Plant polysaccharide nanoparticles: Preparation, applications, and Caenorhabditis elegans pre-screening for bioactive...

Plant polysaccharide nanoparticles (PPNPs) are promising delivery systems for functional bioactive substances due to their abundance, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. This review methodically encompasses the preparation methods for starch, pectin and cellulose nanoparticles and their recent applications in delivering hydrophobic and hydrophilic active ingredients, probiotics and volatile antimicrobial agents. Notably, we highlight Caenorhabditis elegans as a strategic in vivo pre-screening platform that bridges the gap between cell-based assays and mammalian models. Leveraging its well-defined genetic background, transparent body, and highly conserved signalling pathways, C. elegans as a highly promising initial screening platform that provides preliminary theoretical support for the further standardization and validation of PPNPs in mammalian models. The paper concludes with an analysis of the challenges in this field, such as large-scale production, long-term stability and safety evaluation. The aim is to provide theoretical guidance for the development and application of plant polysaccharide nanodelivery systems in functional foods.