Chapter 14: Applications of Biopolymers as Encapsulating and Binding Agents in Bioactive Compounds and Functional Food Products Check Access

Bioactive compounds are defined as non-nutritional and non-essential compounds which have the capability and the ability to interact with one or more components of living tissue by presenting a wide range of beneficial effects in health such as in diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome through the modulation of mitochondrial activity. To effectively utilize the properties of bioactive compounds, specialized literature has highlighted encapsulation and nanotechnology as potential paths to stabilize them. Encapsulation involves entrapping a functionally active material, known as the core, fill, internal phase, or payload, into a matrix of an inert material, distinguished as the coating material, wall, capsule, membrane, shell, matrix, or carrier material. From the data collected and analyzed, the applications of biopolymers as encapsulating and binding agents in bioactive compounds allow effective use of the properties of the bioactive compounds, aiding in the tailoring of food ingredients with their full potential in terms of beneficial biological effects.