Statistical optimization of high temperature/pressure and ultra-wave assisted lysis of Urechis unicinctus for the isolation of active peptide which enhance the erectile function in vitro

• The optimal hydrolysis condition to obtain a peptide from Urechis unicinctus was optimized.
• High temperature/pressure and ultra-wave were applied as physical hydrolysis methods.
• Lysed peptide, DDL showed the potential to enhance erectile function in vitro.
• The lysis process of U. unicinctus was strongly affected by the temperature factor.

High temperature/pressure and ultra-waves could be applied to lyse substances into small units to facilitate absorbance in the human intestine. Hydrolysed substances are widely reported for their specific bioactivities. However, the establishment of optimal condition for the lysis process is crucial for their prospective commercial applications. Consumption of marine echiuran worm, Urechis unicinctus (U. unicinctus) is generally known to enhance erectile function. However, there are less scientific reports on the same. In this study efforts were taken to optimize the high temperature/pressure and ultra-wave assisted lysis conditions to isolate active peptide with erectile function inducing activity. According to the results the isolated peptide (DDL, 361.15 Da) showed a high potential to enhance erectile function in vitro. The optimal lysis conditions for the isolation were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM).