title: Nanochemistry of Protein-Based Delivery Agents.
abstract: The past decade has seen an increased interest in the conversion of food proteins into functional biomaterials, including their use for loading and delivery of physiologically active compounds such as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Proteins possess a competitive advantage over other platforms for the development of nanodelivery systems since they are biocompatible, amphipathic, and widely available. Proteins also have unique molecular structures and diverse functional groups that can be selectively modified to alter encapsulation and release properties. A number of physical and chemical methods have been used for preparing protein nanoformulations, each based on different underlying protein chemistry. This review focuses on the chemistry of the reorganization and/or modification of proteins into functional nanostructures for delivery, from the perspective of their preparation, functionality, stability and physiological behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Sciences, Dalhousie University Truro, NS, Canada.
authors.forename: Subin R C K
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Rajendran
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Sciences, Dalhousie University Truro, NS, Canada.
authors.forename: Chibuike C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Udenigwe
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Rickey Y
authors.initials: RY
authors.lastname: Yada
keywords: bioavailability; nanochemistry; nanodelivery systems; protein chemistry; protein nanoparticles