Protein Nanoparticle as a Versatile Drug Delivery System in Nanotechnology

Abstract

Protein nanoparticles are extensively investigated as versatile drug delivery systems, due to their nanoscale size, container-like shape, natural source, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. They provide three distinct interfaces: internal, external, and inter-subunit interfaces for modifications. Chemistry and genetic engineering provide powerful tools to functionalize protein nanoparticles. Through modifications to the three interfaces, protein nanoparticles can be functionalized with drug encapsulation, controlled drug release, controlled disassembly, and tumor targeting capabilities. This mini review introduced the fundamentals of protein nanoparticles as drug delivery systems, focused on modifications to the three different interfaces, and elucidated different strategies and mechanisms used in integrating multiple functionalities in protein nanoparticles.