Fabrication of β-carotene loaded glucuronoxylan-based nanostructures through electrohydrodynamic processing

Seed mucilage-based advanced carrier systems for food and nutraceuticals: fabrication, formulation efficiency, recent advancement, challenges, and perspectives

Seed mucilages are potential sources of natural polysaccharides. They are biodegradable, biocompatible, sustainable, renewable, and safe for human consumption. Due to the desirable physicochemical and functional properties (e.g. gelling, thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying), seed mucilages have attracted extensive attention from researchers for utilization as a promising material for the development of advanced carrier systems. Seed mucilages have been utilized as natural polymers to improve the properties of various carrier systems (e.g. complex coacervates, beads, nanofibers, and gels) and for the delivery of diverse hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds (e.g. vitamins, essential oils, antioxidants, probiotics, and antimicrobial agents) to achieve enhanced stability, bioavailability, bioactivity of the encapsulated molecules, and improved quality attributes of food products. This review highlights the recent progress in seed mucilage-based carrier systems for food and nutraceutical applications. The main contents include (1) sources, extraction methods, and physicochemical and functional characteristics of seed mucilages, (2) application of seed mucilages for the development of advanced carrier systems, (3) major issues associated with carrier fabrication, and (4) mechanisms of carrier development, latest improvements in carrier formulation, carrier efficiency in the delivery of bioactive agents, and application in food and nutraceuticals. Furthermore, major challenges and future perspectives of seed mucilage-based carriers for a commercial application are discussed.

Multiple Pickering emulsions stabilized by food-grade particles as innovative delivery systems for bioactive compounds

The most common carrier for encapsulation of bioactive components is still simple emulsion. Recently, bio-based novel emulsion systems such as multiple emulsions (MEs) and Pickering emulsions (PEs) have been introduced as innovative colloidal delivery systems for encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive compounds. Multiple PEs (MPEs), which carries both benefit of MEs and PEs could be fabricated by relatively scalable and simple operations. In comparison with costly synthetic surfactants and inorganic particles which are widely used for stabilization of both MEs and PEs, MPEs stabilized by food-grade particles, while having health-promoting aspects, are able to host the "clean label" and "green label" attributes. Nevertheless, in achieving qualified techno-functional attributes and encapsulation properties, the selection of suitable materials is a crucial step in the construction of such complex systems. Current review takes a cue from both MEs and PEs emulsification techniques to grant a robust background for designing various MPEs. Herein, various fabrication methods of MEs and PEs are described comprehensively in a physical viewpoint in order to find key conception of successful formulation of MPEs. This review also highlights the link between the underlying aspects and exemplified specimens of evidence which grant insights into the rational design of MPEs through food-based ingredients to introduces MPEs as novel colloidal/functional materials. Their utilization for encapsulation of bioactive compounds is discussed as well. In the last part, instability behavior of MPEs under various conditions will be discussed. In sum, this review aims to gain researchers who work with food-based components, basics of innovative design of MPEs.

In vitro release modeling of beta-carotene from Bene oleosome and electrosprayed Quince seed hydrocolloids loaded with oleosomes containing beta-carotene

This research aimed to extract oleosome from the Bene kernel as a carrier of beta-carotene (3, 5, and 10 % w/w) and then use oleosomes in the Quince seed gum (QSG) electrosprayed nanoparticles for the sustained release of beta-carotene in food simulant. Oleosomes loaded with 5 % w/w beta-carotene had the highest encapsulation efficiency (94.53 % ± 1.23 %) and were used at 1, 3, and 5 % w/w in the QSG electrosprayed nanoparticles. Electrospray feed solutions containing 5 % oleosomes loaded with beta-carotene had the highest zeta potential (-34.45 ± 0.58 mV) and the lowest surface tension (23.47 ± 1.10 mN/m). FESEM images showed that with the increase of oleosomes up to 3 % w/w, the average size of the electrosprayed particles decreases. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) test proved the presence of protein in the oleosomes and their successful extraction from Bene seeds. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and FTIR proved the successful entrapment of beta-carotene in the oleosomes structure and the successful placement of oleosomes containing beta-carotene in the electrosprayed nanoparticles. The predominant driving force involving the release of beta-carotene from the designed structures in food simulants was the Fickian release mechanism. The Peleg model was introduced as the best model describing the beta-carotene release.

