Emerging biopolymer nanocarriers for controlled and protective delivery of food bioactive compounds- current status and future perspective

Nanotechnology offers various nanostructures that can enhance the bioavailability and solubility of bioactive food ingredients. Among these, nanocarriers play a significant role in the delivery of bioactive food compounds. Biopolymers are commonly used to fabricate nanocarriers, enabling encapsulation, protection, and controlled release of nutraceuticals. This review explores the use of nanocarriers, particularly biopolymer-based ones, for the delivery of bioactive food compounds. Gum-based, alginate-based, and plant protein-based nanocarriers have been discussed, highlighting their ability to deliver compounds to targeted sites, enhance bioavailability, and mitigate side effects. In addition, the development of nutraceutical delivery systems has been examined to provide insights for future applications. The review also delves into the advancements in photoactive nanocarriers, emphasizing their reliability and minimally invasive nature for the on-demand delivery of active payloads. This review elucidates the effects and advantages of various biopolymer-based carriers for encapsulating, protecting, and delivering bioactive compounds. Emerging nanocarriers offer controlled and protective delivery of food-derived bioactive compounds, addressing the need for efficient nutraceutical delivery systems. Overall, this review comprehensively discusses different types of emerging nanocarriers and their applications in the controlled and protective delivery of food-derived bioactive compounds. This highlights the promising prospects of utilizing nanotechnology to enhance the efficacy and safety of nutraceuticals, paving the way for innovative solutions in the food and medical industries. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd.