Improving the bioavailability of phenolic compounds by loading them within lipid-based nanocarriers

Background: Phenolic compounds' are one of the main interested nutraceuticals in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The application of phenolics is limited due to their low bioavailability, low solubility, low stability, and un-targeted release. These limitations could be overcome by novel lipid-based nano-encapsulation technologies capable of appropriated and targeted delivery functions into foods. Scope and approach: In this review, preparation, application, and characterization of lipid-based nanocarriers for phenolics have been considered and discussed including nano-emulsions, nano-scale phospholipids, and nano-structured lipid carriers. The bioavailability of nano-encapsulated phenolic products and capability of them to produce functional foods have been considered as well. Key findings and conclusions: In the food and nutraceutical industries, the main aims of loading phenolics into nanocarriers are masking their undesirable flavor for oral administration, providing high stability and high absorption, and better release in gastrointestinal (GIT) conditions. Compared with micro-sized carriers, nano capsules based on lipid formulations provide more surface area and have the potential to enhance solubility, improve bioavailability, and ameliorate controlled release of the nano-encapsulated phenolic compounds.