Encapsulation of Functional Lipophilic Food and Drug Biocomponents

Lipophilic biocomponents pose a real challenge to food and drug researchers because they have weak solubility in water and cannot be easily included into the food and drug matrix. Biomaterials with new functional properties, i.e. biodegradable, biocompatible and stimulus responsive, have been tested for the purpose of improving the solubility and bioavailability of lipophilic components in recent years. Also, high-performance micro- and nanotechnologies were involved. These were used to prepare microcapsules and nanocarriers with multiple applications in food industry and pharmacy. The micro- and nano-encapsulation of lipophilic components is used to increase and maintain solubility in physiological fluids or the food matrix, to improve bioavailability and to protect the bioactive compounds against the aggression of some factors such as pH, enzymes, temperature, light and oxygen. The microcapsule and nanocarrier delivery systems guarantee the controlled and targeted delivery of bioactive molecules, thus increasing the therapeutic potential of drugs, along with food safety and security. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the newest information about the lipophilic biocomponents’ encapsulation. The first part of the paper is devoted to data on the solubility and bioavailability of lipophilic components used for food and drug formulations. The second part deals with the main methods of lipophilic compounds encapsulation, evincing the preparation of nanoparticles with applicability in the food and drug industry.