Enzyme-Assisted Release of Antioxidant Peptides from Porphyra dioica Conchocelis

The conchocelis life cycle stage of represents an unexplored source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to generate and characterise, for the first time, hydrolysates of conchocelis using a specific combination of proteases (Prolyve and Flavourzyme ). Hydrolysate molecular mass distribution and free amino acid contents were assessed, and the antioxidant activity was determined using a range of in vitro assays. The protein content and the total amino acid profiles of conchocelis were also studied. Conchocelis contained ~25% of protein (dry weight basis) and had a complete profile of essential amino acids. Direct sequential enzymatic treatment modified the profile of the generated compounds, increasing the amount of low molecular weight peptides (