Overview of the preparation method, structure and function, and application of natural peptides and polypeptides

Natural polypeptides, a kind of molecular polymer with obvious biological activity, are widely existing in nature. They participate in various physiological activities of living organisms and play an important role in promoting human health. They are also widely applied in medicine, food, and cosmetic industries. By searching literature from Pubmed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Springer Link and Elsevier, this work presents an overview of the preparation methods, the relationship between structure and function, and the application of natural polypeptides. The preparation methods mainly include solvent extraction, enzymatic decomposition, microbiological fermentation, chemical synthesis, genetic engineering recombination, and using cell free system. Natural polypeptide’s physiological function mainly includes antioxidative, antibacterial, antihypertensive. This review could provide scientific basis for the research and development of natural polypeptide.