Molecular Engineering of the Nano-Bio Interface for Programmable and Precision Protein Delivery.

Abstract

Protein therapeutics offer unparalleled specificity and immediate bioactivity for addressing complex pathologies; however, their vast therapeutic potential is fundamentally constrained by intrinsic structural vulnerability and the formidable barrier of cellular membrane impermeability. This review delineates the transformative paradigm shift in nanoparticle-mediated protein delivery, where advanced molecular engineering enables the precise orchestration of the nano-bio interface and exceptional spatiotemporal resolution. We systematically summarize a diverse repertoire of cutting-edge nanoplatforms-including lipid nanoparticles, polymeric assemblies, porous nanomaterials, and supramolecular architectures-highlighting how their chemical compositions and structural motifs are tailored to navigate multi-scale physiological barriers. A central emphasis is placed on strategic innovations in high-efficiency protein encapsulation, organ-selective targeting, and the critical transition from endosomal sequestration to cytosolic liberation, all of which are pivotal for maximizing therapeutic potency. Furthermore, we critically address the current challenges in tissue-specific delivery and envision future frontiers, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven nanocarrier discovery, long-term biosafety, the path toward manufacture and clinical translation. By bridging materials chemistry with the complex cell biology of proteins, this review provides a visionary roadmap for the next generation of delivery systems, aiming to redefine the landscape of protein-based molecular medicine.