Protein-based self-assembled delivery systems for food nutraceuticals

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Food nutraceuticals (FNs) face challenges like decomposition and poor absorption, limiting their effectiveness.
• Protein-based delivery systems offer a promising solution due to proteins' nutritional value and structural versatility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the self-assembly-structure-function paradigm of protein-based self-assembled delivery systems (PSDSs).
• To highlight how protein self-assembly influences the properties and applications of FNs delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on protein self-assembly mechanisms and driving forces.
• Analysis of how protein structure dictates the formation of various delivery systems (nanotubes, nanogels, etc.).
• Examination of the impact of PSDSs on FNs stability, solubility, and bioavailability.

Main Results:

• Protein self-assembly, driven by non-covalent bonds and facilitated by amphiphilic properties, leads to diverse structures.
• PSDSs effectively enhance FNs stability, improve solubility, mask flavors, and overcome absorption barriers.
• Different protein structures yield distinct functionalities for targeted FNs delivery.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the self-assembly-structure-function relationship is key to developing advanced PSDSs.
• PSDSs hold significant potential for improving the efficacy and application of food nutraceuticals.