Chapter 4: Fabrication Methods for Bioactive Delivery Systems

Three commonly used fabrication methods for creating colloidal delivery systems for bioactive agents are discussed in this chapter: high-energy mechanical, low-energy physicochemical, and microencapsulation methods. High-energy methods utilize mechanical forces to break down bulk materials or small particles into colloidal particles (such as grinding or homogenization). Low-energy methods are based on spontaneous physicochemical processes that cause molecular species to assemble into colloidal particles. Microencapsulation methods convert fluids into a powdered form that contains bioactive-loaded solid particles. The principles behind each of these fabrication methods are discussed and their potential applications for the encapsulation of lipophilic nutraceuticals are highlighted.