Functional food polymers as nanocarriers: Advances in encapsulation and targeted delivery of nutraceuticals

Food-grade biopolymers and nanotechnology have been increasingly used to revolutionize the delivery of bioactive compounds by enhancing stability, bioavailability, and controlled release. Within the scope of nano-encapsulation systems, this review explores food-derived polymers such as vicilin, zein, gluten, cruciferin, inulin, and others. These biopolymers are ideal since they encapsulate numerous functional compounds, such as vitamins, probiotics, essential oils, and polyphenols, because they are biocompatible, amphiphilic, and biodegradable. The specific physical and chemical properties of each polymer, extraction procedures, and nano-encapsulation techniques applied therein (e.g., ionic gelation and spray drying) are described. The review highlights advanced targeting systems like pH-sensitive, magnetic delivery. Additional applications include those in synergistic nutraceutical systems, oral administration of vaccination, and intelligent food packaging. All these findings demonstrate that food polymers are increasingly more viable as functional nanocarriers by way of increasing bioactive delivery and the shifting requirements of personalized and health-based dietary regimes.