Tailoring Delivery System Functionality Using Microfluidics

Abstract

Various methods are currently used by the food industry to investigate and prepare emulsions, encapsulates, and other structures. However, these techniques do not allow accurate control over processing variables, which can negatively impact the resultant product properties. In this context, microfluidic technology has been proposed as a powerful tool for the development of innovative food structures, given its use of small amounts of fluids and high reproducibility, resulting in monodisperse droplets and particles. These benefits prove useful when a researcher is interested in investigating the fundamental effects of specific variables while keeping the others under precise control. This review presents an overview of the use of microfluidic devices as technological tools for the preparation of innovative food products and discusses their potential for the development of tailored delivery systems.