Kota Ebato

Mr. Kota Ebato


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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14 August 2026 in Foods
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KEKota Ebato
Kota Ebato
HKHaruka Kobayashi
Haruka Kobayashi
HTHiroaki Tsutsumi
Hiroaki Tsutsumi
YIYoko Iijima
Yoko Iijima
KSKenjiro Sugiyama
Kenjiro Sugiyama
As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes increases rapidly, the demand for natural origin dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors with fewer side effects is increasing. In this study, protein-rich Limnospira platensis was investigated as a source of bioactive peptides to enhance its value as a functional food ingredient. Hydrolysates were prepared using three food-processing proteases, individually and in two-step combinations, followed by in silico analysis and peptide identification via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Subsequently, the thermal stability, gastrointestinal resistance, and intestinal permeability (using Caco-2 cells) of the identified peptides were evaluated. It was revealed that the Orientase 22BF digest exhibited high DPP-IV inhibitory activity. From the digest, three novel peptides—SPSPN (IC50 = 144.1 ± 2.2 μM), VPSV (IC50 = 93.6 ± 5.8 μM), and IPIGG (IC50 = 13.4 ± 2.3 μM)—were identified, exhibiting DPP-IV inhibitory potencies comparable to or higher than previously reported Limnospira-derived peptides. Although VPSV exhibited low epithelial permeability (Papp = 4.02 ± 0.69 × 10−8 cm/s), it remained stable under simulated gastrointestinal digestion conditions, suggesting potential local luminal inhibitory activity within the small intestine. Overall, these findings highlight Limnospira-derived VPSV as a promising functional ingredient candidate with high bioactivity and digestive stability.