Hemp Proteins Conjugated with Green Tea Polyphenol Extract Form De Novo Plant‐Sourced Emulsifiers Suitable for Nanodelivery Systems Bearing Lipophilic Psychopharmaceuticals
Advanced Therapeutics – October 05, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A novel delivery system enhances the stability and bioavailability of sensitive compounds like 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). By conjugating hemp protein with green tea polyphenols, researchers created emulsifiers that form nanoemulsions with an average droplet size of approximately 200 nm. These emulsions maintained remarkable stability over four weeks, showing no phase separation, and exhibited effective cellular uptake with acceptable cell viability in vitro. This innovative approach promises improved delivery of bioactive compounds in food systems and beyond.
Abstract
Abstract Nanoformulation is often used to improve the solubility and uptake of bioactives; however, it also protects sensitive bioactives from chemical decomposition. A class of biocompatible emulsifiers created by conjugating hemp protein with green tea polyphenols is reported. A simple pH‐assisted coupling protocol is employed to synthesize covalent and non‐covalent conjugates, which are then used to produce 5‐methoxy‐ N,N‐ dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) enriched hemp oil nanoemulsions (NEs) in water with an average droplet size of ca. 200 nm and ζ potential values of ca. −40 mV. The de novo emulsifiers protect the sensitive drug under conditions of simulated oxidative stress, an indication that the antioxidant properties of polyphenols are retained within the emulsifier. These emulsions are resistant to a wide variety of emulsion‐breaking stressors and demonstrated remarkable colloidal stability over a period of 4 weeks with no evidence of phase separation. Fluorescence and confocal imaging confirmed cellular uptake of the formulation, while in vitro cytotoxicity assays showed acceptable cell viability with drug‐loaded nanoemulsions. The sensitivity of 5‐MeO‐DMT mandates some form of formulation for reasonable bioavailability and reproducible dosages; our novel nanodelivery platform provides an elegant solution to this problem.