A Prospective Review on the Encapsulation of Bioactive Compounds

Encapsulation is a technology of packaging particles (liquid, gaseous or solid) in edible capsules and is considered a promising tool for the optimization of molecules and living cells through particles [1]. The carrier material that forms the capsule is known as an encapsulant, wall or cover material. Encapsulated material has several names such as encapsulated agent, active agent, core or filler [2]. In addition to the variety of reasons in the microencapsulation process, bioactive ingredients are encapsulated for better durability and functionality, preventing their degradation from external agents, in addition to the microencapsulation process ensuring the control of their delivery to the gastrointestinal tract, i.e., microencapsulation in Food aims to preserve valuable and sensitive components, protecting them from adverse environmental conditions such as oxygen, heat and water.
This method helps protect many functional core compounds, such as antioxidants, enzymes, polyphenols and micronutrients; the delivery of these compounds to the controlled destination location; and the protection of an unfavorable environment [3,4]. The governing principles for achieving desirable product stability can be managed by controlling the microcapsule structure, regardless of whether the products relate to flavors, sweets, coffee, probiotics, health foods, vitamins, minerals or enzymes [5]. Currently, food products are gaining strength due to their potential for extracting bioactive compounds mainly due to the development of new products with nutritional and functional values and benefits.
The Amazon region is well known for the rich biodiversity of fruit species containing large amounts of bioactive compounds, among which the antioxidant properties of tropical fruits stand out, in which they have different levels of vitamins C and E, in addition to carotenoids, flavonoids and other polyphenols. From the evaluation of different drying methods (lyophilization and spray-dry) and carriers (gum arabic and inulin) in microcapsules, the characterization of the powder and stability of the bioactive compounds of the extract of Hibiscus acetosella during storage, revealed characteristic signs of the acid Caffeoyl hydroxycitric, its half-life proved that the powders constituted by gum arabic and recovered by the freezedrying process had better protection and retention of bioactive compounds [6]. Encapsulated bioactive compounds obtained through the juices of the species of Cldemia japurensis and Cldemia hirta encapsulated in maltodextrin of different dextrose equivalents showed microparticles with good antioxidant properties, where their Encapsulation Efficiency (EE) ranged from 97.0 to 99.8%, respectively [7].
Antioxidant compounds, found in fruits and vegetables, are extremely important substances for the maintenance of the body, providing protection and health benefits. Therefore, the increased consumption of both fruits and vegetables should be encouraged, since several compounds present in the plant cell protect against various diseases, in addition to providing a quality of life. The juice of Eugenia punicafolin species was encapsulated in microcapsules produced with dextrose equivalent to the encapsulation efficiency of the system was found around 89.7%, where the NMR spectra revealed the presence of responsible O-glycosylated flavonoids (quercitrin and myricitrin) due to its high potential for antiglycant and antioxidant activities [8]. There are functional foods and beverages found in conventional everyday meals, and they are made up of ingredients that have chemical properties of great physiological potential, as they show the regulatory capacity of bodily functions, reducing the risk of developing diseases.
Quercetin is a classic example of an important flavonoid, found distributed in the plant kingdom and can be consumed through daily food. Quercetin’s mechanisms of action have been gaining prominence in the scientific space, as it demonstrates a collaborative role in the prevention of injuries caused by risk factors, such as chronic diseases. Cell microencapsulation products are at an advanced stage of development, with some being tested in clinical trials. Several are expected to reach the market in the coming years [9]. This review article aims to provide detailed and useful information about the benefit of the microencapsulation process currently available to the food industry and developed by the pharmaceutical industry.

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