Antioxidant potential and amino acid profile of ultrafiltration derived peptide fractions of spent hen meat protein hydrolysate.

Spent hen meat is considered as a category of waste generated by the poultry sector which can lead to serious environmental concerns if not disposed and utilized properly. In this work, spent hen meat was hydrolysed by 2% Flavourzyme (6.5 pH, 55 °C) followed by ultrafiltration to produce three peptide fractions with molecular weights > 10 kDa, 5-10 kDa and < 5 kDa. These fractions were evaluated for antioxidant potential, SDS PAGE and amino acid profile. The SDS PAGE profile demonstrated bands in the low molecular weight (< 10 kDa) region. Peptide fractions of < 5 kDa exhibited highest antioxidant activity and, essential as well as hydrophobic amino acid composition than whole hydrolysate and other peptide fractions. Incorporation of the identified hydrolysate fraction in food could improve its shelf stability while serving as a preventive component against human degenerative diseases.