Nanoencapsulation Techniques for Bioactive Compound Delivery in Food Systems
Summary
Nanoencapsulation encompasses a suite of techniques designed to entrap vitamins, antioxidants, antimicrobials and other bioactive molecules within protective carriers measuring 1–1,000 nm. Common platforms include lipid-based systems (such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers), polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and nanogels. These carriers shield sensitive compounds from environmental degradation, improve solubility of poorly water-soluble molecules and enable controlled or triggered release at target sites in the gastrointestinal tract. By tailoring carrier composition—using food-grade phospholipids, biopolymers like chitosan or polysaccharides—and modulating particle size and surface charge, researchers have enhanced stability during processing and storage, optimised mucoadhesion and fine-tuned release profiles under physiological conditions. Globally, these advances underpin the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals that deliver health-promoting ingredients more effectively, offering potential to reduce dosage, minimise off-flavours and extend shelf life. Integration of nanoencapsulation with conventional food matrices has also paved the way for novel formulations, from fortified beverages to smart packaging, signalling a new era in food innovation.
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Nanoencapsulation Techniques for Bioactive Compound Delivery in Food Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanoencapsulation techniques for bioactive compound delivery in food systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Nanoencapsulation: Enclosing bioactive compounds within nanoscale carriers to protect them and control their release.
Nanoliposome: A spherical lipid bilayer vesicle in the nanometre size range used to encapsulate both water-soluble and lipid-soluble compounds.
Solid lipid nanoparticle: A submicrometre particle composed of a solid lipid core stabilised by surfactants or polymers, offering controlled release and high stability.
Nanoemulsion: A kinetically stable dispersion of oil and water phases with droplet sizes below 200 nm, enhancing solubility and absorption of lipophilic actives.
Bioavailability: The fraction of an ingested compound that reaches systemic circulation in an active form.
References
- Overcoming Biopotency Barriers: Advanced Oral Delivery Strategies for Enhancing the Efficacy of Bioactive Food Ingredients. Advanced Science (2024).
- Nanoencapsulation of Promising Bioactive Compounds to Improve Their Absorption, Stability, Functionality and the Appearance of the Final Food Products. Molecules (2021).
- Nanoliposomes and Tocosomes as Multifunctional Nanocarriers for the Encapsulation of Nutraceutical and Dietary Molecules. Molecules (2020).
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