. Nevertheless, EDUF proved to be an efficient, solvent-free, and low-energy approach for the recovery of peptide fractions from chicken hemoglobin, supporting the potential development of natural bioactive ingredients within a circular bioeconomy. Modifications of EDUF parameters, such as membrane configuration, pH, and voltage, could further enhance peptide selective recovery and the enrichment of functional fractions.
Source: Molecules
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Awards: G3594010149, G757089803
OpenAlex ID: W7148585248