Vol. 12, Special Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
Nagamani A and Rajanna M

Abstract:
Bio-active peptides (BAPs) play a significant role on various physiological functions. Milk is the best source for bio-active peptides. In order to harvest their immunomodulatory effects they need to be isolated. Studies were conducted to isolate, BAPs from buffalo milk proteins through enzymatic hydrolysis, hydrolysates were nutritionally evaluated incorporated into weaning foods to explore their phagocytic activity. BAPs from neutrase hydrolysates of α-casein and β-lactoglobulin showed higher yield as also protein percentage when compared to BAPs from trypsin hydrolysate. Bio-active peptides (BAPs) showing maximum phagocytic activity were incorporated at 5 and 10 percent levels (dry blended) into the weaning foods. Nutritional evaluation of the formulated weaning foods {α-casein BAPs (F₁ and F₂)} showed low PER and FER values at 5 percent level compared to 10 percent level. The BAPs produced from neutrase hydrolyzed α-casein and β-Lactoglobulin showed increased number of macrophages (4.3 and 1.8 percent respectively) and phagocytic index (4.39 and 4.01 respectively), when compared to BAPs of trypsin hydrolysates. Animal experimentation concluded that, the BAPs of α-casein are more promising in enhancing the immunomodulation in mice as it showed higher macrophage percentage (76%) and higher total leucocyte count (TLcC) compared to 5 percent level and control.