Nanotechnological application of peptide- and protein-based therapeutics

Peptide and protein nanostructures have numerous advantages, including increasing bioavailability, providing better opportunities for formulation, improving drug release, and helping to reduce toxicity. Numerous protein-derived nanomaterials exist, including gelatin, albumin, casein, gliadin, and legumin. They perform numerous biochemical and biological functions. Nanoparticles of protein and peptide are used in several targeted therapies, including tumor therapy, cancer therapy, pulmonary delivery, and vaccines, wherein nanoparticles of protein can be integrated into biodegradable polymers as microspheres for sustained and meticulous releasing. Proteins and peptides are considered ideal biomaterials for preparing nanoparticles, owing to their notable amphiphilicity, which lets the nanomaterials relate with both solvent and drugs. Nanoparticles obtained from proteins and peptides are known to be easily metabolizable and biodegradable and to adapt easily to surface modifications to permit binding of targeting ligands and drugs. However, there is a need to optimize the process and explore ways to improve the applications of protein and peptide nanoparticles.