Protein Encapsulation Using Complex Coacervates: What Nature Has to Teach Us

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Food Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Protein encapsulation is crucial for food and medicine, but current methods face challenges with loading and protein viability, often requiring organic solvents.
• Nature utilizes aqueous environments and crowded cellular compartments, like membraneless organelles, to stabilize proteins, suggesting the importance of the surrounding material environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review encapsulation strategies based on liquid-liquid phase separation, focusing on complex coacervation.
• To discuss parameters for creating protein-containing coacervate formulations.
• To highlight opportunities for tailored materials in protein encapsulation and stabilization.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on protein encapsulation strategies.
• Focus on liquid-liquid phase separation and complex coacervation.
• Analysis of parameters influencing coacervate formulation for protein encapsulation.

Main Results:

• Complex coacervation mimics cytoplasmic material properties, offering an aqueous-based alternative for protein encapsulation.
• The review consolidates existing knowledge on coacervation for protein sequestration.
• Identifies key parameters for successful protein-containing coacervate formulation.

Conclusions:

• Complex coacervation presents a viable, nature-inspired strategy for high-loading, high-viability protein encapsulation.
• Tailoring material properties of coacervates can further enhance protein stabilization.
• This approach holds significant potential for advancements in food science and medicine.