Protein biomolecules including enzymes, cagelike proteins, and specific peptides have been continuously exploited as functional biomaterials applied in catalysis, nutrient delivery, and food preservation in food-related areas. However, natural proteins usually function well in physiological conditions, not industrial conditions, or may possess undesirable physical and chemical properties. Currently, rational protein design as a valuable technology has attracted extensive attention for the rational engineering or fabrication of ideal protein biomaterials with novel properties and functionality. This article starts with the underlying knowledge of protein folding and assembly and is followed by the introduction of the principles and strategies for rational protein design. Basic strategies for rational protein engineering involving experienced protein tailoring, computational prediction, computation redesign, and de novo protein design are summarized. Then, we focus on the recent progress of rational protein engineering or design in the application of food science, and a comprehensive summary ranging from enzyme manufacturing to cagelike protein nanocarriers engineering and antimicrobial peptides preparation is given. Overall, this review highlights the importance of rational protein engineering in food biomaterial preparation which could be beneficial for food science.
Keywords: antimicrobial peptides; food enzymes; nanocarriers; protein design; strategies.