Sesame-Derived Self-Assembling Peptides Deliver Beta-Carotene With 2.73-Fold Higher Absorption Than Free Form

Sesame protein was hydrolyzed with alkaline protease to produce peptide hydrolysates at 12% degree of hydrolysis. Beta-carotene was encapsulated into the self-assembled peptide nanoparticles under optimized conditions. Nanoparticle characterization included size measurement, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading capacity. Structural changes were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy and secondary structure analysis. Peptidomics (mass spectrometry-based peptide identification) combined with coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations identified the core self-assembling peptides and their interaction mechanisms. In vitro simulated digestion assessed release kinetics. Rat pharmacokinetic studies measured plasma beta-carotene levels and calculated oral bioavailability.

Many valuable nutrients and drug compounds are hydrophobic — they don't dissolve in water, making them difficult for the body to absorb after oral consumption. This study demonstrates that food-derived peptides — from a common and inexpensive source (sesame) — can solve this delivery problem naturally. Unlike synthetic nanocarriers, these peptides are biocompatible, biodegradable, and derived from food-grade ingredients. The 2.73-fold bioavailability improvement is substantial and could improve the effectiveness of beta-carotene supplements and potentially other fat-soluble nutrients.

Food-derived self-assembling peptides represent an emerging class of 'green' nanomaterials for nutraceutical and drug delivery. This study bridges food science and nanotechnology, demonstrating that simple enzymatic processing of a food byproduct (sesame meal) can produce sophisticated self-assembling nanocarriers. The integration of peptidomics with computational molecular dynamics to identify the active peptides is a modern approach that could accelerate the discovery of similar systems from other protein sources.

The study was conducted in rats, whose gastrointestinal physiology differs from humans. The 2.73-fold bioavailability improvement, while significant, still means most beta-carotene is not absorbed. The five identified core peptides need validation as the primary drivers of self-assembly. Manufacturing consistency and shelf stability of the nanoparticles were not addressed. The system was only tested with beta-carotene — applicability to other hydrophobic compounds requires separate validation. Cost comparison with existing beta-carotene formulations was not provided.