Properties and applications of natural dendritic nanostructures: Phytoglycogen and its derivatives

Background: Phytoglycogen (PG) exists as natural hyperbranched starch-like dendritic nanoparticles which are biosynthesized mainly by sugary mutant grains that are lack of debranching enzymes. In recent decade, PG has received considerable attention as a biodegradable nanoscale delivery system to improve solubility and bioavailability of bioactive compounds, due to its excellent loading capacity and low toxicity. However, there is no comprehensive reviews that provide a state-of-the-art summary on its natural origins, extractions, structures, properties and applications. Scope and approach: This review aims to firstly review the biosynthesis of PG nanoparticles in natural grains and compare current extraction and purification methods that are widely used in recent years. Meanwhile, structural and physicochemical properties, as well as chemical modifications of PG nanoparticles are introduced in detail. Furthermore, traditional and novel applications of PG nanoparticles in food and pharmaceutical fields are discussed, providing the in-depth understanding on how the new discoveries could potentially revolutionize the food and pharmaceutical industries. Key findings and conclusions: The unique hyperbranched dendritic nanostructure makes PG an excellent nano carrier for lipophilic bioactive compounds. Although the applications of PG nanoparticles as an oral delivery system are limited by its rapid digestion in intestinal fluids, various strategies including surface modification and complexation with other biopolymers may offer new possibilities to address this challenge. Furthermore, current limitations and our vision for future research directions on using PG nanoparticles as oral delivery system are also provided in this critical review.

Automated summary

This review provides an overview of the biosynthesis, extraction, structure, properties, and applications of phytoglycogen (PG) nanoparticles, with a focus on their applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It highlights the potential of PG as a nano carrier for lipophilic bioactive compounds due to its unique hyperbranched dendritic nanostructure, while also addressing the challenges in using PG nanoparticles as an oral delivery system, suggesting strategies such as surface modification and complexation with other biopolymers to overcome these limitations.