Effect of drying processes on the functional properties of collagen peptides produced from chicken skin

Collagen peptide powders were produced by drying the peptides solution. The molecular weight distribution and amino acid composition of the peptides were determined and the effects of freezedrying, spray-drying, and hot-air-drying methods on the functional properties were investigated. The collagen peptides had a molecular weight distribution of 180-5000 Da and high content of glycine, arginine, proline, and hydroxyproline but low content of cysteine and methionine. Freeze drying is found to be the best method to have superior functional properties. Spray drying can still be preferred if lower cost and higher production throughput are required.