Production of novel vitamin D3 loaded lipid nanocapsules for milk fortification

Lipid nanoparticles are carriers to improve stability, solubility, and efficacy of bioactive compounds. In this paper, novel vitamin D₃ loaded lipid nanocapsules (LNC) were produced by phase inversion method. The produced nanocapsules were characterised by particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and encapsulation load. LNC showed sizes in the range of 31.43 to 36.66 nm. Optimum LNC formulation was selected for further analysis (such as morphological study, analysis of chemical structure, release study, and sensory evaluation). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that particles had approximately spherical shape. The Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that no adverse reactions occurred between vitamin D₃ and lipid nanocapsules. About 9.6% of vitamin released in gastric simulated solution (pH: 1.2), which indicated that LNC can protect vitamin against acidic conditions. Sensory evaluation revealed the potential application of produced vitamin D₃ loaded LNC for development of fortified milk.     

Emulsion electrospinning: Fundamentals,food applications and prospects

BackgroundIn the past decades, many natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant, immunoregulatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities have been successfully identified in plant and animal materials. However, due to their poor solubility, unfavorable flavor, low bioavailability and instability during food processing and storage, the development of bioactive compounds used in the food industry presents many technological challenges.Scope and approachEmulsion electrospinning is a novel and simple technique to fabricate core-shell nanofibers, and either water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions can be electrospun to directly encapsulate hydrophilic or hydrophobic compounds into core-shell fibers, respectively. This review introduces fundamentals and advantages of emulsion electrospinning as well as its food applications. The effects of different types of emulsifiers on the formation of emulsion systems and emulsion-based electrospun fibers are highlighted. Further, the existing limitations and scope for future research are discussed.Key findings and conclusionsRecent studies have found that the emulsion-based electrospun nanofibers can enhance the encapsulation efficiency, stability, and bioavailability of bioactive compounds, as well as achieve targeted delivery and controlled release, thus providing new strategies to improve their barrier performance compared to conventional electrospinning and therefore facilitating the development of emulsion-based electrospun mats in the food industry.     

Coaxial electrospraying of biopolymers as a strategy to improve protection of bioactive food ingredients

Coaxial electrospraying is a promising technique for the production of multilayer encapsulation structures whose potential has already been demonstrated for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The aim of this work was to extend its application to the food sector by developing novel coaxially electrosprayed microcapsules using all food-grade materials. For this purpose, zein and gelatin were used as shell biopolymers to microencapsulate two model bioactive ingredients, i.e. epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as a model hydrophilic compound and α-linolenic acid (ALA) as a model hydrophobic molecule. The performance of the coaxially-obtained particles in terms of protection was evaluated in comparison with that of uniaxially electrosprayed materials. Particle sizes varied with composition and encapsulation efficiency (EE) was dependent on the chemical affinity between the shell matrix and the bioactive compound, but in general, greater EE was obtained in the coaxial systems. Moreover, enhanced bioactive protection ability was demonstrated by the coaxial structures, as observed in thermal degradation assays (for ALA) and antioxidant activity after in-vitro digestion (for EGCG).Industrial relevanceThis work emphasizes the usefulness of the electrospraying technique for the production of encapsulation structures for bioactive protection using all food-grade materials, without the need of applying high temperatures and generating small capsule sizes (in the submicron range). It also demonstrates that the coaxial configuration may be used to design encapsulation systems with enhanced protection ability for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactive compounds.     

The intelligent delivery systems for bioactive compounds in foods: Physicochemical and physiological conditions,absorption mechanisms,obstacles and responsive strategies

BackgroundBioactive natural compounds have received considerable attention due to their health benefits, including anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes and cardiovascular disease-preventing functions. However, the stability of these sensitive compounds can be influenced by unfavourable environmental conditions during processing and storage. In addition, delivery of bioactive compounds via the oral route is restricted by various physiological barriers, including a harsh pH, gastrointestinal enzymes, the mucus layer, and the epithelium. Intelligent delivery systems are a promising method to protect bioactive molecules from degradation and improve their bioavailability.Scope and approachWe have demonstrated the physicochemical and physiological GI conditions. The structural composition of the epithelium and transport mechanisms of bioactives and nanoparticles across the intestinal epithelium were discussed. The effects of enhanced aqueous solubility, stability, bioaccessibility and bioavailability after encapsulation were illustrated. Furthermore, novel intelligent carriers that are responsive to the oral route, pH, enzymes and cell receptors were also discussed.Key findings and conclusionsThis comprehensive multidisciplinary review provides useful guidelines for the application of bioactive compounds in the food industry. Intelligent carrier systems are designed to improve the low solubility, poor stability and low permeability of the gastrointestinal tract, and they have the potential to improve oral bioavailability.     

