Advancing Drug Delivery with Plant Protein-based Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Overview

Abstract

The advancement of nanotechnology has made it possible to deliver small molecular drugs in nano-sized particles to target tissues. In this context, natural biomolecules, such as proteins, have gained significant attention as a safer alternative to synthetic polymers commonly used in nanoparticle production. Plant proteins, in particular, are preferred over animal proteins due to their lower risk of causing allergic reactions. Notable plant proteins include zein, soy protein, and wheat protein (gliadin, gluten). Plant protein nanoparticles can be fabricated using various methods, including emulsion, electrospray, desolvation, and complex coacervation, utilizing plant proteins like zein, gliadin, legumin, and soy protein. This review provides an overview of several plant proteins, their applications as excipients or vehicles in drug delivery, and the methods employed to fabricate plant protein nanoparticles. The review aims to shed light on the utilization of natural proteins as alternative excipients in nanotechnology