Valorization of the Invasive Red Lionfish ( Pterois volitans L.) as a Natural and Promising Source of Bioactive Hydrolysates with Antioxidant and Metal-Chelating Properties

Lionfish is a predatory invasive species that endangers native species in the areas it colonizes. Hunting it is necessary to prevent this natural devastation while taking advantage of this unconventional natural source. The objective of this research was to utilize lionfish muscle to obtain hydrolysates with biological activities (antioxidant and chelating properties). The methodology of this study involved the obtention of hydrolysates with Alcalase ® at 30 (H30), 60 (H60), and 90 (H90) min. Degree of hydrolysis (DH), amino acid, electrophoretic profile, and antioxidant and chelating activities were determined for the hydrolysates obtained. The amino acid composition showed a high nutritional value since all the hydrolysates fulfilled the requirements proposed by the FAO (except tryptophan) for children, adolescents, and adults. The DH was >30% at 60 and 90 min. In the electrophoretic analysis, protein and polypeptides were identified. DPPH radical scavenging was 27.78% at 30 min. Iron-chelating activity was 64.23% at 90 min, and copper-chelating capacity remained at >90% in all hydrolysates. Lionfish are an invasive and unexploited source of hydrolysates with potential applications in the feed and food industries.