Research advances in aggregation mechanisms and regulatory strategies of common plant-derived proteins

Plant-derived proteins represent sustainable alternatives, yet controlling their aggregation in complex food matrices remains a key challenge. This paper systematically reviews how protein properties, environmental conditions, and processing parameters influence aggregation behavior of plant-derived protein. Furthermore, it summarizes various regulatory approaches—including self-assembly, macromolecular interactions, chemical methods, thermal, and physical treatments—highlighting their specific challenges and solutions. This paper suggests a synergistic strategy that integrates molecular self-assembly with the cooperative effects of biomacromolecules. This approach can regulate protein aggregation structures and improve interfacial stability. To address limitations in predicting aggregation kinetics, an AI-driven framework with machine learning enables precise simulation of multiscale structural evolution. This approach achieves nanoscale control of plant protein aggregates, improving emulsion stability under high oil-phase loading. Therefore, this review supports innovative applications of plant-derived proteins in meal-replacement emulsions and personalized nutrient delivery systems for precision nutrition.