Effect of Bioactive Proteins and Peptides on Gut Microbiota: Perspectives and Advances Using Encapsulation Techniques

The human intestinal microbiota comprises trillions of microorganisms and plays a crucial role in several essential processes for the individual, including immune response and protection against pathogens, among others. The intestinal microbiome corresponds to the genomic material of the intestinal microbiota. Microbiome homeostasis is directly affected by an individual’s eating habits. Prebiotics have been used to modulate microbiota, with a focus on bioactive proteins and peptides. However, there is no guarantee that they will remain intact during passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Encapsulation could minimize these obstacles. This review discussed the importance of proteins and peptides for intestinal microbiota and the perspectives on encapsulation. The mechanisms include promoting the growth of intestinal bacteria, supplying amino acids and nitrogen, stimulating microbial proliferation and intestinal barrier modulation, facilitating polypeptide transport, improving tolerance to acidity, and enhancing amino peptide and protease activities. This review demonstrated that encapsulation could protect and enhance functionality and solubility, improve sensory properties, and decrease hygroscopicity.