Do you know what a “peptide” is?
Historical Background of Peptide Discovery
-
112 Years Ago: Scientists first discovered peptides.
-
107 Years Ago: The first preparation of a peptide composed of 18 amino acids was achieved.
Key milestones in peptide research include:
-
Dr. Billis and Dr. Stirling of University College London (UCL) won the Nobel Prize in Physiology for accidentally discovering polypeptide substances in the human body during an experiment.
-
Five years later, Dr. Hermann Emil Fischer, a renowned German chemist (Nobel laureate in Chemistry, 1902), made breakthroughs in protein, amino acid, and peptide research. In 1907, he became the first to synthesize a polypeptide composed of 18 amino acid molecules, a landmark scientific achievement that laid the groundwork for understanding peptides’ biological mechanisms. Fischer is thus hailed as the "Father of the World Peptide."
Common Types of Peptides Identified Today
Scientists have identified nearly 100 types of peptides, with notable examples including:
-
Yak bone small-molecule collagen peptide
-
Glutathione
-
Marine fish oligopeptides
-
Casein hydrolysates
Classification of Peptide Materials
Peptides are broadly categorized into two types based on their source:
-
Food-Derived Peptides
Extracted from common foods using modern technology, these peptides (especially small-molecular ones) possess diverse physiological functions, such as enhancing immunity, antioxidant activity, and assisting in regulating blood sugar, blood lipids, and blood pressure. They are particularly suited for developing special dietary foods.
-
Iatrogenic Peptides
Typically collected from glands, these peptides are used in clinical medicine. Examples include endorphins (involved in pain relief) and thymic peptides (immune-related).
In summary, peptides are critical biomolecules with wide-ranging health benefits, bridging the gap between amino acids and proteins, and their study continues to drive advancements in nutrition, medicine, and biotechnology.