Identification and molecular mechanisms of novel antioxidant peptides in black soldier fly larvae protein: simulated gastrointestinal digestion, molecular docking and in vitro/in vivo studies

Abstract

SummaryThis study aims to identify novel antioxidant peptides within black soldier fly larvae protein (BSFLP) using simulated gastrointestinal processes, LC–MS/MS analysis, and virtual screening. Two peptides, PFCPK and ADFW, exhibited significant antioxidant properties in both in vitro radical scavenging experiments and in vivo evaluations using zebrafish embryos induced with 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride. Treatment with 25 μg mL−1 of PFCPK or ADFW significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced zebrafish embryo survival, reduced abnormal heartbeats and lowered ROS generation rate by 62.98% and 83.44%, lipid peroxidation by 52.54% and 68.35%, and cell death rate by 86.92% and 97.54%, respectively. Moreover, they restored antioxidant enzyme activities and MDA levels to near‐normal values, demonstrating significant therapeutic effects. The observed antioxidant effects may potentially be linked to the modulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. This study provides valuable insights for developing novel natural antioxidants and maximising the high‐value applications of BSFLP.