Antihypertensive peptides from photosynthetic microorganisms: A systematic patent review (2010–2023)

Microalgae are rich sources of biomolecules, especially proteins and peptides, with bioactive properties, such as antihypertensive action that act through the inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Innovation in production methods of these peptides is crucial to make them more efficient and accessible. The aim of this work aims to review patents about antihypertensive peptides from microalgae. The search was conducted on three electronic databases between 2010 and 2023. The search covered 2248 patents, which only 6 met the inclusion criteria. All patents were filed on the Asian continent, particularly in the China and Korea. Spirulina, Chlorella and Nannochloropsis oculate were more reported, being used in the production of medicines and/or pharmaceutical compositions. The majority of patents filed show obtention methods and alternatives for producing peptides, containing 3 to 7 amino acid sequences. The highest concentration of patents was about medical treatments or examinations (A61) followed by food or methods or food products (A23) and involving chemical compounds or extraction methods for pharmaceutical products (C07). Thus, this study provided a comprehensive view of technological innovations related to methods of producing peptides from microalgae, contributing to advances in cardiovascular health and the development of new pharmaceutical bioproducts.