Research Progress of Protein-Based Bioactive Substance Nanoparticles.
Mengqing Han1,2, Kunlun Liu1,2, Xin Liu1,2
1College of Food Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 26, 2023
Summary
Protein nanoparticles offer a solution for delivering bioactive substances in food, overcoming issues like poor solubility and stability. This review explores their fabrication, applications, and future potential in the food industry.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bioactive substances possess valuable properties (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer) for food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications.
- Challenges such as low solubility, chemical instability, and poor bioavailability hinder the effective use of bioactive substances in the food industry.
- Protein-based nanotechnology presents a viable solution for encapsulating and delivering these substances due to protein abundance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of protein-based nanoparticles for bioactive substance delivery.
- To discuss fabrication methods, applications, and challenges of protein-based nanoparticles in the food industry.
- To offer future perspectives on classifying bioactive substances and their functional properties for enhanced delivery.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on protein-based nanoparticle fabrication techniques.
- Analysis of common protein-based nanocarrier systems (nano-emulsions, nano-gels, nanoparticles, nano complexes).
- Discussion of current applications and limitations of these nanoparticles in food products.
Main Results:
- Protein nanoparticles effectively encapsulate and deliver bioactive substances, improving their stability and bioavailability.
- Various fabrication methods for protein nanoparticles exist, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.
- Significant potential exists for protein-based nanoparticles in enhancing the functionality and application of bioactive compounds in food.
Conclusions:
- Protein-based nanoparticles are a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of bioactive substances in food applications.
- Further research is needed to optimize fabrication methods and fully exploit the potential of these nanocarriers.
- Classification of bioactive substances based on functional properties is crucial for targeted delivery using protein nanoparticles.
