Milk Protein-Based Nanohydrogels: Current Status and Applications

Abstract

Milk proteins are excellent biomaterials for the modification and formulation of food structures as they have good nutritional value; are biodegradable and biocompatible; are regarded as safe for human consumption; possess valuable physical, chemical, and biological functionalities. Hydrogels are three-dimensional, cross-linked networks of polymers capable of absorbing large amounts of water and biological fluids without dissolving and have attained great attraction from researchers due to their small size and high efficiency. Gelation is the primary technique used to synthesize milk protein nanohydrogels, whereas the denaturation, aggregation, and gelation of proteins are of specific significance toward assembling novel nanostructures such as nanohydrogels with various possible applications. These are synthesized by either chemical cross-linking achieved through covalent bonds or physical cross-linking via noncovalent bonds. Milk-protein-based gelling systems can play a variety of functions such as in food nutrition and health, food engineering and processing, and food safety. Therefore, this review highlights the method to prepare milk protein nanohydrogel and its diverse applications in the food industry.

Risks of dairy derived excipients in medications for lactose intolerant and cow milk protein allergic patients

“…CMP, particularly casein and whey proteins, are commonly used as excipients in pharmaceutical formulations 15 . These proteins can serve various purposes in drug formulations, such as stabilizing agents, emulsifiers, or carriers 16 , 17 . Although the incidence of reactions to cow’s milk allergens in medications among sensitized patients has not been thoroughly studied, it seems to be low but increasing.…”

Compliant, Tough, Anti-Fatigue, Self-Recovery, and Biocompatible PHEMA-Based Hydrogels for Breast Tissue Replacement Enabled by Hydrogen Bonding Enhancement and Suppressed Phase Separation

“…Therefore, it is necessary to develop a biocompatible prosthesis material that does not cause adverse reactions [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Hydrogels have a similar water content, porous structure, and good biocompatibility to biological tissue [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Thus, a prosthetic implant has a very promising application prospect.…”