Trends in micro and nanoencapsulation of various plant-based bioactive compounds for enhanced biological activities: a review

Abstract

Bioactive compounds derived from plants have attracted significant attention due to their diverse therapeutic potential. However, their practical application in food and pharmaceutical systems is limited by poor stability, low solubility, rapid degradation, and inadequate bioavailability. To overcome these challenges, micro- and nanoencapsulation technologies have emerged as effective strategies to protect bioactive compounds from environmental stress, improve physicochemical properties, and enable controlled release. Nanoencapsulation involves entrapping bioactive compounds within suitable carrier matrices in solid, liquid, or gaseous forms, thereby enhancing their functional efficiency and health-promoting effects. Over time, there has been a surge in research into the encapsulation of bioactive substances for a variety of applications. Recent advances highlight the use of techniques such as spray drying, freeze-drying, emulsification, coacervation, and electrospinning for developing encapsulated systems using lipids, natural polymers, and synthetic materials. The performance of these systems largely depends on the composition and characteristics of the wall materials employed. This article focuses on recent progress in nano-enabled encapsulation approaches and their potential applications, with particular emphasis on improving the stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of phytochemicals.