Assay of bioactive peptides

The quantification of bioactive peptides is a key analysis for evaluating the functional efficacy of protein extracts and hydrolysates. These short protein fragments, released during enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation, exert beneficial health activities: antioxidant, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, as well as antimicrobial and opioid effects. At YesWeLab, we perform their identification and quantification using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and low-gravity mass spectrometry (LC-MS), according to the targeted peptide sequence.

Why measure bioactive peptides?

Unlike a simple total protein assay, the assay of bioactive peptides allows for the precise characterization of the fractions responsible for the claimed functional effect. This is a crucial step for:

• validate a health or functional claim on a nutraceutical ingredient;
• to control and optimize a hydrolysis process (degree of hydrolysis, molecular mass profile);
• to guarantee the reproducibility from one batch to another and the stability of the active ingredient;
• to enhance the value of co-products (from the dairy, meat, fish or plant sectors) by demonstrating their richness in peptides of interest.

The result guides your formulation decisions and secures your regulatory file.

Principle of the analysis: HPLC and LC-MS

The analysis relies on two complementary techniques. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separates peptides according to their physicochemical properties and allows for reliable quantification of known sequences. Mass spectrometry (LC-MS/LC-MS-MS) provides structural identification: it confirms the amino acid sequence and detects trace peptides. The choice of method depends on the targeted sequence, the matrix, and your objectives (targeted screening, overall profiling, or absolute quantification). Our scientific team will work with you to define the most suitable protocol.

Matrices analyzed

Bioactive peptide analysis is applicable to a wide range of matrices: protein hydrolysates, plant or animal extracts, functional beverages, and powders (whey, collagen, pea protein, isolates). Whether your sample is a raw ingredient, a semi-finished product, or a finished product, we adapt the sample preparation to preserve the integrity of the peptides.

Sector-specific applications

This analysis is essential for nutraceutical formulations, functional foods, animal nutrition, and the valorization of plant-based ingredients. It supports R&D, quality control, and competitive intelligence.

Further analyses of the catalogue

The measurement of bioactive peptides is ideally complemented by other services from our analytical catalogue for a complete characterization of your protein ingredients:

• The chemical composition analysis to situate the peptides within the overall protein balance;
• The measurement of hydroxyproline (collagen), essential for collagen peptides;
• The measurement of Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) to measure the associated antioxidant activity;
• The dosage of biogenic amines to control the quality and safety of hydrolysates;
• Bioavailability measurement to assess peptide assimilation after digestion;
• Vitamin analysis and polysaccharide analysis to complete the nutritional profile of your formulations.

Discover all our services on the laboratory nutritional analysis.

Why entrust your analysis to YesWeLab?

At YesWeLab, we collaborate with a rigorously selected network of laboratories, most of which are certified and/or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.). These laboratories are chosen based on your specific needs, the matrices to be analyzed, and the required analytical techniques or methods.

If you have specific requirements—precise peptide sequence, quantification threshold, validated method—please specify them in your request: our scientific team will do everything possible to respond accurately and promptly. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms have entrusted us with the management of their analyses, sending us their samples via our digital platform.

Request a quote for bioactive peptide testing

Do you want to identify and quantify the bioactive peptides in your extract, hydrolysate, or finished product? Add this analysis to your quote in just a few clicks or contact our scientific team for personalized support. We guarantee a laboratory suited to your matrix, a relevant HPLC or LC-MS method, and results that can be directly used for your formulations and claims.