Cited by 21Protein Hydrolysis and Bioactive PeptidesSeaweed-derived Bioactive CompoundsProteins in Food Systems

Microalga nannochloropsis gaditana as a sustainable source of bioactive peptides: a proteomic and in silico approach

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Paterson, Samuel, Alonso-Pintre, Laura, Morato-López, Esperanza, González de la Fuente, Sandra, Gómez-Cortés, Pilar, Hernández-Ledesma, Blanca·2025·Foods

Abstract

The impact of the world’s growing population on food systems and the role of dietary patterns in the managing of non-communicable diseases underscore the need to explore sustainable and dietary protein sources. Although microalgae have stood out as alternative sources of proteins and bioactive peptides, some species such as Nannochloropsis gaditana remain unexplored. This study aimed to characterize N. gaditana’s proteome and evaluate its potential as a source of bioactive by using an in silico approach. A total of 1955 proteins were identified and classified into functional groups of cellular component, molecular function, and biological process. In silico gastrointestinal digestion of identified proteins demonstrated that 202 hydrophobic and low molecular size-peptides with potential bioactivity were released. Of them, 27 exhibited theorical antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, and/or antimicrobial activities. Seven of 27 peptide showed ≥20% intestinal absorption, suggesting potential systemic effects, while the rest could act at local level. Molecular docking demonstrated strong affinities with key enzymes such as MPO, ACE, and DPPIV. Resistance to the digestion, capacity to be absorbed and multifunctionality were demonstrated for peptide FIPGL. This study highlights N. gaditana's potential as a sustainable source of novel potential bioactive peptides with promising local and systemic biological effects.

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Crossref · 10.3390/foods14020252

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  • Paterson et al. (2025) performed an in silico assay to predict the absorption and distribution of bioactive peptides from Nannochloropsis gaditana.

    “To predict the absorption and distribution of bioactive peptides from Nannochloropsis gaditana, Paterson et al. (2025) performed an in silico assay.”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Paterson et al., 2025

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  1. [25]Official Methods of Analysis, 22nd Edition (2023)—Aoac International Available online: https://www.aoac.org/official-methods-of-analysis/ (accessed on 23 February 2024)
  2. [68]Heda R. Toro F. Tombazzi C.R. Physiology, Pepsin StatPearls Treasure Island, FL, USA 2023 30725690

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Authors
Paterson, S., Alonso-Pintre, L., Morato-López, E., González de la Fuente, S., Gómez-Cortés, P., & Hernández-Ledesma, B.
Affiliations
  • Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación (ES)
  • Proteomics Core Facility, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
  • Biocomputational Core Facility, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
  • Department of Bioactivity and Food Analysis, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL, CSIC-UAM, CEI UAM+CSIC), Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Venue
Foods
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2025-01-14
Volume
14
Issue
2
Pages
252
ISSN
2304-8158 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4406357381
Cited by
20
References
96
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 13
FWCI
6.01
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Foods (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Preprints.org (acceptedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DIGITAL.CSIC (Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)) (acceptedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033
  • FEDER, EU
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Protein Hydrolysis and Bioactive Peptides
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Proteins in Food Systems
Keywords
Nannochloropsis gaditana, microalgae, bioactive peptides, proteome, gastrointestinal digestion, antioxidant peptides, antihypertensive peptides, antidiabetic peptides, anti-inflammatory peptides, antimicrobial peptides, intestinal absorption, myeloperoxidase, ACE, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, alternative protein sources, non-communicable diseases

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