Affiliation:
1. Laboratory of Food Technology, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, P.O.
Box 474, RS, Brazil
2. Marine Station of Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio
Grande, P.O. Box 474, RS, Brazil
Abstract
Abstract:
Bioactive compounds derived from food or plants have become a natural source with
the potential for producing functional, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical foods due to their biological
functions and beneficial health effects. However, to perform such physiological processes,
these compounds need to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Among the existing technologies,
nanoencapsulation increases physical stability, protection, and the contact surface, facilitating
the solubility and bioavailability of such compounds. In this type of encapsulation, lipid
nanocarriers are promising carriers due to their lipid structure and containing hydrophilic surfactant,
capable of facilitating the intestinal absorption of active compounds. However, in food or
drugs, one of the significant challenges for applying bioactive compounds on a nanoscale is the
lack of in vivo studies that establish safety limits for cytotoxicity. This review covered recent
studies on the encapsulation of natural bioactive compounds in different types of lipid nanocarriers.
In addition to methods for obtaining and characterizing nanocarriers, bioactivities with beneficial
potential for human health, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic,
and neuroprotective, are mentioned. The manuscript deals with the bioaccessibility of active compounds,
new perspectives, and challenges for applying lipid nanocarriers.
Funder
Brazilian Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics