The search for improvements in quality of life has increasingly involved changes in the diet, especially the consumption of foods which, in addition to having good nutritional value, are characterized by offering health benefits. Among the molecules that trigger several beneficial responses are peptides, which are specific fragments of proteins known to produce positive effects on the human body. This review aimed to discuss the bioactive potential of peptides from cheeses. Studies show that the protein composition of some cheese varieties exhibits a potential for the release of bioactive peptides. The production of these peptides can be promoted by some technological procedures that affect the milk structure and constituents. The cheese maturation process stands out for producing bioactive peptides due to the action of enzymes produced by lactic acid bacteria. Thus, in addition to being proteins with high biological value due to their excellent amino acid profile, peptides from some types of cheeses are endowed with functional properties such as anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, opioid, and zinc-binding activities.

This review aimed to gather information about the biological effects of bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation for improving the respiratory health in humans and the potential role of bioactive molecules from BC as adjunctive therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection (Coronavirus Disease 2019 – COVID-19). Several studies have shown that BC supplementation is effective against infections and respiratory allergies, as well as in attenuating immunosuppression caused by intense exercise in high-performance athletes. The major immune system modulation proteins present in BC are immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Studies have revealed that lactoferrin is effective in combating SARS-CoV-2. Hyperimmune colostrum may constitute an alternative way to produce specific antibodies against COVID-19. Based on the immune system boosting ability as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral/antibacterial activities, we suggest that well designed, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials should be done to verify the safety and effectiveness of BC supplements against SARS-CoV-2 infection. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Coconut antimicrobial peptide-1 (CnAMP1) is a naturally occurring bioactive peptide from green coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.). Although biological activities have been reported, the physiological relevance of these reports remains elusive as it is unknown if CnAMP1 is taken up into intestinal cells. To address this open question, we investigated the cytotoxicity of CnAMP1 in intestinal cells and its cellular uptake into human intestinal cells. Considering the importance of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) to the intestinal metabolism of xenobiotics, we also investigated the influence of CnAMP1 on P-gp activity and expression. Both cell lines showed intracellular fluorescence after incubation with fluorescein labelled CnAMP1, indicating cellular uptake of the intact or fragmented peptide. CnAMP1 (12.5–400 μmol/L) showed no signs of cytotoxicity in LS180 and differentiated Caco-2 cells and did not affect P-gp expression and activity. Further research is required to investigate the identity of CnAMP1 hydrolysis fragments and their potential biological activities.

The present study aimed at the preparation of antimicrobial films based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE), with zeolite exchanged with Silver (Ag) in 1, 5 and 10 wt.%. Zeolites with Ag were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). LDPE films with added silver-substituted zeolite A were synthesized by wet-casting, with the zeolite content in the films ranging from 1–5 wt.%. The antibacterial activity of the silver-substituted zeolite was assessed according to its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), using Escherischia coli as the target bacteria. LDPE films with silver-loaded zeolite were also tested against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Silver insertion in the zeolite did not change its structure. The MIC of the zeolite with 1% silver and a concentration of 0.05 mg zeolite/mL was not able to inhibit the visible growth of the bacteria; however, an increased silver concentration resulted in total inhibition after 24 h of incubation. Zeolites with 5% and 10% of silver showed a MIC of 0.05 mg zeolite/mL. The films with best antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus were those prepared with 5 wt.% zeolites loaded with 5% and 10% of silver. LDPE films with silver-loaded zeolite A are potential resources in the development of active packaging for food preservation and safety.