Milk provides a wide range of biologically active compounds that protect humans against diseases and pathogens. The purpose of this work is to describe the main aspects and research lines concerning bioactive peptides: from their chemistry, bioavailability, and biochemical properties to their applications in the healthcare sector. In this context, the uses of bioactive peptides in nutraceutical and functional foods have been highlighted, also taking into account the perspective of innovative applications in the field of circular bioeconomy.Keywords: bioactive peptides; milk; nutraceuticals; bioavailability; biorefinery
Bioactive Components of Milk: Focus on BPsMilk provides a wide range of biologically active compounds that protect humans against diseases and pathogens such as immunoglobulins, antimicrobial proteins and peptides, oligosaccharides, lipids, as well as many other components at low concentrations with significant potential health benefits [1] (Figure 1). Among these compounds, proteins play a key role as nutrients and as promoters of the physiological function and health role as source of Bioactive Peptides (BPs) [ Abstract: Milk provides a wide range of biologically active compounds that protect humans against diseases and pathogens. The purpose of this work is to describe the main aspects and research lines concerning bioactive peptides: from their chemistry, bioavailability, and biochemical properties to their applications in the healthcare sector. In this context, the uses of bioactive peptides in nutraceutical and functional foods have been highlighted, also taking into account the perspective of innovative applications in the field of circular bioeconomy.