Background Vitamins are bioactive molecules necessary for human health, which are sensible to degradation. During consumption, the bioavailability of these compounds might be limited due to structure break-down and low absorption. Today, nanoencapsulation can be a promising approach for targeted delivery of vitamins and protecting these bioactive components against destructive environment during processing and delivery. Regarding the benefits of utilizing nanotechnology in the food sector, safety aspects of these tiny carriers should also be clarified as this technology develops. Due to the possible negative effects of nanomaterials, several agencies have legislated regulatory policies to prevent potential harms to the consumers, which are underlined in this article. Scope and approach Nanoencapsulation-based technologies are a unique and novel field of investigation in the food and pharmaceutical industry with benefits, such as higher bioavailability, high shelf-stability and controlled release of active compounds. This review highlights recent works on these techniques and advances made in nanoencapsulation of lipophilic and hydrophilic vitamins, safety issues and health risks regarding the consumption of these products, which opens new horizons in food technology and nutrition with possibilities of commercialization in the near future. Key findings and conclusions Recently, considerable progresses are being carried out in the field of food nanoencapsulation involving novel nanovehicles to encapsulate vitamins. Nanofibers and nanohydrogels are some examples of efficient and modern nanocarriers. Overall, the vitamins encapsulated within nanovehicles are considered safe since they are mostly produced from food components, meanwhile more studies should be performed regarding the safety issues of nanodelivery of vitamins. In near future, it is assumed that nanoencapsulated vitamins will be broadly applied the in the food and beverage products.

Nano-encapsulation as a promising approach for targeted delivery and controlled release of vitamins

Today, there is an ever-growing interest on natural food ingredients both by consumers and producers in the food industry. In fact, people are looking for those products in the market which are free from artificial and synthetic additives and can promote their health. These food bioactive ingredients should be formulated in such a way that protects them against harsh process and environmental conditions and safely could be delivered to the target organs and cells. Nanoencapsulation is a perfect strategy for this situation and there have been many studies in recent years for nanoencapsulation of food components and nutraceuticals by different technologies. In this review paper, our main goal is firstly to have an overview of nanoencapsulation techniques applicable to food ingredients in a systematic classification, i.e., lipid-based nanocarriers, nature-inspired nanocarriers, special-equipment-based nanocarriers, biopolymer nanocarriers, and other miscellaneous nanocarriers. Then, application of these cutting-edge nanocarriers for different nutraceuticals including phenolic compounds and antioxidants, natural food colorants, antimicrobial agents and essential oils, vitamins, minerals, flavors, fish oils and essential fatty acids will be discussed along with presenting some examples in each field.

A systematic review on nanoencapsulation of food bioactive ingredients and nutraceuticals by various nanocarriers

Modifying the physicochemical properties of pea protein by pH-shifting and ultrasound combined treatments.

Effects of high intensity ultrasound modification on physicochemical property and water in myofibrillar protein gel.

Effect of high intensity ultrasound on structure and foaming properties of pea protein isolate.

Soy protein nano-aggregates with improved functional properties prepared by sequential pH treatment and ultrasonication

Pea protein is one of the few hypoallergenic vegetable proteins without genetic modification issues. Pea protein isolate (PPI) is a natural emulsifier with high nutritional value. Nevertheless, PPI’s applications in foods are limited by its relatively poor solubility and functional properties. This study was performed to explore the use of a pH-shifting and sonication combined treatment to modify the functional properties of PPI and use the soluble pea protein nanoaggregates produced by the method as base materials to form nanoemulsion and nanocomplex. The ability of these nanocarriers to protect cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) against UV radiation was examined. The stability of nanostructures during storage, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro digestion was evaluated. Generally, the modified PPI-prepared nanoemulsions over-performed the nanocomplexes in all experiments and both showed good protection of vitamin D3 against UV radiation. The stability of the pea protein nanostructures was confirmed in 30-day storage. An improved antioxidant capacity was observed in the ultrasound-treated pea proteins. The modified PPI-prepared nanoemulsions exhibited a significantly higher recovery of vitamin D3 in micelles through in vitro digestion. Therefore, the modified PPI-prepared nanoemulsion may be used as a good natural carrier for protection and delivery of health-promoting compounds in foods.

Shanshan Jiang

Papers

Modifying the physicochemical properties of pea protein by pH-shifting and ultrasound combined treatments.

Soy protein nano-aggregates with improved functional properties prepared by sequential pH treatment and ultrasonication

Pea Protein Nanoemulsion and Nanocomplex as Carriers for Protection of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)