Chapter 14: Nanostructured Protein-based Systems

Protein is a widely available resource in nature that plays important roles in foods. Many proteins can be used to fabricate nanoscale carriers for delivery of bioactive ingredients. This chapter reviewed nanostructured protein-based delivery systems from their microscopic molecular physicochemical principles to macroscopic structural and functional attributes. The structural, physical and chemical properties of protein-based delivery systems were presented in detail, such as molecular conformation, polarity, size, shape, electric charge, water dispersibility, colloidal stability, and so on. Their preparation techniques, including anti-solvent precipitation, pH-driven, electrospray, and gelation methods, to encapsulate bioactive compounds into protein-based nanostructures, were comprehensively reviewed and summarized. Various modifications based on physical, chemical, and enzymatic approaches to improve the physicochemical properties and functional performance of these nano-delivery systems were also discussed. Plant, animal and microbial proteins that have been widely used in nano-delivery systems were classified and described. Finally, the pros and cons and applicable range of nanostructured protein-based delivery systems were discussed and forecasted.