Encapsulation of food bioactives and nutraceuticals by various chitosan-based nanocarriers

Nowadays, nanoencapsulation as a leading technique using nanostructures, can considerably enhance the bioavailability and durability of bioactive food components. For this purpose, chitosan as a bioactive polysaccharide has been widely utilized as carrier, due to its unique chemical and biological characteristics, for example polycationicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this review, various approaches and techniques for development of chitosan-based nanodelivery systems with an overview of the related studies will be discussed. Nutritional and functional properties of the nanostructures and relevant safety issues are also highlighted. Scientists have developed various nanostructures such as nanoparticles, nanohydrogels, nanofibers, and nanocomposites from chitosan which have been successfully applied as nanocarriers for encapsulation of a diverse range of bioactive compounds including phenolic compounds, essential oils, carotenoids, vitamins, etc. This review gives a new insight into the investigation of potent uses of chitosan-based nanostructures in the food and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors.