Chapter 2: Recent Progress in Biopolymer-based Delivery Systems and Coatings for Improving Stability, Bioavailability and Efficacy of Nutraceutical Products Check Access

Nutraceutical products (NuPs) have scientific prominence due to the possibility that foods can be used in the treatment of various clinical conditions. However, the use of NuPs as encapsulated form, for example, encapsulated extracts and food parts, has been highlighted as resulting in low bioavailability, that is, in low absorption and transformation in the organism. The use of different cover-up techniques in drug delivery systems (DDS) with biopolymers can be implemented when seeking the release of these bioactive compounds at specific sites of the human body that result in greater bioavailability. Furthermore, these biopolymers can increase the stability of bioactive compounds, providing protection when passing through critical environments such as the intestinal barrier. Also, they have notable benefits in extending shelf life. Both micro- and nano-encapsulation of NuPs have been highlighted mainly through spray drying and nanoprecipitation techniques.