Protein-based Nanomaterials: a New Tool for Targeted Drug Delivery

Abstract

Protein nanomaterials are well-defined, hollow protein nanoparticles comprised of virus capsids, virus-like particles, ferritin, heat shock proteins, chaperonins and many more. Protein-based nanomaterials are formed by the self-assembly of protein subunits and have numerous desired properties as drug-delivery vehicles, including being optimally sized for endocytosis, nontoxic, biocompatible, biodegradable and functionalized at three separate interfaces (external, internal and intersubunit). As a result, protein nanomaterials have been intensively investigated as functional entities in bionanotechnology, including drug delivery, nanoreactors and templates for organic and inorganic nanomaterials. Several variables influence efficient administration, particularly active targeting, cellular uptake, the kinetics of the release and systemic elimination. This review examines the wide range of medicines, loading/release processes, targeted therapies and treatment effectiveness.

Sustainable Biodegradable Biopolymer-Based Nanoparticles for Healthcare Applications

“…Moreover, surface modifications of nanoparticles are also possible [ 52 , 65 ]. They are suitable as carriers for various substances, such as natural or chemical therapeutics, growth factors, peptides, vaccines, and nucleic acids.…”

“…In this way, the potential side effects of the drugs are eliminated, while at the same time, their therapeutic effect at the target site is increased [ 56 ]. Therefore, they can be successfully used in various biomedical applications, especially for tissue engineering and the delivery of drugs and other therapeutics [ 65 , 66 ].…”

Zein-Based Nanoparticles as Active Platforms for Sustainable Applications: Recent Advances and Perspectives

“…Within this context, the use of sustainable polymers from both renewable sources and food byproducts can be beneficial for potentially reducing the pollution generated by synthetic materials. Among different biomaterials, proteins can be considered to be the most promising alternatives to conventional petrol-based materials, not only for their non-toxicity and high biocompatibility, but mainly due to both the fine tailoring of particle size distribution, with smaller particle sizes compared to those obtained with other materials [ 2 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ], and their enhanced affinity to bioactive compounds via a variety of molecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic and π-π interactions, and disulfide bonds [ 11 ]. Bio-based nanoparticles can be utilized as nanocarriers by encapsulating active compounds for potential applications in several sectors, including the medical, pharmaceutical, food packaging, and agricultural fields [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Research advances in Zein-based nano-delivery systems

“…In recent years, advanced materials such as micelles, liposomes, proteins, and metal nanomaterials have obvious advantages in maintaining drug stability, prolonging blood circulation time, controlling drug release, improving bioavailability, reducing toxicity, and enhancing cell absorption (5)(6)(7)(8)(9). Natural protein is promising alternatives material to traditional synthetic materials due to environment-friendliness (10,11). Besides, compared with animal protein, plant protein has received a lot of attention from researchers due to their advantages of inexpensiveness and ready accessibility (12).…”