Molecular Mechanisms and Applications of Polyphenol-Protein Complexes with Antioxidant Properties: A Review

Abstract

Proteins have been extensively studied for their outstanding functional properties, while polyphenols have been shown to possess biological activities such as antioxidant properties. There is increasing clarity about the enhanced functional properties as well as the potential application prospects for the polyphenol–protein complexes with antioxidant properties. It is both a means of protein modification to provide enhanced antioxidant capacity and a way to deliver or protect polyphenols from degradation. This review shows that polyphenol–protein complexes could be formed via non-covalent or covalent interactions. The methods to assess the complex’s antioxidant capacity, including scavenging free radicals and preventing lipid peroxidation, are summarized. The combination mode, the type of protein or polyphenol, and the external conditions will be the factors affecting the antioxidant properties of the complexes. There are several food systems that can benefit from the enhanced antioxidant properties of polyphenol–protein complexes, including emulsions, gels, packaging films, and bioactive substance delivery systems. Further validation of the cellular and in vivo safety of the complexes and further expansion of the types and sources of proteins and polyphenols for forming complexes are urgently needed to be addressed. The review will provide effective information for expanding applications of proteins and polyphenols in the food industry.

The Pharmacological Properties of Red Grape Polyphenol Resveratrol: Clinical Trials and Obstacles in Drug Development

“…This is likely due to an increase in resveratrol bioavailability and a broadening of the metabolic effects of the combined agents. Polyphenols are able to link and interact with other compounds using their hydroxyl groups, which allows them to control the efficacy of other chemicals, including proteins and nutrients [2,138]. Compared to free polyphenols, polyphenol complexes might be more bioavailable, soluble, and absorbable in the small intestine due to their stabilized chemical structure [139].…”

“…A potential benefit of combining resveratrol with other treatment modalities is that polyphenol complexes can target numerous metabolic pathways. It is true that resveratrol combined with various therapeutic modalities has been shown to have favorable benefits in a variety of diseases and conditions, including cancer [138].…”

Antibacterial Activity of Plant Polyphenols Belonging to the Tannins against Streptococcus mutans—Potential against Dental Caries

“…It is commonly known that the cell membrane has many different proteins that play a crucial role in regulating bacteria’s physiological processes. Tannins have a strong affinity to proteins, forming complexes with membrane proteins and resulting in antibacterial activity [ 29 ]. The method enabling the analysis of interactions between different molecules and proteins involves analyzing fluorescence changes descended from aromatic amino acids, including tryptophan.…”

Antioxidant Metabolism Pathways in Vitamins, Polyphenols, and Selenium: Parallels and Divergences

“…Polyphenols are involved in enzyme regulation, with a wide range of biological activities, and can interact with proteins through hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions [ 227 ]. These interactions can influence the function of enzymes, potentially altering their activity.…”