Peptide-Based Approaches for Biomolecule Encapsulation, Storage, and Preservation: A Comprehensive Review

Abdulazizu Bala; Shehu-Alimi Elelu; Ganiyat Omotayo Ibrahim; Idowu Afeez Temitope; Miracle Uwa Livinus; Abdullahi Mustapha Yasir; Musa Ojeba Innocent; Mustapha Abdulsalam

doi:10.55006/biolsciences.2025.5204

Authors

Abdulazizu Bala Department of Microbiology, Skyline University, Nigeria
Shehu-Alimi Elelu Department of Chemistry, Howard University, Washington DC, USA
Ganiyat Omotayo Ibrahim Department of Chemistry, Nottingham Trent University, UK
Idowu Afeez Temitope Department of Medicinal Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan
Miracle Uwa Livinus Department of Biochemistry, Skyline University, Nigeria
Abdullahi Mustapha Yasir Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dustin-Ma, Nigeria
Musa Ojeba Innocent Department of Microbiology, Skyline University, Nigeria
Mustapha Abdulsalam Department of Microbiology, Skyline University, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55006/biolsciences.2025.5204

Keywords:

Peptides, Biomolecule encapsulation, Biomolecule preservation, Storage stability, Biocompatibility

Abstract

Peptide-based encapsulation systems have gained significant attention in recent years as a promising strategy for the stabilization, storage, and preservation of biomolecules. These systems offer distinct advantages over traditional encapsulation methods due to the unique properties of peptides, such as biocompatibility, tunable structure, and the ability to form stable complexes with various biomolecules. This study provides a comprehensive overview of peptide-based approaches for encapsulating proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules, focusing on their mechanisms, design principles, and applications. The study explores the underlying physicochemical interactions between peptides and biomolecules, such as hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic forces, which are essential for achieving effective encapsulation and stabilization. Moreover, the study examines several types of peptide-based systems, including hydrogels, self-assembled structures, nanoparticles, and peptide coatings, highlighting their respective advantages, challenges, and current applications in drug delivery, enzyme preservation, vaccine storage, and diagnostics. This study also discusses the key challenges in scaling these systems for industrial use, such as cost-effectiveness, long-term stability, and biocompatibility, while identifying future research directions aimed at enhancing the performance of peptide-based systems. In particular, the integration of peptide encapsulation with nanotechnology and gene editing holds great promise for advancing therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Despite current limitations, peptide-based encapsulation is poised to play a transformative role in biopreservation, biotechnology, and medicine in the coming years.

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