Effect of beta glucan coating on controlled release, bioaccessibility, and absorption of β-carotene from loaded liposomes

Recently, the use of biopolymers as coating material to stabilise phospholipid-based nanocarriers has increased. One such class of biopolymers is the dietary fibre beta-glucan (βG). In this study, we developed and characterized beta-carotene (βC) loaded βG coated nanoliposomes (GNLs) to investigate the effect of βG coating on the stability, controlled release, bioaccessibility, diffusion and subsequent absorption of the lipophilic active agent. The size, charge (Z-potential), and FTIR spectra were measured to determine the physicochemical stability of GNLs. βG coating reduced the bioaccessibility, provided prolonged release and improved the antioxidant activity of the nanoliposomes. Multiple particle tracking (MPT) data suggested that βC-GNLs were less diffusive in porcine intestinal mucus (PIM). Additionally, the microviscosity of the PIM treated with GNLs was observed to be higher (0.04744 ± 0.00865 Pa s) than the PIM incubated with uncoated NLs (0.015 ± 0.0004 Pa s). An Ex vivo experiment was performed on mouse jejunum to measure the absorption of beta-carotene from coated (βC-GNLs) and uncoated nanoliposomes (βC-NLs). Data showed that after 2 hours, 27.7 ± 1.3 ng mL-1 of βC encapsulated in GNLs and 61.54 ± 3 ng mL-1 of the βC encapsulated in uncoated NLs was absorbed by mouse intestinal mucosa. These results highlight that coating with βG stabilise NLs during gastrointestinal digestion and provides more sustained release of βC from nanoliposomes.

On surface composition and stability of β-carotene microcapsules comprising pea/whey protein complexes by synchrotron-FTIR microspectroscopy

This study aims to elucidate the stability of spray dried β-carotene microcapsules by identifying their surface composition using synchrotron-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy. To investigate the impact of enzymatic cross-linking and polysaccharide addition on heteroprotein, three wall materials were prepared: pea/whey protein blends (Con), cross-linked pea/whey protein blends (TG), and cross-linked pea/whey protein blends-maltodextrin complex (TG-MD). The TG-MD exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (>90 %) after 8 weeks of storage followed by TG and Con. Chemical images obtained using synchrotron-FTIR microspectroscopy confirmed that the TG-MD displayed the least amount of surface oil, followed by TG and Con, due to increasing amphiphilic β-sheet structure of the proteins led by cross-linking and maltodextrin addition. Both enzymatic cross-linking and polysaccharide addition improved the stability of β-carotene microcapsules, demonstrating that pea/whey protein blends with maltodextrin can be utilised as a hybrid wall material for enhancing the encapsulation efficiency of lipophilic bioactive compounds in foods.

Stabilization of capsanthin in physically-connected hydrogels: Rheology property, self-recovering performance and syringe/screw-3D printing

This work presented a facile way of stabilizing capsanthin by physically-connected soft hydrogels via utilizing specially-structured polysaccharides, and investigated rheological properties, self-recovering mechanism and 3D printability. The functionalized hydrogels demonstrated excellent color quality including redness, yellowness index and hue with great storage stability and visual perception. The soft hydrogels fabricated with properly sequenced polyglyceryl fatty acid esters, β-cyclodextrin, chitosan, and low-content capsanthin possessed outstanding extrudability, appropriate yield stress, reasonable mechanical strength, rational elasticity and structure sustainability. Furthermore, the self-recovering properties based on hydrogen bonds, host-guest interactions and electrostatic interactions were revealed and verified by structural, zeta potential, micro-morphological, zeta potential, thixotropic, creep-recovery, and macroscopic/microscopic characterizations. Along with excellent antioxidant performance, the subsequent 3D printing onto bread with complex models elucidated the high geometry accuracy and great sensory characters. The sequenced physically-connected hydrogels incorporated with capsanthin can provide new insights on stabilizing hydrophobic biomaterials and developing the 3D printed exquisite, innovative food.

