Recent advances in the application of novel carriers for peptide delivery

Bioactive peptides (BPs) are characterized by their low molecular weight, low toxicity, ease of absorption, and high biological activity. Additionally, they exhibit various beneficial properties such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, their practical applications in food, pharmaceutical, and other industries are limited due to their low stability, rapid degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, and poor bioavailability. Carriers offer a potential solution by improving the stability and bioavailability of BPs. Despite advancements, existing carriers with targeted and controlled release capabilities often fail to meet the specific requirements of certain BPs, such as achieving a high encapsulation rate and maximizing bioavailability. Furthermore, there is a notable lack of academic research exploring the preparation methods, characterization techniques, and application scenarios of these carriers. This review critically evaluates the limitations of existing carriers and emphasizes the need for novel carriers. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of the functional properties, preparation methods, and characterization techniques of novel carriers. The advantages and disadvantages of these carriers are also summarized to assist in selecting the most suitable carrier for specific application scenarios. This information aims to address challenges associated with the effective delivery of BPs, advancing their utility across various industries. • The differences of the novel carriers and the conventional carriers were analyzed. • The functional properties, preparation and characterization methods of novel carriers for bioactive peptides were reviewed. • The development of novel carriers is critical for better application of bioactive peptides. • The future of novel carriers for bioactive peptides will be smarter and more functionalized.