Collaborative optimization and molecular docking exploration of novel ACE-inhibitory peptides from bovine milk by complex proteases hydrolysis

Food-originated angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides to preserve hypertension are widely investigated over the past decade. Our research aims to discovery novel ACE-inhibitory peptides from bovine milk by couple of complex proteases (alcalase and protease). By means of response surface methodology with the conditions of pH 9.01, 61.81 °C and 6.5% ratio of enzyme to substrate, the hydrolysis model contributes to best-performing ACE-inhibitory activity of 85.02%. Through the further purification by consequent ultrafiltration, macroporous resin and gel chromatography, fraction G2-2 is eventually obtained with ACE-inhibitory activity as high as 92.7%. Two novel peptides of VLPVPQ and VAPFPE are identified by Q-Exactive LC-MS/MS. The molecular docking study further suggests that two novel peptides have good combinations of the S1 and S2 active site pockets and Zn(II) of ACE. Our study provides a fitted mathematical model to produce two novel milk-derived ACE-inhibitory peptides, potentially developing the functional foods, especially for hypertension therapy as initial treatment.