Advances in micro and nano-encapsulation of bioactive compounds using biopolymer and lipid-based transporters

BackgroundBioactive compounds possess plenty of health benefits, but they are chemically unstable and susceptible to oxidative degradation. The application of pure bioactive compounds is also very limited in food and drug formulations due to their fast release, low solubility, and poor bioavailability. Encapsulation can preserve the bioactive compounds from environmental stresses, improve physicochemical functionalities, and enhance their health-promoting and anti-disease activities.Scope and approachMicro and nano-encapsulation based techniques and systems have great importance in food and pharmaceutical industries. This review highlights the recent advances in micro and nano-encapsulation of bioactive compounds. We comprehensively discussed the importance of encapsulation, the application of biopolymer-based carrier agents and lipid-based transporters with their functionalities, suitability of encapsulation techniques in micro and nano-encapsulation, as well as different forms of improved and novel micro and nano-encapsulate systems.Key findings and conclusionsBoth micro and nano-encapsulation have an extensive application, but nano-encapsulation can be a promising approach for encapsulation purposes. Maltodextrin in combination with gums or other polysaccharides or proteins can offer an advantageous formulation for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds by using encapsulation techniques. Electro-spinning and electro-spraying are promising technologies in micro and nano-encapsulation, while solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructure lipid carriers are exposing themselves as the promising and new generation of lipid nano-carriers for bioactive compounds. Moreover, phytosome, nano-hydrogel, and nano-fiber are also efficient and novel nano-vehicles for bioactive compounds. Further studies are required for the improvement of existing encapsulate systems and exploring their application in food and gastrointestinal systems for industrial application.     

Encapsulation of β-carotene from sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) juice in furcellaran beads

The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate furcellaran beads as an encapsulation material for β-carotene from sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) juice. Beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation. The influence of bead formulation factors on the particle size and firmness was investigated and the encapsulation efficiency of β-carotene in beads was studied. The nature of the cation, the polymer and cation concentration, and the proportion of volumes of the outer to the inner phase influenced the size and firmness of furcellaran beads. With increasing proportion of sea buckthorn juice in the formulae, firmness of furcellaran beads decreased. The encapsulation efficiency of β-carotene from sea buckthorn juice in furcellaran capsules was 97%. It suggested that furcellaran beads may be applied for β-carotene encapsulation.Industrial relevanceEncapsulation is a rapidly emerging area with multitude of applications in biotechnology, one of them being the controlled release of active biomolecules. The sensitivity to the environmental factors makes furcellaran a promising material for the controlled release of pharmaceuticals, (pro)biotica, and bioactive materials. Entrapment of these materials into the furcellaran beads by protecting them against degradation processes could solve the problem to incorporate health promoting ingredients into food without reducing their bioavailability or functionality. The change of pH in the digestive system could cause degradation of the beads followed by release of bioactive materials in the organism. It does create a basis for new product development in food industry. However, more work regarding to the improvements of bead stability and the release of entrapped materials are required.     

Flavor release from spray-dried amorphous matrix: Effect of lactose content and water plasticization

Glass-forming carbohydrates are widely used as matrix for encapsulation of nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this study, encapsulation systems with lactose/whey protein isolate (WPI) mixtures (4:1, 1:1, and 1:4), or WPI as wall materials and ethyl butyrate as core material were prepared by spray drying. The effects of lactose content and water plasticization on encapsulation efficiency and flavor release were investigated. Wall material consisting of lactose/WPI (4:1) mixture had significantly (P < 0.05) higher encapsulation efficiency. The flavor retention in powders did not have significant decrease with equilibration at 0.33 a_w, while it was dramatically decreased at 0.54 a_w and 0.65 a_w as a result of lactose crystallisation. Mechanical property study showed that the molecular mobility and free volume of encapsulation systems with higher lactose content increased more significantly with increasing water content, which accelerated the diffusion of flavor molecules. Those results may use in the assessment of protection and release characteristics of flavor components in formulated systems.     

Biodegradable polymers as encapsulation materials for cosmetics and personal care markets

The topical and transdermal delivery of active cosmetic ingredients requires safe and non‐toxic means of reaching the target sites without causing any irritation. Preservation of the active ingredients is also essential during formulation, storage and application of the final product. As many biologically active substances are not stable and sensitive to temperature, pH, light and oxidation, they require encapsulation to protect against unwanted degradation and also to target specific and controlled release of the active substance. The use of biodegradable polymers as encapsulation materials offers several advantages over other carrier materials. Encapsulation of active ingredients using biodegradable polymeric carriers can facilitate increased efficacy and bioavailability and they are also removed from the body via normal metabolic pathways. This article reviews current research on biodegradable polymers as carrier or encapsulation materials for cosmetic and personal care applications. Some of the challenges and limitations are also discussed. Examples of biodegradable polymers reviewed include polysaccharides, poly α‐esters, polyalkylcyanoacrylates and polyamidoamine dendrimers.     

Legume proteins are smart carriers to encapsulate hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactive compounds and probiotic bacteria: A review

Encapsulation is a promising technological process enabling the protection of bioactive compounds against harsh storage, processing, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions. Legume proteins (LPs) are unique carriers that can efficiently encapsulate these unstable and highly reactive ingredients. Stable LPs-based microcapsules loaded with active ingredients can thus develop to be embedded into processed functional foods. The recent advances in micro- and nanoencapsulation process of an extensive span of bioactive health-promoting probiotics and chemical compounds such as marine and plant fatty acid-rich oils, carotenoid pigments, vitamins, flavors, essential oils, phenolic and anthocyanin-rich extracts, iron, and phytase by LPs as single wall materials were highlighted. A technical summary of the use of single LP-based carriers in designing innovative delivery systems for natural bioactive molecules and probiotics was made. The encapsulation mechanisms, encapsulation efficiency, physicochemical and thermal stability, as well as the release and absorption behavior of bioactives were comprehensively discussed. Protein isolates and concentrates of soy and pea were the most common LPs to encapsulate nutraceuticals and probiotics. The microencapsulation of probiotics using LPs improved bacteria survivability, storage stability, and tolerance in the in vitro GIT conditions. Moreover, homogenization and high-pressure pretreatments as well as enzymatic cross-linking of LPs significantly modify their structure and functionality to better encapsulate the bioactive core materials. LPs can be attractive delivery devices for the controlled release and increased bioaccessibility of the main food-grade bioactives.     

Microencapsulation of active ingredients in functional foods: From research stage to commercial food products

BackgroundTwelves categories of active ingredients have been recognised to enhance human health. They are to some extent susceptible to certain conditions such as heat, light and low pH. To reduce their susceptibility and achieve controlled release at the target site, various microencapsulation strategies have been introduced.Scope and approachIn this review, the chemical structures, physicochemical properties and beneficial effects of the active components are summarised. Different encapsulation techniques and tailored shell materials have been investigated to optimise the functional properties of microcapsules. Several encapsulated constituents (e.g., amino acids) have been successfully incorporated into food products while others such as lactic acid bacteria are mostly used in the free format. Encapsulating some of these active ingredients will extend their ability to withstand process conditions such as heat and shear, and prolong their shelf stability.Key findings and conclusionsThe functional properties of a microcapsule are encapsulation efficiency, size, morphology, stability, and release characteristics. Several microencapsulation strategies include the use of double emulsions, hybrid wall materials and crosslinkers, increasing intermolecular attraction between shell and core, physical shielding of shell materials, and the addition of certain ions. Other approaches such as the use of hardening agents, nanoencapsulation, or secondary core materials, and the choice of shell materials possessing specific interactions with the core may be used to achieve targeted release of active ingredients. The physicochemical properties of shell materials influence where the active ingredients will be released in vivo. A suitable microencapsulation strategy of active ingredients will therefore expand their applications in the functional foods industry.     

