Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles from Plant Proteins

Abstract

Nanoparticles from plant proteins are preferred over carbohydrates and synthetic polymeric-based materials for food, medical and other applications. In addition to their large availability and relatively low cost, plant proteins offer higher possibilities for surface modifications and functionalizing various biomolecules for specific applications. Plant proteins also avoid the immunogenic responses associated with the use of animal proteins. However, the sources of plant proteins are very diverse, and proteins from each source have distinct structures, properties and processing requirements. While proteins from corn (zein) and wheat (gliadin) are soluble in aqueous ethanol, most other plant proteins are insoluble in aqueous conditions. Apart from zein and gliadin nanoparticles (which are relatively easy to prepare), soy proteins, wheat glutenin and proteins from several legumes have been made into nanoparticles. The extraction of soluble proteins, hydrolyzing with alkali and acids, conjugation with other biopolymers, and newer techniques such as microfluidization and electrospraying have been adopted to develop plant protein nanoparticles. Solid, hollow, and core-shell nanoparticles with varying sizes and physical and chemical properties have been developed. Most plant protein nanoparticles have been used as carriers for drugs and as biomolecules for controlled release applications and for stabilizing food emulsions. This review provides an overview of the approaches used to prepare nanoparticles from plant proteins, and their properties and potential applications. The review’s specific focus is on the preparation methods and applications, rather than the properties of the proteins, which have been reported in detail in other publications.

Zein-Based Nanoparticles as Oral Carriers for Insulin Delivery

“…Second, its lipophilic character that facilitate both the preparation of stable nanoparticles, without the need for stabilization or cross-linking procedures [29], and the modification of their surface with different coating agents by simple non-covalent based procedures [31,43]. Third, its lower allergenicity [44] and slower digestion than other proteins [45].…”

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 ].…”

Novel Development of Nanoparticles—A Promising Direction for Precise Tumor Management

“…Compared with animal protein, plant protein has better biocompatibility and less immunogenicity [ 161 ]. Lee et al developed chondroitin sulfate hybrid zein nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of docetaxel.…”