Abstract: Egg proteins have various functional and biological activities and are thus potential precursors for preparing bioactive peptides. Numerous studies have demonstrated that egg-derived peptides are a promising category of health and functional food ingredients. In addition to their nutritional value, these peptides are widely favored because of their multifaceted biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-hypertension, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory, metal ion-binding and transporting, immunoregulating, and bone health-improving activities. Herein we review the recent progress in the preparation, identification, biological activities, and gastrointestinal absorption and transport of egg-derived bioactive peptides, and present an outlook on future research trends and potential problems in practical application. Hopefully, this review could provide a reference for further research and application of egg-derived bioactive peptides.

Key words: egg; protein; bioactive peptide; mechanism; absorption and transport