Promising Use of Proteins of Rainbow Trout Byproducts for Obtaining Multifunctional Bioactive Peptides: Processing Perspective

Daniel Farfán Flores; Paula Andrea Santana Sepúlveda; Claudio Andrés Álvarez Álvarez; Oscar Arce Cervantes; Silvia Armenta Jaime; Luis Guillermo González Olivares

doi:10.3390/eng7040164

journal article Open Access Apr 01, 2026

Promising Use of Proteins of Rainbow Trout Byproducts for Obtaining Multifunctional Bioactive Peptides: Processing Perspective

Daniel Farfán Flores

Paula Andrea Santana Sepúlveda

Claudio Andrés Álvarez Álvarez Oscar Arce Cervantes

Silvia Armenta Jaime

Luis Guillermo González Olivares

Eng Vol. 7 No. 4 pp. 164 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/eng7040164

Abstract

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is one of the most widely farmed and consumed aquaculture species worldwide. Processing generates large amounts of by-products, including heads, frames, skin, and viscera, which are often discarded. However, these by-products are a valuable source of high-quality protein that can be converted into bioactive peptides through controlled hydrolysis. Numerous studies have shown that trout-derived peptides exhibit a wide range of functional properties, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. From this perspective, the article provides a critical, up-to-date review of recent advances in the valorization of proteins from rainbow trout by-products, with an emphasis on the most efficient processing methods (including enzymatic, chemical, and microbial hydrolysis) and their potential applications in the food and nutraceutical industries. In addition, downstream processes such as ultrafiltration and chromatographic separation are discussed in the context of peptide purification and recovery. Finally, a systematized industrial process for the integral utilization of these by-products is proposed. Therefore, the objective of this review is to analyze and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the production, functionality, and applications of bioactive peptides derived from rainbow trout by-products, highlighting key process parameters such as enzyme type, pH, temperature, and degree of hydrolysis and their influence on peptide size (typically <5 kDa), yield, and bioactivity, and to propose a viable industrial process for their sustainable valorization. Despite these advances, challenges related to process standardization, cost efficiency, and industrial scalability remain.

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Details

Published: Apr 01, 2026
Vol/Issue: 7(4)
Pages: 164
License: View

Authors

D

Daniel Farfán Flores

Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Avenida Universidad Km. 1, Rancho Universitario, Tulancingo-Santiago Tulantepec, Tulancingo 43600, Hidalgo, Mexico

P

Paula Andrea Santana Sepúlveda

Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Avenida del Valle 534, Huechuraba 8581151, Santiago, Chile

C

Claudio Andrés Álvarez Álvarez

Departamento de Acuicultura, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo 1780000, Elqui, Chile

O

Oscar Arce Cervantes

Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Avenida Universidad Km. 1, Rancho Universitario, Tulancingo-Santiago Tulantepec, Tulancingo 43600, Hidalgo, Mexico

S

Silvia Armenta Jaime

Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Avenida Universidad Km. 1, Rancho Universitario, Tulancingo-Santiago Tulantepec, Tulancingo 43600, Hidalgo, Mexico

L

Luis Guillermo González Olivares

Instituto de Ciencias Básicas e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Mineral de la Reforma 42184, Hidalgo, Mexico

Cite This Article

Daniel Farfán Flores, Paula Andrea Santana Sepúlveda, Claudio Andrés Álvarez Álvarez, et al. (2026). Promising Use of Proteins of Rainbow Trout Byproducts for Obtaining Multifunctional Bioactive Peptides: Processing Perspective. Eng, 7(4), 164. https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7040164

Promising Use of Proteins of Rainbow Trout Byproducts for Obtaining Multifunctional Bioactive Peptides: Processing Perspective

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