A Review of β‐Lactoglobulin‐Based Biomaterials: From Structural Engineering to Multifunctional Biomedical Applications

ABSTRACT Developing novel biomaterials from underutilized biological feedstocks represents a growing research focus. β‐Lactoglobulin (BLG) monomers, globular proteins abundant in ruminant milk, have evolved from a dairy byproduct to a promising raw material for biomedical applications, driven by their structural plasticity, biocompatibility, sustainable sourcing, and scalable production. This review systematically bridges structural engineering strategies with multifunctional biomedical applications, offering a cohesive roadmap for the design and application of BLG‐based biomaterials. Structurally, native BLG monomers exhibit significant plasticity, enabling transformation into diverse architectures, including conformationally distinct BLG monomers, BLG polymers, BLG‐based derivatives, and BLG‐based composites, through methods such as pH adjustment, self‐assembly, or chemical modification. These engineered architectures underpin multifunctional biomedical applications of BLG‐based biomaterials, as demonstrated by advancements in drug/nutrient delivery systems, bio‐scaffolds, nano‐enzymes, adsorbents, biosensors, and coatings. Furthermore, the analysis addresses the advantages of BLG‐based biomaterials, critical design principles, performance‐influencing factors, and their pivotal role in advancing these applications. Additionally, comparisons between BLG‐based biomaterials and other widely used natural biomaterials are made to highlight their unique advantages and limitations. Finally, future research priorities and application challenges for BLG‐based biomaterials are outlined from multiple perspectives. This review aims to present comprehensive insights into BLG‐based materials, advancing next‐generation biomaterials and innovative therapeutics.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-01-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202527338
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Proteins in Food Systems
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
30.02
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A Review of β‐Lactoglobulin‐Based Biomaterials: From Structural Engineering to Multifunctional Biomedical Applications

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1 citations
Advanced Functional Materials
Proteins in Food Systems
30.02
article

A Review of β‐Lactoglobulin‐Based Biomaterials: From Structural Engineering to Multifunctional Biomedical Applications

Min Gong, Jin Chen, Yongmei Wang, Zhu Zeng, Li‐dan Chen, Tao Zhang, Yun Wang, Peng Yu, Jin‐yu Lu, Zu‐quan Hu, Ding‐jia Wang, Qian‐mei Xi
article en
1 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Developing novel biomaterials from underutilized biological feedstocks represents a growing research focus. β‐Lactoglobulin (BLG) monomers, globular proteins abundant in ruminant milk, have evolved from a dairy byproduct to a promising raw material for biomedical applications, driven by their structural plasticity, biocompatibility, sustainable sourcing, and scalable production. This review systematically bridges structural engineering strategies with multifunctional biomedical applications, offering a cohesive roadmap for the design and application of BLG‐based biomaterials. Structurally, native BLG monomers exhibit significant plasticity, enabling transformation into diverse architectures, including conformationally distinct BLG monomers, BLG polymers, BLG‐based derivatives, and BLG‐based composites, through methods such as pH adjustment, self‐assembly, or chemical modification. These engineered architectures underpin multifunctional biomedical applications of BLG‐based biomaterials, as demonstrated by advancements in drug/nutrient delivery systems, bio‐scaffolds, nano‐enzymes, adsorbents, biosensors, and coatings. Furthermore, the analysis addresses the advantages of BLG‐based biomaterials, critical design principles, performance‐influencing factors, and their pivotal role in advancing these applications. Additionally, comparisons between BLG‐based biomaterials and other widely used natural biomaterials are made to highlight their unique advantages and limitations. Finally, future research priorities and application challenges for BLG‐based biomaterials are outlined from multiple perspectives. This review aims to present comprehensive insights into BLG‐based materials, advancing next‐generation biomaterials and innovative therapeutics.

Advanced Functional Materials
Guiyang Medical University (CN), Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University (CN)
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Proteins in Food Systems
30.02
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