Functional properties and biological activities of bovine casein proteins and peptides.

This review is a brief description of the current state of research on the functional and bioactivite properties of caseins, their hydrolysates and peptides. The functional properties of casein and casein-originated hydrolysates and peptides reflect the natural features of their molecules and environmental characteristics. Many proteolytic enzymes are used for modifying functional and biological properties of caseins. Enzymatic modifications influence the conformation of casein molecules and, in consequence, their properties. The functional properties of caseins may improve upon partial hydrolysis. Peptides derived from casein proteins are capable of affecting the biological functions of an organism. These effects can be antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antithrombotic, immunoregulating and opioid.