Antioxidant Activity of Hydrolysates and Peptide Fractions of Nemipterus japonicus and Exocoetus volitans Muscle

Abstract

The focus of the study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of hydrolyzed muscle protein of Nemipterus japonicus and Exocoetus volitans. The trypsin protein hydrolysates of both fish showed maximum free radical scavenging potential and lipid peroxidation inhibition. Furthermore, it was purified by chromatographic methods followed by the lipid peroxidation inhibition; free radical scavenging assay was performed before and after purification. The purified peptide fractions of N. japonicus and E. volitans exhibited higher activity against polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) peroxidation which was similar to natural antioxidants like α-tocopherol. Free radical scavenging potencies were measured by electron spin resonance technique (ESR). The purified peptide of E. volitans quenched free radicals (DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide) slightly more than N. japonicus. The amino acid composition of both fish protein hydrolysates showed variations in their ratio. The purified peptides were tested for cell cytotoxicity for Vero (kidney epithelial cells of the African Green Monkey) and Hep G₂ (human hepatocellular liver carcinoma) cell lines. It was found that peptides did not show any cytotoxic effect for Vero cell lines and exerted a significant antiproliferative effect on Hep G₂ cell lines.

Keywords:

• antioxidant
• electron spin resonance
• lipid peroxidation
• PUFA
• DPPH

The authors thank Dr. K. Ramasamy, Dean of the School of Bioengineering at SRM University, for his support throughout the project. The authors would like to extend their acknowledgment to the management of SRM University for providing the facilities.