Bioactive Hydrolysates from Chlorella vulgaris: Optimal Process and Bioactive Properties

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Food Science
• Marine Biology

Background:

• Microalgae are recognized for their rich bioactive compound profiles, including peptides.
• Chlorella vulgaris is a microalgae species with high protein content (approx. 52.2%), suitable for peptide hydrolysate production.
• Sustainable sourcing of active ingredients is crucial for industrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce water-soluble protein/peptide-rich hydrolysates from Chlorella vulgaris.
• To optimize the production conditions for enhanced protein content and bioactive properties (antioxidant, antihypertensive).
• To evaluate the functional potential of the derived hydrolysates.

Main Methods:

• Design of Experiments (DOE) was employed to optimize four factors: cellulase percentage, protease percentage, hydrolysis temperature, and duration.
• Responses measured included protein content, antioxidant activity (ORAC assay), and antihypertensive activity (ACE inhibition).
• Scaled-up production of hydrolysates under optimal conditions.

Main Results:

• Optimized conditions yielded a hydrolysate with 45% protein content.
• Demonstrated significant antioxidant activity (1035 µmol TE/g protein).
• Exhibited antihypertensive potential (IC50 for ACE inhibition: 286 µg protein/mL) and antidiabetic potential (31% α-glucosidase inhibition).

Conclusions:

• Optimized microalgal hydrolysates from C. vulgaris possess valuable bioactive properties.
• These hydrolysates are suitable for use as functional ingredients in food and nutraceuticals.
• The antioxidant properties are also relevant for cosmetic applications, particularly anti-aging formulations.