Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Elena MIHAI, Alexandra GASPAR-PINTILIESCU, Laura Mihaela STEFAN, Rodica TATIA, Viorica COROIU, Oana CRACIUNESCU
This study aimed to investigate new green methods based on combined ultrasound- and enzyme-assisted technologies to isolate bioactive peptides from Cladophora vagabunda green macroalga. Also, their antioxidant and antiproliferative activity was analysed in view of biomedical applications. Algal powder was sonicated in alkaline buffer, pH 8, at 37 °C, for 1 h. The extract was treated with proteinase K and alcalase, respectively, to obtain two protein hydrolysates. Each hydrolysate was fractionated by centrifugal ultrafiltration using filter membranes with molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) at 3 kDa, to separate small peptides. The fractions were analyzed for Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC). The results showed higher capacity of hydrolysates obtained by alcalase treatment to scavenge free radicals. Additionally, the antiproliferative activity was evaluated in HT-29 tumor cells cultivated in the presence of peptides obtained by alcalase treatment and the results showed a decrease of cell viability below 70% after 48 h of cultivation. In conclusion, peptide fractions isolated by green techniques from C. vagabunda alga had significant biological activity and are recommended for further testing as therapeutic agents.
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