Protein microcapsules: Preparation and applications

• Organized assemblies of proteins form microcapsules.
• Preparative methods include covalent and non covalent interactions.
• Stable, non toxic and size tunable capsules are possible.

Liposomes and polymerosomes generally represent the two most widely used carriers for encapsulating compounds, in particular drugs for delivery. While these are well established carriers, recent applications in biomedicine and food industry have necessitated the use of proteins as robust carriers that are stable under extreme acidic and basic conditions, have practically no toxicity and are able to withstand high shear force. This review highlights the different methods for using proteins as encapsulating materials and lists some biomedical applications of the microcapsules. The advantages and limitations in the capsules from the different preparation routes are enumerated.

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