journal article·2026-03-09Open access

Plant-Derived Nanomaterials and Protein Misfolding Disorders: Green Production Approaches, Biological Interactions, and Research Trends (2015–2025)

Corina Dalia Toderescu, Iulia Cresneac, Alexandru Oancea, Svetlana Trifunschi, Melania Florina Munteanu, Casiana Boru

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 5

Abstract

Protein misfolding and aggregation represent key pathological mechanisms in neurodegenerative and systemic amyloid disorders, yet disease-modifying therapeutic strategies remain limited. In recent years, plant-derived nanomaterials have attracted increasing attention as multifunctional platforms capable of interacting with misfolded proteins and modulating aggregation-related pathways. This review examines the evolution of research between 2015 and 2025 on plant-derived nanomaterials—including green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles, plant extracellular vesicles, and phytochemical-based nano-delivery systems—in the context of protein misfolding disorders. The available literature was analyzed to identify principal mechanisms of action, experimental models, and emerging therapeutic perspectives. Current evidence suggests that these nanomaterials may influence protein aggregation through direct molecular interactions, modulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory responses, and enhancement of cellular protein clearance processes. However, the field remains characterized by methodological heterogeneity, limited standardization, and insufficient translational validation. By synthesizing recent developments, this review highlights key research trends, mechanistic gaps, and future directions necessary for advancing plant-derived nanomaterials toward biomedical applications targeting protein misfolding diseases.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Alzheimer's disease research and treatments · Advanced Nanomaterials in Catalysis · Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Faculty of Pharmacy, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310048 Arad, Romania

Faculty of Medicines, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310048 Arad, Romania

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