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Updated: Oct 16, 2025

Author Spotlight: Development and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Lignin-Based Microparticles for Enhanced Delivery of Bioflavonoids
Published on: March 1, 2024
Functionalization of sweet potato leaf polyphenols by nanostructured composite β-lactoglobulin particles from
Shadrack Isaboke Makori1, Tai-Hua Mu2, Hong-Nan Sun2
1Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Nutrition Science, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 2 Yuan Ming Yuan West Road, Haidian District, P.O. Box 5109, Beijing 100193, China; Food Technology Division, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), P.O. Box 30650, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya.
Abstract:
Sweet potato leaf polyphenols (SPLPs) have shown potential health benefits in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Nowadays, consumption of SPLPs from animal feeds to foodstuff is becoming a trend worldwide. However, the application of SPLPs is limited by their low bioavailability and stability. β-lactoglobulin (βlg), a highly regarded whey protein, can interact with SPLPs at the molecular level to form reversible or irreversible nanocomplexes (NCs). Consequently, the functional properties and final quality of SPLPs are directly modified. In this review, the composition and structure of SPLPs and βlg, as well as methods of molecular complexation and mechanisms of formation of SPLPsβlgNCs, are revisited. The modified functionalities of SPLPsβlgNCs, especially protein conformational structures, antioxidant activity, solubility, thermal stability, emulsifying, and gelling properties including allergenic potential, digestibility, and practical applications are discussed for SPLPs future development.

