Protein?Based Encapsulation Strategies: Toward Micro? and Nanoscale Carriers with Increased Functionality

Proteins and peptides are attractive chemical building blocks to encapsulate protect active substances thanks their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low immunogenicity, added functionality compared synthetic polymers. This review provides a comprehensive overview of micro- nanocapsules predominantly made proteins—both natural artificially produced—and peptides, detailing different fabrication techniques possible applications in various fields, including food technology healthcare. Emphasis is given on the capability proteins assemble into capsular structures absence (e.g., protein cages polypeptide-based coacervates) or presence template, as well physical nature carriers core, i.e., gaseous, liquid, solid.