Spray-drying encapsulation of mangiferin using natural polymers

Microencapsulation processes, such as spray-drying are an alternative to enhance solubility of bioactive materials and a good way to preserve, protect and control the release rate of a substance until it reaches its target in the body. Mangiferin is an active phytochemical present in various plants including Mangifera indica L. This substance is reported to have anti-cancer, antioxidant and other properties, but has a low solubility in aqueous medium. In this work mangiferin was encapsulated with four different natural polymers compositions by using spray-drying techniques. The products were characterized by FTIR, SEM and HPLC–ESI-MS. A calibration curve was constructed by HPLC to determine the efficiency of mangiferin incorporation into each encapsulate. The highest encapsulation efficiency was determined to be for pectins using Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) as emulsifier. The nature of the polysaccharide as well as the surfactant used has a considerable influence on drug retaining ability during the spray-drying process.     

Whey protein based electrosprayed nanospheres for encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive compounds from Tinospora cordifolia extract

The synergistic effects of bioactive compounds of Tinospora cordifolia have insulin mimicking and hypoglycemic activity, however, low bioavailability and poor stability limits its potential. In the present study, an appropriate delivery system was developed for the controlled release of its anti-diabetic activity. The bioactive compounds such as palmatine, berberine and palmatoside had better binding energy as observed in docking studies compared to that of the commercial active compounds. However, as these biocompounds from Tinospora cordifolia are associated with low stability and poor bioavailability, these compounds were encapsulated in a core-shell matrix of whey protein isolate. The bioactive compounds had highest antidiabetic activity in chloroform extract with an IC₅₀ concentration of 11.34 mg/ml. An increase in 28.12% activity was observed in nanoemulsion form with an average size of 82.68 ± 4.37 nm. The bioactive compounds were further encapsulated by electrospray technique for increased stability. The particles had an encapsulation efficiency of 91.2 ± 3.27% with an average particle size of 187 ± 2.71 nm. The kinetic study revealed the complete release of bioactive compounds after 24 h of incubation in buffer solution. This formulation can be further explored as novel nutraceutical delivery system with minimal side effects as compared to their synthetic counterparts. Considering the potential application of this developed technology, further upscaling as well as in-vivo experimentation on small as well as large animals should be performed.     

纤维素基材料在风味物质包埋和控释中的研究进展

风味物质在食品中发挥着重要作用,但其稳定性差,易受外界环境影响造成损失或变质。包埋和控释技术的运用能有效提高风味物质的稳定性和释放特性。纤维素基材料因其来源广泛且性能优良,作为壁材、材料增强相和界面稳定剂在风味物质包埋和控释中得到广泛使用。本文概述纤维素基材料的分类、风味包埋技术的特点及相互作用、风味释放机理及调控策略等,并总结和展望纤维素基材料在风味包埋及控释研究领域的发展动态,以期为纤维素基材料在风味缓控释领域中的应用提供理论参考。     

Recent development of lactoferrin-based vehicles for the delivery of bioactive compounds: Complexes,emulsions, and nanoparticles

BackgroundLactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein that exhibits a variety of potentially beneficial biological activities and has favorable safety and biocompatibility characteristics. For these reasons, LF has been widely used as a functional component in the medical, food, and cosmetic industries. Applications of LF-based materials, such as complexes, nanoparticles, hydrogels and emulsions, to encapsulate, protect and deliver bioactive compounds is gaining increasing attention.Scope and approachThis review highlights the considerable potential of LF-based encapsulation and delivery systems by summarizing research progress on the structure, physicochemical properties, and biological activities of LF. In particular, it highlights advances in utilizing LF-based nanocarriers as natural vehicles for nutraceutical delivery and release, as well as strategies for encapsulating LF as a functional ingredient.Key findings and conclusionsFunctional LF-biopolymer complexes can be formed by heat treatment, covalent conjugation or electrostatic assembly under appropriate fabrication conditions. These complexes have been shown to be highly effective for the oral delivery of nutraceuticals and drugs. LF can also be utilized to fabricate emulsions, nanoparticles, or microgels to improve the stability and bioaccessibility of bioactive components. However, there are still a number of challenges associated with optimizing the performance of LF-based delivery systems so that they can be used in commercial applications.     

