Zhiheng Zhang

Bio: Zhiheng Zhang is an academic researcher from Jiangnan University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Bioavailability. The author has co-authored 1 publications.

Advances in research on interactions between polyphenols and biology-based nano-delivery systems and their applications in improving the bioavailability of polyphenols

Abstract: Background Plant polyphenols are considered to be one of the most biologically active natural ingredients for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Despite the protective effects of polyphenols, their low efficiency in delivery systems and poor bioavailability greatly limit their applications in functional foods and medicine. One potential solution is a polyphenol delivery system based on polymerized nanoparticles, which can enhance their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, improve their bioavailability, and deliver them to target organs. Scope and approach In this paper, the latest research progress of polyphenols loaded on biology-based nanoparticles was reviewed. The methods for preparing different bio-based nanomaterials, the interaction and characterization of nanoparticles in the transfer of polyphenols as a biological activity transport system, and the influence of the digestion and absorption characteristics of polyphenols on different nano-transport systems were also summarized. Key findings and conclusions: Bio-based nanoparticles, as an effective carrier of polyphenols, can improve the water soluble, stability and bioavailability of polyphenols by different biology-based nano-delivery system. In addition, the size of nanomaterials is critical to their various properties and applications. The ability to adjust the dimensions and properties of nanoparticles allows them to construct complexes with different polyphenolic substances, thereby altering their bioavailability and functional properties. Therefore, the polyphenol delivery system based on polymerized nanoparticles is a potential solution to enhance their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, improve their bioavailability, and deliver them to target organs.

Polyphenols as Plant-Based Nutraceuticals: Health Effects, Encapsulation, Nano-Delivery, and Application

Abstract: Plant polyphenols have attracted considerable attention because of their key roles in preventing many diseases, including high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and cancer. A variety of functional foods have been designed and developed with plant polyphenols as the main active ingredients. Polyphenols mainly come from vegetables and fruits and can generally be divided according to their structure into flavonoids, astragalus, phenolic acids, and lignans. Polyphenols are a group of plant-derived functional food ingredients with different molecular structures and various biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, many polyphenolic compounds have low oral bioavailability, which limits the application of polyphenols in nutraceuticals. Fortunately, green bio-based nanocarriers are well suited for encapsulating, protecting, and delivering polyphenols, thereby improving their bioavailability. In this paper, the health benefits of plant polyphenols in the prevention of various diseases are summarized, with a review of the research progress into bio-based nanocarriers for the improvement of the oral bioavailability of polyphenols. Polyphenols have great potential for application as key formulations in health and nutrition products. In the future, the development of food-grade delivery carriers for the encapsulation and delivery of polyphenolic compounds could well solve the limitations of poor water solubility and low bioavailability of polyphenols for practical applications.

Encapsulation of Bioactive Compounds for Food and Agricultural Applications

Abstract: This review presents an updated scenario of findings and evolutions of encapsulation of bioactive compounds for food and agricultural applications. Many polymers have been reported as encapsulated agents, such as sodium alginate, gum Arabic, chitosan, cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, Shellac, xanthan gum, zein, pullulan, maltodextrin, whey protein, galactomannan, modified starch, polycaprolactone, and sodium caseinate. The main encapsulation methods investigated in the study include both physical and chemical ones, such as freeze-drying, spray-drying, extrusion, coacervation, complexation, and supercritical anti-solvent drying. Consequently, in the food area, bioactive peptides, vitamins, essential oils, caffeine, plant extracts, fatty acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and terpenes are the main compounds encapsulated. In the agricultural area, essential oils, lipids, phytotoxins, medicines, vaccines, hemoglobin, and microbial metabolites are the main compounds encapsulated. Most scientific investigations have one or more objectives, such as to improve the stability of formulated systems, increase the release time, retain and protect active properties, reduce lipid oxidation, maintain organoleptic properties, and present bioactivities even in extreme thermal, radiation, and pH conditions. Considering the increasing worldwide interest for biomolecules in modern and sustainable agriculture, encapsulation can be efficient for the formulation of biofungicides, biopesticides, bioherbicides, and biofertilizers. With this review, it is inferred that the current scenario indicates evolutions in the production methods by increasing the scales and the techno-economic feasibilities. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for most of the encapsulation methods is going beyond TRL 6, in which the knowledge gathered allows for having a functional prototype or a representative model of the encapsulation technologies presented in this review.

Recent advances in biomolecule-based films and coatings for active and smart food packaging applications

Abstract: Ideally, packaging materials should ensure the safety and quality of foods, without contributing to environmental degradation. Consequently, there is interest in the development of biodegradable films assembled from natural materials, such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and their mixtures. In this review, the physicochemical attributes and functional characteristics of biodegradable films prepared from these food-grade natural substances are summarized. Recent advances in the production of active and intelligent packaging materials are also discussed. Active packaging is designed to improve the shelf life of packaged foods by including antimicrobials or antioxidants, such as essential oils. Intelligent packaging is designed to provide real-time information about the quality, freshness, or safety of packaged foods by including indicators in the film that are responsive to changes in storage conditions, gas levels, pH, etc. Potential applications of intelligent and active packaging materials to fruit, vegetable, meat, seafood, and dairy products are discussed.

Preparation, Characteristics, and Advantages of Plant Protein-Based Bioactive Molecule Delivery Systems

Abstract: As a renewable resource, the market trend of plant protein has increased significantly in recent years. Compared with animal protein, plant protein production has strong sustainability factors and a lower environmental impact. Many bioactive substances have poor stability, and poor absorption effects limit their application in food. Plant protein-based carriers could improve the water solubility, stability, and bioavailability of bioactive substances by different types of delivery systems. In this review, we present a detailed and concise summary of the effects and advantages of various plant protein-based carriers in the encapsulation, protection, and delivery of bioactive substances. Furthermore, the research progress of food-grade bioactive ingredient delivery systems based on plant protein preparation in recent years is summarized, and some current challenges and future research priorities are highlighted. There are some key findings and conclusions: (i) plant proteins have numerous functions: as carriers for transportation systems, a shell or core of a system, or food ingredients; (ii) plant protein-based carriers could improve the water solubility, stability, and bioavailability of bioactive substances by different types of delivery systems; and (iii) plant protein-based carriers stabilize bioactive substances with potential applications in the food and nutrition fields.