Abstract
Food crops, as the cornerstone of human nutrition, not only provide essential macronutrients but also encompass a rich spectrum of bioactive compounds that promote health. Of particular significance are underutilized minor crops, which contain unique beneficial components with proven nutraceutical properties. These valuable bioactive components can be effectively concentrated into plant-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles (PDVLNs), which play crucial roles in maintaining human health and reducing disease risks. Furthermore, owing to their inherent stability and low immunogenicity, PDVLNs serve as an innovative natural and eco-friendly delivery platform with applications spanning agricultural production, particularly in crop nutrient fortification and biomedicine. Consequently, PDVLNs derived from food crops have emerged as a pivotal research focus, garnering substantial scientific attention. However, a comprehensive review of food crop-derived PDVLNs and their potential applications remains lacking. This review presents an in-depth analysis of the nutritional composition and distribution patterns in two major food groups- cereals and legumes- while systematically examining current advances and future directions in food crop nutritional enhancement. Additionally, we elucidate the fundamental characteristics and functions of PDVLNs, and explore recent breakthroughs in their applications derived from food crops. Finally, we offer novel perspectives and research directions for understanding PDVLNs in food crops, with special emphasis on minor crops rich in nutritional value and bioactive compounds.