Advances in the Encapsulation and Delivery of Food Functional Factors: Micro- and Nano-Delivery Carrier Platforms in Bio-manufacturing

Abstract

The encapsulation and delivery of food functional factors represent a transformative and groundbreaking innovation in food science, enabling the protection, stabilization, and controlled release of sensitive bioactive compounds. This review comprehensively explores advanced micro- and nano-delivery carrier platforms, including Pickering emulsions, micro-emulsions, microcapsules, and nanoparticles, which offer enhanced stability, improve bioavailability, and highly targeted delivery of nutrients and other bioactive substances. By addressing significant challenges such as the instability, degradation and low bioavailability of bioactive compounds, as well as the need for efficient, scalable, and versatile carrier designs, these technologies integrate seamlessly with sustainable bio-manufacturing processes. Applications in functional foods dietary supplements and nutraceutical demonstrate their vast potential to enhance consumer health outcomes and streamline food production systems with greater efficiency. Future research efforts must prioritize scaling these innovative technologies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing highly adaptable, multifunctional delivery systems to meet the rapidly growing demand for functional food and wellness solutions.