The Influence of Drying Process Conditions on the Physical Properties,Bioactive Compounds and Stability of Encapsulated Pumpkin Seed Oil

In this study, the influence of encapsulation process conditions on the physical properties and chemical composition of encapsulated pumpkin seed oil was investigated. Four variants of encapsulated oil were prepared: spray-dried non-homogenized emulsions at the inlet temperatures of 180 and 130 °C, spray-dried homogenized emulsion at the inlet temperature of 130 °C, and freeze-dried homogenized emulsion. The emulsion was prepared by mixing 10.6% oil with 19.8% wall materials (15.9% maltodextrin + 0.5% guar gum + 3.9% whey protein concentrate) and 69.6% distilled water. The quality of encapsulated pumpkin seed oil was evaluated by encapsulation efficiency, surface oil, total oil and moisture contents, flowing properties, color, and size. Additionally, fatty acid composition, pigment characteristics, and the content of bioactive compounds (tocopherols, squalene, and sterols) were determined. Changes of these components after the encapsulation process in comparison to the control pumpkin seed oil were considered as stability parameters. The highest encapsulation efficiency was obtained by spray-drying at the inlet temperature of 130 °C. Generally, the spray-drying process had a positive effect upon the physical parameters of encapsulated pumpkin seed oil but results were dependent on process conditions. The higher inlet temperature generated more surface oil, but capsules obtained at the lower temperature were greater in size and more deformed. Although freeze-drying proceeded at a very low temperature, the powder obtained with this technique was characterized by the highest bioactive compound losses (with the exception of sterols) and the lowest stability. The homogenization process applied before spray-drying affected greater polyunsaturated fatty acid, squalene, and pigment degradation. In conclusion, results of the study showed that the spray-drying non-homogenized emulsion was a more recommendable technique for the encapsulation of pumpkin seed oil because of smaller changes of native compounds and better oxidative stability.     

The Effect of Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose on the Stability and Bioaccessibility of Anthocyanin Water-in-Oil-in-Water Emulsions

Water-in-oil-in-water (W₁/O/W₂) emulsions provide protective encapsulation to plant bioactive compounds in food matrix and under gastrointestinal conditions. However, the stability of the emulsions during the storage is crucial for their use in the food industry. Hence, the aim of this study was to enhance the stability and bioaccessibility of W₁/O/W₂ emulsions containing anthocyanins with the use of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa). The emulsions were prepared by ultrasound technology, adding polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) in the inner aqueous phase of emulsions, and lecithin and Tween 20 in the outer aqueous phase. The systems were physicochemical characterized over the time and their behavior under simulated gastrointestinal conditions was investigated. Our results showed high encapsulation efficiencies above 90% and an increase in bioaccessibility with the use of CMCNa. Moreover, the polymer addition slowed down the free fatty acid release and increased the oil digestibility of lecithin-stabilized emulsions. These latter emulsions presented the highest bioaccessibility (31.08?±?1.73%), the more negative values of ζ-potential and no variations on the particle size and the backscattering profile over the time, thus being the most stable emulsions. These results provide useful information for the design of anthocyanin emulsion-based delivery systems to guarantee their functionality in food matrices as well as through the gastrointestinal tract.     

大豆分离蛋白/可溶性大豆多糖作为生物活性物质 包埋载体的研究进展

目前大豆分离蛋白（soy protein isolate,SPI）和可溶性大豆多糖（soluble soy polysaccharide,SSPS）均已实现工业化生产,其在食品领域中得到了广泛的应用。作为生物大分子物质,以SPI和SSPS为壁材来包埋疏水性小分子生物活性物质受到众多学者的关注。以姜黄素为代表的疏水性小分子物质经SPI或SSPS包埋后,其水溶性、热稳定性、pH稳定性、盐稳定性、生物利用率等均得到有效改善。与SSPS相比,SPI包埋的微胶囊具有更好的荷载量、水溶性和热稳定性,但酸性条件下SSPS包埋的微胶囊则较为稳定。此外,SPI与SSPS复合所形成的核-壳结构又能更进一步提高其微胶囊的水溶性、荷载率和溶液稳定性。这些研究为其商业化应用提供了实验理论依据。本文将从SPI和SSPS的功能特性、微胶囊制备及其对生物活性物质的影响等方面进行阐述,为两者作为小分子生物活性物质包埋载体的相关研究提供理论参考。     

