Identification of a novel Fe2+-chelating peptide from Pleurotus ostreatus: structural basis, chelation mechanisms, and transport pathways of the chelated Fe in Caco-2 cells.

. Additionally, the findings indicate that both endocytosis and the paracellular pathway play pivotal roles in mediating the transepithelial transport of the DD11-Fe. These findings support the potential application of DD11-Fe as an innovative iron supplement. The impact of digestive enzymes, pH variations, and food matrices on its stability during gastrointestinal digestion warrants further investigation.