Gliadins as versatile biomaterials for drug delivery applications

The choice of a (bio)material plays a crucial role in the development of a drug delivery system because it confers specific biopharmaceutical properties to the formulation and modulates the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features of the entrapped compound(s). In this context, the exploitation of natural raw materials is increasing due to their versatility and safety. Some of them can be recycled from agricultural biomasses and are a way to valorize waste for pharmaceutical and biomedical purposes. In this regard, plant proteins emerge as convenient raw materials because of their wide availability, low-cost and possibility of being chemically modified and degraded into safe by-products. Among them the gliadins, alcohol-soluble prolamins obtained from wheat, are versatile polymers to be used for the development of various systems and for different applications. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview concerning the use of gliadins as biomaterials useful for furnishing nanoparticles, nanofibers and films with the capacity to retain various active compounds. In addition, the most important pharmaceutical, biomedical, alimentary and cosmetic applications of these formulations will be discussed.