Hetero-protein systems: an effective strategy to improve the functional properties of protein

Background

The production of animal protein poses sustainability challenges, while single-source proteins often lack comprehensive functionality. Thus, protein-protein interactions (PPIs) have been increasingly explored to enhance protein properties.

Scope and approach

This review summarizes major protein sources of hetero-protein systems and their current applications. It also outlines fabrication techniques and corresponding mechanisms, meanwhile provides an in-depth discussion that how varied factors influence PPIs and how PPIs, in turn, affect system functionality. Furthermore, this review anticipates and explores future research directions.

Key findings and conclusions

Currently, hetero-protein systems are primarily composed of conventional plant/animal proteins. Whereas, emerging proteins (insect/microbial proteins) remain underutilized due to limitations. Hetero-protein systems are formed through covalent and/or non-covalent interactions under various techniques, with each technique yielding distinct structural forms. Factors such as protein extraction methods, environmental conditions (temperature, ionic strength, and pH), protein structure, and protein concentration significantly influence PPIs which can be tailored to optimize the functional (physical/nutritional) properties of hetero-protein systems. There is a need to explore the feasibility of combining different technologies to fabricate hetero-protein systems from various emerging proteins, as well as to expand their application. Hetero-protein systems show great potential applications in cell-cultured meat scaffolds and foods for the elderly.