Enzymatic generation of whey protein hydrolysates under pH-controlled and non pH-controlled conditions: Impact on physicochemical and bioactive properties

Enzymatic hydrolysis of whey protein (WP) was carried out under pH-controlled and non pH-controlled conditions using papain and a microbial-derived alternative (papain-like activity). The impact of such conditions on physicochemical and bioactive properties was assessed. WP hydrolysates (WPH) generated with the same enzyme displayed similar degree of hydrolysis. However, their reverse-phase liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry peptide profiles differed. A significantly higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value was obtained for WP hydrolysed with papain at constant pH of 7.0 compared to the associated WPH generated without pH regulation. In contrast, there was no significant effect of pH regulation on dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) properties. WP hydrolysed with papain-like activity under pH regulation at 7.0 displayed higher ORAC activity and DPP-IV inhibitory properties compared to the associated WPH generated without pH regulation. This study has demonstrated that pH conditions during WPH generation may impact on peptide release and therefore on WPH bioactive properties.