Colloidal delivery systems in foods: A general comparison with oral drug delivery

The modern food industry is facing a stiff challenge of devising novel techniques for delivering functional ingredients without compromising the product functionalities. In recent times the focus on multi-disciplinary research has led to the translation of expertise and knowledge from one field to another. Likewise, the field of colloidal delivery systems which has a strong existence in the pharmaceutical arena can find a great deal of application in foods especially with the growing demand of functional foods. This article is an introductory mini-review about the colloidal delivery systems which can be used in foods. And a general comparison with oral drug delivery systems with respect to the ways in which the knowledge from drug delivery can be extended to foods and the factors which need to be considered for development of colloidal delivery systems for food ingredients. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.