The intelligent delivery systems for bioactive compounds in foods: Physicochemical and physiological conditions, absorption mechanisms, obstacles and responsive strategies

Publication date: August 2018Source: Trends in Food Science & Technology, Volume 78Author(s): Jingjing Chai, Ping Jiang, Pengjie Wang, Yumeng Jiang, Dan Li, Weier Bao, Bingxue Liu, Bin Liu, Liyun Zhao, Willem Norde, Qipeng Yuan, Fazheng Ren, Yuan LiAbstractBackgroundBioactive natural compounds have received considerable attention due to their health benefits, including anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes and cardiovascular disease-preventing functions. However, the stability of these sensitive compounds can be influenced by unfavourable environmental conditions during processing and storage. In addition, delivery of bioactive compounds via the oral route is restricted by various physiological barriers, including a harsh pH, gastrointestinal enzymes, the mucus layer, and the epithelium. Intelligent delivery systems are a promising method to protect bioactive molecules from degradation and improve their bioavailability.Scope and approachWe have demonstrated the physicochemical and physiological GI conditions. The structural composition of the epithelium and transport mechanisms of bioactives and nanoparticles across the intestinal epithelium were discussed. The effects of enhanced aqueous solubility, stability, bioaccessibility and bioavailability after encapsulation were illustrated. Furthermore, novel intelligent carriers that are responsive to the oral route, pH, enzymes and cell receptors were also discussed.Key findings and conclusionsThis comprehensive multidisciplin...
Source: Trends in Food Science and Technology - Category: Food Science Source Type: research