Edible mRNA platforms: The next frontier in precision functional foods

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Biotechnology
• Nutrigenomics

Background:

• The trend in functional foods is shifting from static nutrient supplementation to dynamic biological regulation.
• Edible messenger RNA (mRNA) nanocarriers represent a disruptive technology, enabling foods to act as bioreactors for temporary, targeted gene delivery without genomic integration risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review 156 peer-reviewed papers and industrial reports (2022-2025) on edible mRNA systems in functional foods.
• To evaluate the technological foundations, translational potential, and societal implications of edible mRNA technology.
• To explore applications in immunomodulation, metabolic regulation, scalable production, and ethical nutrition.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of scientific papers and industrial reports.
• Analysis of mRNA delivery structures, including plant lipid droplets and chitosan-alginate systems.
• Examination of specific mRNA applications, such as IL-10 for IBD and FGF21 for obesity.

Main Results:

• mRNA delivery systems enhance oral stability and intestinal control.
• Edible mRNA has demonstrated potential in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and obesity.
• Milk exosome-based immune priming is another application of this technology.

Conclusions:

• Edible mRNA systems offer advantages over traditional supplements, including faster development and lower costs.
• Challenges include mRNA degradation and regulatory uncertainties.
• A roadmap integrating green synthesis, circular economy, and AI personalization can enable scalable, sustainable precision nutrition through edible mRNA foods.