Exploring Protein-Polyphenol Interactions: Mechanisms, Structural Changes, and Applications in Food and Pharmacology

Protein-polyphenol interactions play a central role in food science, pharmacology, and biochemistry, affecting protein and polyphenol stability, bioavailability, and activity. These interactions often involve non-covalent forces, including hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions. Despite growing interest, gaps remain in understanding the precise molecular mechanisms behind these interactions and their broader implications, particularly regarding protein aggregation, drug delivery, and functional food development.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of protein-polyphenol interactions, with a focus on the non-covalent forces and structural changes involved, and their potential applications in enhancing nutritional and therapeutic value.We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Analytical and computational methods (e.g., spectroscopic techniques, molecular modelling, in silico approaches) for characterizing protein-polyphenol interactions- Non-covalent binding forces (hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, hydrophobic interactions) and their role in protein-polyphenol complex formation- Structural changes in proteins induced by polyphenol binding, including effects on conformation and stability- Protein aggregation mechanisms linked to polyphenol interactions- Encapsulation of polyphenols in plant-based and dairy proteins, and the resulting bioactivity of the formed particles- Applications of protein-polyphenol complexes in drug delivery systems- Applications of protein-polyphenol interactions in functional food development, including effects on nutritional and therapeutic value- Toxicological and food safety assessment of protein-polyphenol complexes, including natural bioactive compounds and their interactions at the food-drug interface Topic editors: Mirela Kopjar, Manos Christos Vlasiou Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84071/exploring-protein-polyphenol-interactions-mechanisms-structural-changes-and-applications-in-food-and-pharmacology