Chapter 4 - Bioactive peptides: Synthesis, functions and biotechnological applications

Abstract

Bioactive peptides are the small protein fragments, which have many positive benefits to mankind. Bioactive peptides are organic compounds formed of amino acids covalently attached by peptide bonds. However, some of them may exist freely in nature but most bioactive peptides are encrypted into the parent protein structure, which can be extracted or produced through processes like enzyme synthesis, chemical synthesis or microbial synthesis. Selection of production method depends upon the source from used for extraction of bioactive peptides. There is a wide range of sources for bioactive peptides production ranging from food products to marine and animal resources. These food resources are known to produce most efficient and health beneficial bioactive peptides. Bioactive peptides can be categorized on the basis of functional capabilities. Bioactive peptides contribute significantly toward human health by affecting the cardiovascular, digestive, immune, nervous and endocrine systems. Bioactive peptides can be produced only in a limited quantity using natural resources, which are not sufficient to meet growing need of bioactive peptides. To tackle this mismatch synthetic bioactive peptides are produced using biotechnological tools and processes. Synthetic bioactive peptides not only meet the required demand but they are also much more efficient than the conventional bioactive peptides. In this context, the present chapter will highlight about bioactive peptides, their sources, production techniques, major uses and biotechnological applications.