Characterization and comparison of the structure and antioxidant activity of queen bee larvae (Apis mellifera) hydrolysates processed with different proteases.
Pang Lili, Yan Fangfang, Wu Aibo, Lin Congcong, Liu Ruonan, Lu Qun, Liu Rui
Abstract
Queen bee larvae (QBL), a by-product of royal jelly processing, represent a high-quality protein source that has not been fully utilized. In this study, the structural characteristics and antioxidant activities of QBL hydrolysates (QBLHs) produced using eight distinct proteases were investigated. The results showed that enzymatic hydrolysis altered the secondary and tertiary structure of QBL proteins and resulted in a looser and more irregular protein structure. Compared with other seven hydrolysates, Alcalase® 2.4 L FG hydrolysates possessed the strongest antioxidant activity, including with superior ABTS and •OH radical scavenging activity, Fe2+ chelating ability, ORAC, and protection against cellular oxidative stress. Two peptides HVPIFDRY and FPYQPPF, identified from Alcalase® 2.4 L FG hydrolysates, were shown to effectively mitigate AAPH-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells by Nrf2/NQO1/HO-1 pathway. These findings highlight the potential of Alcalase® 2.4 L FG hydrolysates as a promising natural antioxidant ingredient, facilitating QBL utilization as a functional protein resource.
Key Findings
- Enzymatic hydrolysis altered the secondary and tertiary structure of queen bee larvae proteins, resulting in a looser and more irregular protein structure.
- Alcalase® 2.4 L FG hydrolysates exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity among eight protease hydrolysates, including superior radical scavenging, Fe2+ chelating ability, ORAC, and protection against cellular oxidative stress.
- Two peptides (HVPIFDRY and FPYQPPF) from Alcalase® 2.4 L FG hydrolysates effectively mitigated AAPH-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells via the Nrf2/NQO1/HO-1 pathway.
Clinical Significance
The study suggests that Alcalase® 2.4 L FG hydrolysates from queen bee larvae may serve as a natural antioxidant ingredient to protect cells from oxidative stress through activation of the Nrf2 pathway, highlighting potential therapeutic applications in oxidative stress-related diseases.
Citation
Pang Lili, Yan Fangfang, Wu Aiboet al.. Characterization and comparison of the structure and antioxidant activity of queen bee larvae (Apis mellifera) hydrolysates processed with different proteases. Food chemistry. 2026-Jun-15.