Recent advances in plant protein-stabilised emulsion systems encapsulated with bioactive compounds

The encapsulation of bioactive compounds in emulsion-based delivery systems can enhance their stability, bioaccessibility, and functionality. Plant proteins are used in Nanoemulsions, Double emulsions, and Pickering emulsions. This review covers the research progress of legume, cereal, nut, and oilseed proteins and explores the relationships between their sources, structures, emulsifying properties, and encapsulation efficiency. By synthesising current findings, this review highlights the central role of plant proteins in designing advanced emulsion delivery platforms. This review concludes by highlighting key challenges and future directions, including the necessity for in vivo validation, exploration of novel protein sources, application of machine learning, demand for the development of multifunctional systems, and regulatory bottlenecks. These factors are crucial for the encapsulation and delivery of one or more bioactive compounds with tailored-release properties.