Bioactive Compound Delivery in Protein-Based Systems

Protein-based carriers exploit the inherent structural diversity and functional versatility of proteins—from milk‐derived caseins and whey proteins to serum albumins and lactoferrins—to encapsulate, protect and release vitamins, polyphenols, peptides and other bioactive agents. By harnessing processes such as self‐assembly, thermal gelation, coacervation and spray drying, these systems form micro‐ or nanoscale matrices—hydrogels, microcapsules, nanoparticles and emulsions—that shield sensitive compounds from degradation during processing, storage and digestion. Tailored interactions, including hydrophobic binding and electrostatic attraction, enable controlled loading and release in response to pH, ionic strength or enzymatic stimuli. Such platforms address global challenges in food fortification, nutraceutical delivery and oral drug administration, offering enhanced solubility of poorly water‐soluble agents, improved bioavailability and targeted release profiles. Ongoing efforts focus on scalable fabrication, reproducible particle morphology and in vitro–in vivo correlation of digestive behaviour to ensure consistency from bench to application.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Research from all publishers

Recent work has advanced the design and application of whey protein–based delivery vehicles, demonstrating that these amphiphilic building blocks can be assembled into nanoparticles, hydrogels, oleogels and nanoemulsions tailored to protect labile bioactives and modulate release kinetics. This survey highlights how variations in protein conformation, crosslinking density and carrier architecture influence encapsulation efficiency and gastrointestinal stability, underlining the potential for food and pharmaceutical sectors to exploit bespoke protein matrices.

A study on lactoferrin‐iron carriers produced via nano spray drying has shown that process parameters yield particles ranging from tens of nanometres to micrometres with distinct morphologies and high structural integrity. These particles maintain protein secondary and tertiary structures, exhibit pH‐triggered iron release—rapid at gastric pH yet stable at neutral pH—and display promise for addressing iron‐deficiency anaemia through fortified foods with minimal sensory impact.

Investigations into the dynamic in vitro digestion of lactoferrin–curcumin nanoparticles using a realistic gastric model reveal how particle destabilisation, aggregation and protein hydrolysis govern the timed release of curcumin. Measurements of hydrodynamic size, zeta potential and intrinsic fluorescence throughout semi‐dynamic digestion demonstrate that protein–polyphenol interactions can be optimised to enhance bioaccessibility, offering a blueprint for rational design of orally delivered nanocarriers.

Bioactive Compound Delivery in Protein-Based Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in bioactive compound delivery in protein-based systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Bioactive compound: A molecule such as a vitamin, polyphenol or peptide that exerts a beneficial effect on health.

Encapsulation: The process of enclosing bioactive agents within a carrier matrix to protect and control their release.

Nanoparticle: A particle with dimensions typically between 1 and 100 nanometres, often used to improve solubility and stability of bioactives.

Zeta potential: The electrical potential at the slipping plane of a particle in suspension, indicating colloidal stability.

Hydrophobic interaction: Non‐polar association between molecules that drives the binding of lipophilic compounds within protein matrices.

Bioavailability: The proportion of an ingested compound that reaches systemic circulation and is available for physiological activity.

Hydrogel: A three‐dimensional network of crosslinked polymers capable of retaining water, used to encapsulate and release bioactives in response to environmental triggers.

References

1. Protein-Based Structures for Food Applications: From Macro to Nanoscale. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (2018).
2. Lactoferrin as a carrier of iron: Development and physicochemical characterization. Food Hydrocolloids (2023).
3. A Review of Whey Protein-Based Bioactive Delivery Systems: Design, Fabrication, and Application. Foods (2024).
4. Assessing the In Vitro Digestion of Lactoferrin-Curcumin Nanoparticles Using the Realistic Gastric Model. Nanomaterials (2023).