A review of insect peptides: from extraction and preparation to bioactivities

Abstract

Insects are gaining increasing attention as novel and sustainable alternatives to traditional food sources. Bioactive peptides derived from insects, exhibiting a wide range of functional properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities, demonstrate significant potential for application in functional foods. However, they require in-depth analysis to optimize utilization. This review synthesizes research from the past five years, providing a comprehensive overview of both conventional and innovative techniques for the extraction, separation, and purification of insect-derived peptides. It also evaluates the advantages and limitations of these methods while exploring the key bioactivities of the peptides. This review highlights the potential of insects as a sustainable source of protein and bioactive peptides, offering strategic recommendations for future research. It emphasizes the need to address current challenges in order to fully unlock their potential.