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.