Fungal Productions of Biological Active Proteins

Bioactive peptides are amino acid sequences of small size, inactive inside the intact protein but that can be released during the digestion of the food in the organism or by an enzymatic hydrolysis process, exerting diverse functions for the benefit of the human health. The nutritional and functional value of a protein is determined not only by the total amino acid composition and its digestibility but also by the presence of bioactive peptides in its sequence. The most studied bioactive peptides are of vegetable or animal origin; however, fungi are also a potential source. On the other hand, bioactive peptides can be ingredients of commercialized products called “functional foods” or “nutraceuticals.” The activities that have been reported in bioactive peptides are antihypertensive (with ribonuclease activity), antifungal, and antibacterial, among others. This review shows some bioactive peptides obtained from fungi.