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RuBisCO (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) is a non-allergenic, easily digestible protein found in the leaves of C3 plants, accounting for up to 50% of the total. It is similar to the FAO's ideal protein and is offered as a valuable alternative for meeting nutritional requirements. Plant-based proteins provide amino acids for human cells development and act as precursors of bioactive peptides. Protein sources and proteolytic enzymes are crucial for producing bioactive peptides effectively. This research aimed to optimize the hydrolysis of pumpkin leaf-isolated protein in terms of time and type of process (one or two-step) using endo- and exo-peptidases. Efficiency was assessed using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, quantitative hydrolysis analysis, and peptides' capacity to chelate Fe2+ ions and scavenge ABTS•+ radical cations. The highest degree of hydrolysis, which is correlated with higher antioxidant activity, was shown by Alcalase and Everlase (19.5%), and Neutrase (21.5%) with a tendency to favor Neutrase due to more favorable process conditions and a more sensory-acceptable product. Hydrolysis with Neutrase-Flavourzyme during 225 min yielded hydrolyzates with a 43.5% degree of hydrolysis, and antioxidant activities of 0.74 μmol TEAA/mg (i.e. 48%) and 0.30 μmol EEAA/mg (i.e. 44%). Peptides molecular weight have been determined implementing the size-exclusion UFLC method, and five peptide fractions were identified as follows: F1 (> 27 kDa), F2 (20-27 kDa), F3 (10-20 kDa), F4 (3-10 kDa), and F5 (< 3 kDa). By establishing a correlation with antioxidant activity, it has been proven that a large proportion of peptide fractions F3, F4, and F5 were accountable for Neutrase-Flavourzyme hydrolyzate's good antioxidant activity. Examined enzymatic approches contributed to generate the antioxidant peptides from pumpkin-leaf proteins with diverse peptide profiles.
