New insights into multifunctional aspects of milk derived bioactive peptides: A review

In recent years, bioactive peptides have gained significant attention as potential protein fragments having numerous health-beneficial properties. These bioactive peptides are abundantly found in milk and its derivatives; highlighting their comprehensive impact by extending their influence across various physiological systems, including the circulatory, neural, immune, digestive, and endocrine systems. Recent research advancements have explored various approaches for extracting bioactive peptides, including proteolysis, fermentation, or enzymatic degradation of milk proteins. These approaches result in the liberation of peptides with distinct functional properties, ultimately leading to health-promoting effects on human well-being. Bioactive peptides exhibit diverse properties, enabling their classification based on specific functional properties such as anti-cholesterolemic, antioxidative, anti-thrombotic, anti-microbial, and antihypertensive properties. Recognizing the potential health benefits of these peptides, this comprehensive review explores the characteristics and production of bioactive peptides using classical, in silico, and integrated approaches. Moreover, the review delineates recent insights concerning the functional aspects and challenges encountered in the development of bioactive peptides. The review also discusses novel approaches in the discovery of milk-based bioactive peptides, offering a detailed exploration of emerging methodologies in this field.