Encapsulation of lutein in gelatin type A/B-chitosan systems via tunable chains and bonds from tweens: Thermal stability, rheologic property and food 2D/3D printability

Lutein could be stabilized in gelatin type A/B-chitosan systems by different polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (tweens) via tunable chains and bonds, and the homogeneous system held potential in food 2D/3D printing. During encapsulation of lutein in gelatin-chitosan matrix complexes, tween 40, tween 60 and tween 80 assisted in the excellent centrifugation stability, freeze-thaw stability, chemical stability as well as thermal stability. The tweens contained systems also possessed excellent rheological properties, including shearing thinning property, self-supporting characteristics, and favorable thixotropy. Especially, tween 80 performed well in facilitating the stability and rheological properties of systems with uniform micromorphology due to its long alkyl chains and carbon-carbon double bonds (two sp2 hybridized C-atoms) (from FTIR, XRD, SEM, etc.); and gelatin type B illustrated higher protection effects on lutein because of its strong electrostatic interaction with chitosan. The optimal systems could work as edible ink for 2D/3D printing on food with great UV-irradiation stability and high definition. Surimi could be modified by the optimal complex and possessed excellent shear-thinning property, proper yield stress, low dependence on frequency and stable structure, which was successfully applied for innovative 3D printing with sophisticated shapes. The practical food 2D/3D printing (like bread and surimi) demonstrated high potential in food creation and food innovation.

Complexation of anthocyanins, betalains and carotenoids with biopolymers: An approach to complexation techniques and evaluation of binding parameters

Natural pigments are bioactive compounds that can present health-promoting bioactivities in the human body. Due to their strong coloring properties, these compounds have been widely used as color additives as an alternative to artificial colorants. However, since these pigments are unstable under certain conditions, such as the presence of light, oxygen, and heat, the use of complexation and encapsulation techniques with biopolymers is in demand. Moreover, some functional properties can be achieved by using natural pigments-biopolymers complexes in food matrices. The complexation and encapsulation of natural pigments with biopolymers consist of forming a complex with the aim to make these compounds less susceptible to oxidative and degrading agents, and can also be used to improve their solubility in different media. This review aims to discuss different techniques that have been used over the last years to create natural pigment-biopolymers complexes, as well as the recent advances, limitations, effects, and possible applications of these complexes in foods. Moreover, the understanding of thermodynamic parameters between natural pigments and biopolymers is very important regarding the complex formation and their use in food systems. In this sense, thermodynamic techniques that can be used to determine binding parameters between natural pigments and potential wall materials, as well as their applications, advantages, and limitations are presented in this work. Several studies have shown an improvement in many aspects regarding the use of these complexes, including increased thermal and storage stability. Nonetheless, data regarding the biological effects on the human body and the sensory acceptance of natural pigments-biopolymers complexes in food systems are scarce in the literature.

Improving the thermal stability of natural bioactive ingredients via encapsulation technology

Bioactive compounds (bioactives) such as phenolic acids, coumarins, flavonoids, lignans and carotenoids have a marked improvement effect on human health by acting on body tissues or cells. Nowadays, with increasing levels of knowledge, consumers prefer foods that can provide bioactives beside the necessary nutrients (e.g., vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals). However, an important barrier for incorporating bioactives into foods is their low thermal stability. Nevertheless, thermal processing is widely used by the food industries to achieve food safety and desired texture. The aim of this work is to give an overview of encapsulation technology to improve thermal stability of bioactives incorporated into different food products. Almost all thermal analysis and non-thermal methods in the literature suggest that incorporation of bioactives into different walls can effectively improve the thermal stability of bioactives. The level of such thermal enhancement depends on the strength of the bioactive interaction and wall molecules. Furthermore, contradictory results have been reported in relation to the effect of encapsulation technique using the same wall on thermal stability of bioactives. To date, the potential to increase the thermal resistance of various bioactives by gums, carbohydrates, and proteins have been extensively studied. However, further studies on the comparison of walls and encapsulation methods to form thermally stable carriers seem to be needed. In this regard, the same nature of bioactives and the specific protocol in the report of study results should be considered to compare the data and select the optimum conditions of encapsulation to achieve maximum thermal stability.