Halloysite Nanocapsules Containing Thyme Essential Oil: Preparation,Characterization, and Application in Packaging Materials

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), which are natural nanomaterials, have a hollow tubular structure with about 15 nm inner and 50 nm outer diameters. Because of their tubular shape, HNTs loaded with various materials have been investigated as functional nanocapsules. In this study, thyme essential oil (TO) was encapsulated successfully in HNTs using vacuum pulling methods, followed by end‐capping or a layer‐by‐layer surface coating process for complete encapsulation. Nanocapsules loaded with TO were mixed with flexographic ink and coated on a paper for applications as food packaging materials. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology of the nanocapsules and to confirm the TO loading of the nanocapsules. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses analysis were used to complement the structural information. In addition, the controlled release of TO from the nanocapsules showed sustained release properties over a period of many days. The results reveal that the release properties of TO in these nanocapsules could be controlled by surface modifications such as end‐capping and/or surface coating of bare nanocapsules. The packaging paper with TO‐loaded HNT capsules was effective in eliminating against Escherichia coli during the first 5 d and showed strong antibacterial activity for about 10 d.     

Encapsulation of thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) aqueous extract in calcium alginate beads

BACKGROUND: Encapsulation of Thymus serpyllum L. aqueous extract within calcium alginate beads was studied in order to produce dosage formulations containing polyphenolic compounds. Electrostatic extrusion was applied for encapsulation of thyme aqueous extract in alginate gel beads. In addition to hydrogel beads, heat‐dried and freeze‐dried forms of beads were examined. METHODS: Encapsulation systems were examined and compared in order to choose the optimal one with respect to entrapment efficiency, preservation of antioxidant activity and thermal behaviour under heating conditions simulating the usual food processing. RESULTS: The beads obtained with approximately 2 mg g^?1 of gallic acid equivalents encapsulated in 0.015 g mL^?1 of alginate were spheres of a uniform size of about 730 µm. Encapsulation efficiency varied in the range 50‐80% depending on the encapsulation method. Besides, the analysis reveals that the encapsulation process and the material used did not degrade the bioactive compounds, as the total antioxidant content remained unchanged. This was verified by Fourier transform infrared analysis, which proved the absence of chemical interactions between extracted compounds and alginate. Addition of a filler substance, such as sucrose and inulin, in the dried product reduced its collapse and roundness distortion during drying process. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the potential of using hydrogel material for encapsulation of plant poplyphenols to improve their functionality and stability in food products. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Encapsulation systems for lutein: A review

BackgroundThe increased demand by consumers for clean labels has encouraged industry to search for replacements of synthetic ingredients in food products, and in particular, colorants. Lutein, a xanthophyll found in marigolds and corn, can be used in food products as a natural colorant replacing yellow food dyes. Moreover, lutein is considered a nutraceutical due to its potentially beneficial health effects, such as prevention of macular degeneration, role in the development of the visual and nervous systems of fetuses, and its antioxidant properties. However, incorporation of lutein into foods is often limited because of its low-water solubility, chemical instability, and poor oral bioavailability. For this reason, colloidal encapsulation systems have been developed to facilitate the incorporation of lutein into aqueous food and beverage products.Scope and approachThis review focuses on exploring encapsulation options for lutein using various emulsion-based, nanoparticle- and microparticle-based and molecular inclusion encapsulation systems, as well as additives that can be used to increase its chemical stability in these systems. This review covers all aspects of lutein encapsulation, including both food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade encapsulation systems.Key findings and conclusionsThough lutein-loaded encapsulation systems are extensively explored in this review, emulsions are of the most interest in industry as they are cost efficient and can be designed to increase the stability of lutein by selecting the proper emulsifiers and emulsification techniques. Despite the extensive amount of research carried out on the encapsulation of hydrophobic bioactive molecules such as lutein, there are still opportunities to develop encapsulation systems that further protect these molecules during storage and also increase their bioavailability after ingestion.