Nutraceutical molecule

Another characteristic property of many biopolymers (proteins, modified starch, chitosan, etc.) which is useful for the encapsulation of bioactive molecules is their ability to adsorb at the oil-water interface and to form adsorbed layers that are capable of stabilizing oil-in-water (OAV) emulsions against coalescence (see Table 2.2). It is worthwhile to note here that the formation of an emulsion is one of the key steps in the encapsulation of hydrophobic nutraceuticals by the most common technique used nowadays in the food industry (spray-drying). The adsorption of amphiphilic biopolymers at the oil-water interface involves the attachment of their hydrophobic groups to the surface of the oil phase (or even their slight penetration into it), whilst their hydrophilic parts protrude into the aqueous phase providing a bulky interfacial layer. 

The flavonoid pathway is an important source of small molecules with nutraceutical and drug discovery potential due to their potent bioactivity against several human diseases [reviewed by Lin and Weng, 2006 Ross and... 

In 1998, Avnir and coworkers patented the interfacial polymerization process in which the mild sol-gel production of silica glass is combined with emulsion chemistry to form sol-gel spherical microparticles in place of irregular granules. In brief, the emulsion droplets provide a microreactor environment for the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of Si alkoxides. All sorts of molecules can be entrapped and stabilized in similar ceramic microparticles with broad control over the release rate for a range of applications (such as drug delivery, release of specialty chemicals and cosmeceutical/ nutraceutical, and beyond, Figure 18.1), with no need for reformulation for different molecules. 

Edible Materials for Nutraceuticals or Antibacterial Molecule Encapsulation..825... 

In this chapter, after describing the encapsulation matrix and techniques, two parts will be presented to cover the main aspects of encapsulation in edible films and coating. The first concerns volatile compound encapsulation, and the second concerns nonvolatile molecules such as nutraceuticals and antimicrobials. 

The matrix used for nutraceuticals or antimicrobial molecules is of prime importance to allow good preservation or controlled release of these active compounds. 

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