Recent progresses in the delivery of β-carotene: From nano/microencapsulation to bioaccessibility

Beta-carotene (BC) as an efficient pro-vitamin is effective in improving vision, immune system and cognitive function as well as preventing coronary diseases and cancer. However, besides its poor chemical stability, the high lipophilic nature of BC reduces its dispersibility and consequently bioavailability which limits its application into food, pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals. Different carriers with vesicular or particulate structures have been studied and utilized for promoting BC solubility, dispersibility, and protection against diverse operational or environmental stresses and also controlling BC release and subsequent bioaccessibility. The current study, therefore reviews different micro/nanocarriers reported on BC encapsulation with special focusing on its bioavailability. Liposomal structures have been successfully used for enhancing BC stability and bioavailability. Besides, emulsion-based carriers including Pickering emulsions, nanoemulsions and microemulsions have been widely evaluated for BC encapsulation and protection. In addition, lipid-based nanoparticles and nanostructural carriers have also been applied successfully for this context. Moreover, gel structures including emulgels, hydrogels and oleogels are studied in some researches. Most of these delivery systems led to higher hydro-solubility and dispersibility of BC which consequently increased its bioavailability; thereupon could promote its application into food, cosmetic and nutraceutical products. However, for remarkable incorporation of BC and other bioactive compounds into edible products, the safety and toxicological aspects of these delivery system especially those designed in nano scale should be addressed in the further researches.

Nanoencapsulation of essential oils from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) by-products into alfalfa protein nanoparticles

Essential oils of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) by-products (HBEO) were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS); then, encapsulated in alfalfa protein isolate nanoparticles (API-NPs) as a novel nanocarrier. A desirable retention (45.5-63.4%) of HBEO within API-NPs was confirmed. These nanoparticles exhibited a shrunk and globular shape with a size range of 156.9-325.9 nm as indicated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analyses corroborated that HBEO was successfully encapsulated within API NPs in an amorphous form without specific chemical interaction with the carrier matrix. The antioxidant activity of loaded HBEO into API-NPs was higher than free HBEO implying that encapsulation of HBEO in API-NPs was an efficient strategy for improving its stability and functionality. HBEO-loaded API-NPs is a promising candidate to be used in future foods and supplements for novel applications.

Dual encapsulation of β-carotene by β-cyclodextrin and chitosan for 3D printing application

Dual encapsulation of β-carotene (CAT) by β-cyclodextrin (CCLD) and chitosan (CS) are prepared via self-assembly process by special addition order and concentration. CCLD and CS alone could not effectively stabilize CAT, while CAT could be encapsulated in cavity of CCLD and the inclusion complex could be further strengthened by CS, due to hydrogen-bonding between CCLD and CS via groups including NH₂ and OH. The dispersion system based on dual encapsulation of CAT had outstanding shear-thinning behavior, proper pseudoplastic properties, satisfactory yield stress, excellent thermal stability and great thixotropy, illustrating high potential for 3D printing. 3D printing of CAT-encapsulated system with high-content CS on paper and bread proves its excellent extrudability and printability, with possible potential in nutrition personalization. The designed host encapsulation structure by CCLD and CS plays a guiding role in incorporating functional materials including bioactives, probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, etc., and provides a reference in innovative food technology.

Seed gum-based delivery systems and their application in encapsulation of bioactive molecules

Now-a-days, the food/pharma realm faces with great challenges for the application of bioactive molecules when applying them in free form due to their instability in vitro/in vivo. For promoting the biological and functional properties of bioactive molecules, efficient delivery systems have played a pivotal role offering a controlled delivery and improved bioavailability/solubility of bioactives. Among different carbohydrate-based delivery systems, seed gum-based vehicles (SGVs) have shown great promise, facilitating the delivery of a high concentration of bioactive at the site of action, a controlled payload release, and less bioactive loss. SGVs are potent structures to promote the bioavailability, beneficial properties, and in vitro/in vivo stability of bioactive components. Here, we offer a comprehensive overview of seed gum-based nano- and microdevices as delivery systems for bioactive molecules. We have a focus on structural/functional attributes and health-promoting benefits of seed gums, but also strategies involving modification of these biopolymers are included. Diverse SGVs (nano/microparticles, functional films, hydrogels/nanogels, particles for Pickering nanoemulsions, multilayer carriers, emulsions, and complexes/conjugates) are reviewed and important parameters for bioactive delivery are highlighted (e.g. bioactive-loading capacity, control of bioactive release, (bio)stability, and so on). Future challenges for these biopolymer-based carriers have also been discussed. HighlightsSeed gum-based polymers are promising materials to design different bioactive delivery systems.Seed gum-based delivery systems are particles, fibers, complexes, conjugates, hydrogels, etc.Seed gum-based vehicles are potent structures to promote the bioavailability, beneficial properties, and in vitro/in vivo stability of bioactive components.

Protein complex nanoparticles reinforced with industrial hemp essential oil: Characterization and application for shelf-life extension of Rainbow trout fillets

Essential oil of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) (IHEO) was reinforced in complexation of whey protein nanofibrils and mung bean protein nanoparticles (WPNF-MBP NPs) as a novel nano-carrier. A desirable retention rate range of 50.9-90.4% was confirmed for IHEO reinforced in WPNF-MBP NPs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that IHEO was successfully loaded within WPNF-MBP NPs without specific chemical interaction with the carrier matrix. The results indicated that incorporation of IHEO-reinforced WPNF-MBP NPs into active material coatings having acceptable inhibition activity against total viable and psychrotrophic bacteria. The coated fishes also retarded the increase of PV (peroxide value), TBA (thiobarbituric acid) and TVB-N (total volatile basic nitrogen) values during storage. The IHEO-reinforced WPNF-MBP NPs coating led to an extension in the shelf life of Rainbow trout fillets within 8-14 days of storage. Accordingly, IHEO-reinforced WPNF-MBP NPs can be suggested as a natural preservative for coating fishes.

The role of emulsification strategy on the electrospinning of β-carotene-loaded emulsions stabilized by gum Arabic and whey protein isolate

This work was aimed to systematically assess the effect of diverse emulsification strategies, i.e., layer-by-layer (LbL), directly mixing (DM), and heteroaggregation (HA) assemblies on electrospinnability of emulsions stabilized by gum Arabic (GA)-whey protein isolate (WPI) blend and their subsequence potential in β-carotene (BC) encapsulation. The designed BC emulsions were characterized in terms of zeta-potential, droplet size, and rheological properties. According to the results, LbL-formulated emulsions possessed the highest zeta-potential; however, HA-produced ones appeared to be more viscous among all emulsions. Properties of electrospun nanofibers varied considerably relying on either the emulsification strategy or the oil phase volume fraction as confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and fourier transform infrared specroscopy (FTIR). It was found that the resulting nanofibers produced by LbL and HA emulsification guaranteed higher BC encapsulation efficiency (>90%), in comparison to that of DM-engineered samples offering a lower efficiency of ∼71 %. The storage stability of BC emulsions stabilized with WPI-GA blend was in the order of LbL > HA > DM emulsions. Most importantly, the application of LbL assembly exhibited the most thermally/physicochemically stable carotenoid-comprising nanofibers among all studied mixing techniques. These results offer useful information for applications of different emulsification strategies for fabricating BC-loaded nanofibers via emulsion electrospining technique.

Biocompatibility of electrospun cell culture scaffolds made from balangu seed mucilage/PVA composites

Synthesis of Balangu (Lallemantia royleana) seed mucilage (BSM) solutions combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was studied for the purpose of producing 3D electrospun cell culture scaffolds. Production of pure BSM nanofibers proved to be difficult, yet integration of PVA contributed to a facile and successful formation of BSM/PVA nanofibers. Different BSM/PVA ratios were fabricated to achieve the desired nanofibrous structure for cell proliferation. It is found that the optimal bead-free ratio of 50/50 with a mean fiber diameter of ≈180 nm presents the most desirable scaffold structure for cell growth. The positive effect of PVA incorporation was approved by analyzing BSM/PVA solutions through physiochemical assays such as electrical conductivity, viscosity and surface tension tests. According to the thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), incorporation of PVA enhanced thermal stability of the samples. Successful fabrication of the nanofibers is verified by FT-IR spectra, where no major chemical interaction between BSM and PVA is detected. The crystallinity of the electrospun nanofibers is investigated by XRD, revealing the nearly amorphous structure of BSM/PVA scaffolds. The MTT assay is employed to verify the biocompatibility of the scaffolds. The cell culture experiment using epithelial Vero cells shows the affinity of the cells to adhere to their nanofibrous substrate and grow to form continuous cell layers after 72 h of incubation.

Recent Advances on Nanoparticle Based Strategies for Improving Carotenoid Stability and Biological Activity

Carotenoids are natural pigments widely used in food industries due to their health-promoting properties. However, the presence of long-chain conjugated double bonds are responsible for chemical instability, poor water solubility, low bioavailability and high susceptibility to oxidation. The application of a nanoencapsulation technique has thus become a vital means to enhance stability of carotenoids under physiological conditions due to their small particle size, high aqueous solubility and improved bioavailability. This review intends to overview the advances in preparation, characterization, biocompatibility and application of nanocarotenoids reported in research/review papers published in peer-reviewed journals over the last five years. More specifically, nanocarotenoids were prepared from both carotenoid extracts and standards by employing various preparation techniques to yield different nanostructures including nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, polymeric/biopolymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid nanoparticles, supercritical fluid-based nanoparticles and metal/metal oxide nanoparticles. Stability studies involved evaluation of physical stability and/or chemical stability under different storage conditions and heating temperatures for varied lengths of time, while the release behavior and bioaccessibility were determined by various in vitro digestion and absorption models as well as bioavailability through elucidating pharmacokinetics in an animal model. Moreover, application of nanocarotenoids for various biological applications including antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antiaging, cosmetics, diabetic wound healing and hepatic steatosis were summarized.

Electrospraying as a novel process for the synthesis of particles/nanoparticles loaded with poorly water-soluble bioactive molecules

Hydrophobicity and low aqueous-solubility of different drugs/nutraceuticals remain a persistent challenge for their development and clinical/food applications. A range of nanotechnology strategies have been implemented to address this issue, and amongst which a particular emphasis has been made on those that afford an improved biological performance and tunable release kinetic of bioactives through a one-step process. More recently, the technique of electrospraying (or electrohydrodynamic atomization) has attained notable impulse in virtue of its potential to tune attributes of nano/micro-structured particles (e.g., porosity, particle size, etc.), rendering a near zero-order release kinetics, diminished burst release manner, as well as its simplicity, reproducibility, and applicability to a broad spectrum of hydrophobic and poorly water-soluble bioactives. Controlled morphology or monodispersity of designed particles could be properly obtained via electrospraying, with a high encapsulation efficiency and without unfavorable denaturation of thermosensitive bioactives upon encapsulation. This paper overviews the recent technological advances in electrospraying for the encapsulation of low queues-soluble bioactive agents. State-of-the-art, advantages, applications, and challenges for its implementation in pharmaceutical/food researches are also discussed.

Morphology and microstructural analysis of bioactive-loaded micro/nanocarriers via microscopy techniques; CLSM/SEM/TEM/AFM

Efficient characterization of the physicochemical attributes of bioactive-loaded micro/nano-vehicles is crucial for the successful product development. The introduction of outstanding science-based strategies and techniques makes it possible to realize how the characteristics of the formulation ingredients affect the structural and (bio)functional properties of the final bioactive-loaded carriers. The important points to be solved, at a microscopic level, are investigating how the features of the formulation ingredients affect the morphology, surface, size, dispersity, as well as the particulate interactions within bioactive-comprising nano/micro-delivery systems. This review presents a detailed description concerning the application of advanced microscopy techniques, i.e., confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) in characterizing the attributes of nano/microcarriers for the efficient delivery of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the fundamental principles of these approaches, instrumentation, specific applications, and the strategy to choose the most proper technique for different carriers has been discussed.