About this Research Topic
Bioactive peptides derived from food, typically consisting of sequences ranging from 3 to 20 amino acids, have been recognized as natural immunomodulators. Recent studies have substantiated the immunomodulatory role of bioactive peptides in the pathogenesis of IBD, including their ability to facilitate immune cell differentiation and proliferation, as well as activate pivotal signalling pathways that augment adaptive immune responses against specific exogenous pathogens. However, the peptides must exhibit resistance to digestive enzyme degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and effectively traverse the intestinal epithelial barrier intact, thereby enabling them to exert their physiological functions on targets. Consequently, the bioavailability of bioactive peptides is relatively limited, and direct oral administration may also result in reduced site-specificity of inflammation.
To address this challenge, the development of nanocarriers for encapsulating, protecting, and delivering sensitive nutrients represents a promising strategy. Recently, numerous nanocarriers have been engineered to enhance the bioavailability of bioactive peptides, such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, and liposomes, by enhancing water solubility, digestive stability, and intestinal permeability. It contributes to the achievement of targeted controlled release of bioactive peptides derived from diverse food sources, such as mushroom, rice, egg, rapeseed, and soybean. This advancement facilitates the development of anti-inflammatory functional foods and nutritional supplements. The aim of this research topic is to investigate the fabrication of novel nanocarriers loaded with bioactive peptides, as well as their digestion characteristics, cell membrane transport, and molecular mechanisms in the management of IBD. The objective is to offer valuable perspectives and recommendations for investigating innovative methods of delivering nutrients and their potential uses in addressing inflammatory diseases.
We invite submissions of original research papers and reviews encompassing a wide range of aspects, including but not limited to the following areas:
• Preparation and characterization of nanocarriers loaded with bioactive peptides.
• Digestion, absorption and metabolism of nutraceutical nanocarriers for bioactive peptides
• The effect of nanocarriers on the immune response and anti-inflammatory activities of bioactive peptides.
• The mechanisms underlying the intestinal release of bioactive peptides.
• Toxicological evaluation of bioactive peptides-loaded nanocarriers.
• The utilization of innovative nutraceutical delivery systems for incorporating bioactive peptides into functional foods.
Keywords: food-derived bioactive peptides, nanocarriers, bioavailability, inflammatory bowel disease, immune response
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