Nanoencapsulation of carotenoids: a focus on different delivery systems and evaluation parameters

Different types of nanoparticles have been synthesized to protect carotenoids against exposition of external factors such as light, heat and oxygen; and processing conditions; to increase stability and to improve the bioavailability of nanoencapsulated carotenoid. The type of nanostructure synthesized (nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carrier, and polymeric nanoparticles) influences on the synthesis and nanoparticles stability, which reflect in physic-chemical characteristics such as polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. Different nanostructures can be used to improve stability of carotenoids; however, currently, polymeric nanocapsules are the nanostructure most utilized due to its stability during storage, high efficiency to encapsulate and to control the release of the carotenoid encapsulated. Due to these considerations, they have been focus of researchers for future studies regarding to application of carotenoids nanoencapsulated by food industries. The focus of this review is the presentation of different carotenoids delivery systems and the use of techniques to evaluate parameters that might limit the application of this innovative and potential technology in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industry.