Encapsulation of Bioactive Compounds Using Colloidal Delivery Systems: Challenges and Potential for Commercial Nutraceutical Formulations

The increasing demand for nutraceutical products formulated from bioactive compounds has prompted the development and application of encapsulation technologies to facilitate their incorporation and enhance their efficacy. Bioactive compounds derived from various sources, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, are integral to the formulation of nutraceuticals with health-promoting properties. However, challenges such as poor dispersibility, chemical stability, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability currently hinder the development of effective commercial products. Encapsulation technologies can be employed to overcome these obstacles, thereby paving the way for greater innovation and success in the nutraceutical industry. However, to meet the growing demands for commercial functional food and personalized nutrition products, it will be imperative to address product optimization, scale-up, economic challenges, and safety concerns, as well as to ensure regulatory compliance, meet consumer perceptions, and address environmental and sustainability concerns. This review discusses the current status of the development and application of nutraceutical products, with a strong emphasis on the potential and challenges associated with their commercial success.