Protein-based biomaterials: Advances in structural design for drug delivery and regenerative medicine

The beneficial physical, chemical, and biological properties of proteins make them useful building blocks in the construction of biomedicals and nanomaterials. There are various biomaterials to develop inventive drug delivery systems ranging from simple to complex proteins which can be more efficient for patients undergoing surgical procedures. In the line of this article, the definition of medicine via proteins is based on complex bioengineering systems that mix tailored biomaterials with molecular algorithms to form controlled bioactive nanosystems. Among biomaterials, proteins are unique, because they can be found directly in nature, which qualify them easy for use, especially in surgical procedures. This article is aimed at describing their origin, structural properties, functions characteristics of interest in biology, and activity as drug delivery systems. Their native form and form of biomaterials i.e., hydrogels, scaffolds, membranes, fibers, and nanoparticles are examined. The article discusses novel designed nanoarchitectures aimed to solve long lasting problems in drug delivery like poor drug solubility, low bioavailability, and encapsulation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The most important innovations are systems that respond to stimuli, mucoadhesive and mucus penetrating structures, lymphatic-targeting designs, and carriers that respond to environmental changes. Moreover, the article outlines the therapeutic uses of biomaterials based on proteins in tissue engineering (bone, cartilage, skin, cardiac, and neural tissue engineering), cancer treatment, diabetes, gene therapy, and in the treatment of inflammatory and chronically symptomatic disorders. Each part is arranged to minimize overlap and highlight functional distinctiveness to provide a cohesive design that integrates structure, function, and use. The review ends with the discussion of the existing gaps and the proposed pathways for future investigations which could facilitate the clinical translation of the work. This work serves as a stimulus toward the rational conception of protein-based materials and designed nanocarriers which are structurally tailored and application-driven, increasing their impact in the fields of drug delivery and regenerative medicine.