Development of Food-Grade Nano-Delivery Systems and Their Application to Dairy Foods: A Review

Abstract

Nano-delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and nanoliposomes, are carriers that have been used to enhance the chemical as well as physical stability and bioavailability of bioactive compound. Food-grade nano-delivery system can be produced with edible biopolymers including proteins and carbohydrates. In addition to the lowtoxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of these biopolymers, their functional characteristics, such as their ability to bind hydrophobic bioactive compounds and form a gel, make them potential and ideal candidates for the fortification of bioactive compounds in functional dairy foods. This review focuses on different types of nano-delivery systems and edible biopolymers as delivery materials. In addition, the applications of food-grade nano-delivery systems to dairy foods are also described.