Plant Protein-Based Delivery Systems: An Emerging Approach for Increasing the Efficacy of Lipophilic Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

The development of plant protein-based delivery systems to protect and control lipophilic bioactive compound delivery (such as vitamins, polyphenols, carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids) has increased interest in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical fields. The quite significant ascension of plant proteins from legumes, oil/edible seeds, nuts, tuber, and cereals is motivated by their eco-friendly, sustainable, and healthy profile compared with other sources. However, many challenges need to be overcome before their widespread use as raw material for carriers. Thus, modification approaches have been used to improve their techno-functionality and address their limitations, aiming to produce a new generation of plant-based carriers (hydrogels, emulsions, self-assembled structures, films). This paper addresses the advantages and challenges of using plant proteins and the effects of modification methods on their nutritional quality, bioactivity, and techno-functionalities. Furthermore, we review the recent progress in designing plant protein-based delivery systems, their main applications as carriers for lipophilic bioactive compounds, and the contribution of protein-bioactive compound interactions to the dynamics and structure of delivery systems. Expressive advances have been made in the plant protein area; however, new extraction/purification technologies and protein sources need to be found Their functional properties must also be deeply studied for the rational development of effective delivery platforms.

Biopolymer- and Lipid-Based Carriers for the Delivery of Plant-Based Ingredients

“…Another approach is based on modifying the characteristics of lipid-based carriers, such as liposomes, by grafting polymers, generally poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), onto the surface to avoid their rapid uptake by mononuclear cells and, therefore, rapid clearance [ 185 ]. Furthermore, protein modification has been reported to improve their performance as delivery systems: physical treatments, such as irradiation, heating, and high-pressure treatments, or chemical treatments, such as glycation, phosphorylation, acylation, deamidation, and cationization, succeeded in eliminating some of their constituents or adding functional groups, thereby improving the characteristics of proteins and making them more suitable for use as carriers [ 186 ]. Finally, the use of potentially toxic crosslinking agents such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde in the production of microcapsules by coacervation can be overcome by using natural crosslinkers, such as genipin, citric acid, and tannic acid [ 187 ].…”

Sustainable Biodegradable Biopolymer-Based Nanoparticles for Healthcare Applications

“…They are biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, and stable. Due to their hydrophobic nature and low solubility in aqueous solutions, they provide protection and controlled release of the loaded drugs [ 56 , 185 , 186 , 187 ]. Gliadin nanoparticles are suitable nanocarriers for various hydrophilic therapeutic agents [ 188 ].…”

Preparation, Characteristics, and Advantages of Plant Protein-Based Bioactive Molecule Delivery Systems

“…The rise of plant milk, artificial meat, and plant yogurt, among others, further confirms this point. Additionally, recent studies have found that plant proteins may be more suitable than traditional animal proteins to develop into delivery vectors for bioactive substances [ 23 , 24 ]. For example, zein and gliadin can produce carriers that continuously release active substances, avoiding the use of toxic chemical crosslinkers and opening up new directions for the application of active substances in food systems [ 25 , 26 ].…”