Release of multifunctional peptides by gastrointestinal digestion of sea cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus)

► Multifunctional sea cucumber hydrolysates resistant to simulated gastrointestinal digestion. ► ACE-inhibitory, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities identified in ultrafiltrate fractions. ► ACE inhibition highest in fractions containing small peptides (Mw < 3000 Da). ► Antioxidant activity in low and high molecular weight peptides, depending on hydrolysis method. ► Cytotoxic activity against colorectal HT-29 cells strongest in low molecular weight peptides.