Nanoencapsulation of nutraceuticals: enhancing stability and bioavailability in functional foods

Abstract

While nutraceuticals hold great promise for improving health, their efficacy is often limited by the poor stability and low bioavailability of many bioactive compounds. Nanoencapsulation has emerged as a transformative solution to these challenges, involving nanoscale carriers that protect sensitive nutrients from degradation and enhance their absorption. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanoencapsulation strategies in the food and nutrition domain. We outline the historical development of key nanocarrier systems, from early liposomal delivery vehicles to advanced lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and biopolymer-based nanoparticles engineered for improved nutraceutical delivery. The physicochemical and biological mechanisms responsible for enhancing the performance of nan