Algal Proteins and Peptides: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Proteins are the fundamental growth factors of living organisms leading the scientific community to investigate new sources of protein to meet the demand of global consumers. Selected algae are known to be rich sources of protein. These proteins and peptides are isolated from various groups of micro- and macroalgae through different techniques. Enzymatic hydrolysis is the most commonly employed treatment to release peptides from complex algal cell structures. Selected peptides may be useful in decreasing the risk of specific diseases. Most of the algal proteins have distinctive structures and their peptides vary in functionalities not seen in higher plants. With the increasing number of metabolic disorders in aging populations, algal peptides have gained more attention in recent times. This chapter provides an overview of algal peptides for potential health benefits and also global market positioning. Further, future research challenges in the area of extraction and functionality are also discussed.