Innovative Protein Nanostructures and Hybrid Systems for EnhancedEncapsulation and Controlled Delivery of Bioactive Agents

Encapsulation technology is vital in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields for protecting and delivering sensitive bioactive compounds. Proteins, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional diversity, are increasingly used as carriers to enhance stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of bioactives. However, environmental factors such as pH, ionic strength, and enzymatic degradation can limit protein performance. This article reviews novel structural designs and modification strategies for protein-based delivery systems to improve encapsulation efficiency, stability, and targeted delivery of bioactive compounds. The study covers a range of protein architectures, including self-assembled nanostructures, protein nanoparticles, micelles, hydrogels, and hybrid protein-polymer systems. Techniques such as coacervation, crosslinking, and stimuli-responsive mechanisms are discussed to enhance delivery properties. Encapsulation efficiency, protection against degradation, controlled release, and bioavailability enhancement are analyzed. Novel protein structures, such as self-assembled nanocages and hybrid composites, demonstrated superior encapsulation and protection of bioactives against environmental and gastrointestinal degradation. Cross-linking and stimuli-responsive carriers enable targeted and controlled release. Encapsulation techniques such as spray drying, enzymatic cross-linking, and protein-polymer conjugation improve the mechanical and chemical stability of delivery systems. Codelivery platforms and surface functionalization further improve targeted absorption and therapeutic efficacy. Applications span the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sectors, demonstrating promising results in enhancing the stability of functional ingredients, improving drug delivery, and advancing tissue engineering. Innovative protein-based delivery systems with tailored structural modifications offer enhanced encapsulation, protection, and controlled bioactive release, overcoming traditional limitations. Continued advancements in protein engineering and nanotechnology are crucial for optimizing these systems for clinical and industrial use, though challenges such as scalability and enzymatic degradation remain to be addressed.