A Review of the Effect of Enzymatic Modification on the Allergenicity of Food Proteins

Enzymatic modification of protein technology, including enzyme hydrolysis and enzymatic cross-linking technology, with modification of the protein structure thus resulting in the change of functional properties, has been widely used in food processing. However, the effect of enzymatic modification on the allergenicity of food proteins has not been explored in full detail. Enzymes like pepsin, trypsin, papain, alcalase, and chymotrysin may digest allergen epitopes in food proteins and decrease its allergenicity, while transglutaminase, peroxidase, and polyphenoloxidase may polymerize the allergen proteins, package the allergen epitopes by enzymatic cross-linking, and thus reduce its allergenincity. Therefore enzymatic modification is an effective method to reduce the allergenicity of food proteins and needs further study.