INFORM June 2026

ANTIOXIDANTS INFORM 27

The use of AI and deep learning models is changing and speeding up these processes, as well. UniDL4BioPep is a universal deep learning architecture for peptide bioactivity classification, and pLM4ACE is a protein language model for the prediction of antihypertensive peptides. Another example is pLM4CCPs, a protein language model for predicting cell penetrating peptides. Sequence-based learning is an excellent tool for efficient peptide functionality prediction, especially for large and varied protein datasets. However, computational predictions cannot completely eliminate experimental validation. Peptides must still be verified by laboratory assays and in vivo models to prove their activity and reliability. A hybrid method where in silico screening directs experimental work is best. IMPLICATIONS FOR APPLICATION AS ANTIOXIDANTS IN FOOD, SKINCARE AND BEYOND The global dietary supplements market was estimated at around USD 78.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach ~USD 190 billion by 2035. This already established market makes it much easier to position amino acids and peptides beyond just nutrition, especially toward functional antioxidant and anti-aging roles.

We examined the twenty free L-amino acids and compared them with common antioxidant standards, including ascorbic acid, glutathione, Trolox, butylated hydroxyanisole, and butylated hydroxytoluene for antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC, metal-chelating assay) and anti-skin-aging efficacy (collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase inhibition). Tyrosine, methionine, histi dine, lysine, cysteine showed the highest antioxidant ac tivity in ABTS (0.91–4.8 µmol Trolox-equivalents/µmol), ORAC assays (1.03–1.30 µmol Trolox-equivalents/µmol; cysteine>tyrosine>trypto phan>methionine), and DPPH inhibition of 25–33 percent, while no substantial met al-chelating activity was ob served except for EDTA.

The major enzymes responsible for skin aging and loss of elasticity are hyaluronidase, collagenase and elastase. We tested amino acids in inhibition assays to determine if they had any anti-aging benefits. We found that aromatic (tyrosine, tryptophan) and sulfur-containing amino acids (cysteine, methionine) exhibited potent inhibitory effects (see image on pg 28). For instance, tyrosine showed elastase inhibition as high as 98.63 percent. We also monitored lipid oxidation for 20 days by peroxide value (POV) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) methods to study their behavior in emulsion systems for food and cosmetic applications. Several aliphatic amino acids showed lower POV and

Projected growth of the US dietary supplements market from 2025 to 2035. Source: https://www.precedenceresearch.com/us-dietery-supplements-market.

200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 $78.20 $85.40 $93.30 $102.10 $111.80 $122.60 $134.50 $147.80 $162.40 $176.13 $190.08

Market Size (USD Billion)