Abstract

Nanoencapsulation has emerged as a cutting-edge technique for enhancing the delivery and bioavailability of food and nutraceuticals. This method involves the incorporation of active ingredients into nanocarriers, such as liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, and polymeric nanoparticles, which protect the active compounds from degradation and improve their controlled release. Recent advances in nanoencapsulation technologies have significantly increased the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of food and nutraceutical ingredients, enhancing their therapeutic and functional properties. In food systems, nanoencapsulation can improve nutrient absorption, extend shelf-life, and provide targeted delivery, thereby improving consumer health. In nutraceuticals, it offers the potential for enhancing the efficacy of bioactive compounds in preventing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This review discusses recent innovations in nanoencapsulation for food and nutraceutical delivery systems, the mechanisms underlying their efficacy, and the challenges that remain for scaling these technologies. It highlights the promise of nanoencapsulation in revolutionizing the food and nutraceutical industries for more effective, bioavailable products.