2 - Nanostructured biobased systems for nutrient and bioactive compounds delivery

Abstract

Nanotechnology is pointed to as one of the hot topics in food science and technology where the use of nanostructured systems for compounds delivery using biobased materials appears as one of the most interesting matters in the field. Due to their advantages when compared with micro- and macroscale systems, nanostructured biobased systems have attracted a great interest from academia and industry where they can be used as a delivery system of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This chapter focuses on the design and production of nanostructured systems (eg, nanoparticles, nanohydrogels, and nanoemulsions), where the ingredients used in production techniques and predominant forces for their development are explored. The use of these systems for the delivery of nutrients and bioactive compounds are discussed regarding their affinity and interaction with the systems and the influence on their final properties (eg, retention and controled release). Finally an insight of the systems behavior in human gastrointestinal tract and their possible toxity are presented.