Natural edible materials made of protein-functionalized aerogel particles for postprandial hyperglycemia management

α-Amylase inhibitors (α-AIs) delay digestion of dietary starch by inhibiting α-amylase in the gut, thereby reducing the postprandial glycemia, which is beneficial to the patients with obesity and diabetes. The proteinaceous α-AIs from wheat can effectively control starch digestion and regulate postprandial hyperglycemia. However, their gastric intolerance remains a challenge, which limits its commercial production and industrial application. In this study, sodium alginate/chitosan aerogels loaded with wheat protein α-AIs were prepared and evaluated as potential transportation and protection matrices for important components in food or pharmaceutical applications. Specifically, the biodegradable aerogel cross-linked with sodium alginate-chitosan-calcium chloride, has a large surface area and open porous structure, which can adsorb staple wheat proteins as an integrated edible material to block around 88,660 U/g of α-amylase activity. The aerogel particles were able to protect the activity of wheat α-AIs in the stomach, leading to the slow passage of the wheat α-AIs through the small intestine to inhibit starch digestion more effectively. Animal experiments further showed that the postprandial blood glucose levels in rats were effectively controlled through delayed increase, after administration of wheat protein-functionalized aerogel particles loaded with wheat α-AIs, which are natural biological macromolecules. This is a novel, safe, and economical method for the prevention and pretreatment of diabetes.