Scientific production on enzymatic hydrolysis of bovine whey and its bioactive peptides: A bibliometric approach

The increasing interest in the health benefits of whey-derived bioactive peptides highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of their production and applications. This study analyzed the global research landscape on the enzymatic hydrolysis of bovine whey and its bioactive peptides from 2004 to 2024. A bibliometric approach was used to identify key themes, trends, and collaborative efforts. Data were collected from 183 documents across 80 sources, and thematic and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) maps were employed to categorize research themes and reveal central clusters. The analysis demonstrated a 12.74% annual growth in publications, with significant contributions from countries such as China, Canada, India, and Brazil. Key journals like “LWT-Food Science and Technology” and “Food Chemistry” were identified as leading sources. The functional properties of whey-derived peptides, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antithrombotic, and hypocholesterolemic effects, were highlighted, underscoring their potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The collaborative nature of the research was evident, with an average of 4.92 co-authors per paper and international collaborations accounting for 26.78% of the documents. The findings emphasized the therapeutic potential of bioactive peptides and the need for continued exploration of novel technologies and applications. It was concluded that the enzymatic hydrolysis of whey proteins remains dynamic and interdisciplinary, with promising avenues for future research and development in enhancing health outcomes and innovative food solutions.