Arshad Muhammad Tayyab, Maqsood Sammra, Ikram Ali, Khan Ammar Ahmad, Raza Awais, Ahmad Aneeq, Gnedeka Kodjo Théodore
University Institute of Food Science and Technology, The University of Lahore Lahore Pakistan.
National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan.
Food Sci Nutr. 2025 May 20;13(5):e70310. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.70310. eCollection 2025 May.
Carotenoids are a broad category of biologically active pigments in plants and animals with significant health associations, including immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant roles. They persuade prevention of illness through numerous mechanisms such as protection against oxidative stress, encouragement of cardiovascular and neuroprotective events, and reduction of diseases comprising cancer and macular degeneration. Carotenoids have several health benefits but are unstable, with low bioavailability, and easily degrade in environments containing light, heat, and oxygen. Since the encapsulation improves carotenoid solubility, stability, and controlled release, it has become a feasible strategy for overcoming these issues. This review considers a few encapsulation methods, including electrospinning, lipid-based delivery systems, spray drying, freeze drying, and supercritical fluid technology. Each of these methods is assessed in terms of their ability to retain carotenoids, improve bioavailability, and deliver targeted distribution. Evaluation of these methods has been made with the view of benefits, drawbacks, and suitability for industrial use. In conclusion, the analysis identifies current challenges in carotenoid encapsulation and potential future investigation and innovation directions in this area to exploit carotenoid-based functional foods, nutraceuticals, and medications.
类胡萝卜素是动植物体内一类具有广泛生物活性的色素，与健康有着重要关联，包括免疫调节、抗炎和抗氧化作用。它们通过多种机制预防疾病，如抵御氧化应激、促进心血管和神经保护作用，以及减少包括癌症和黄斑变性在内的疾病。类胡萝卜素具有多种健康益处，但不稳定，生物利用度低，且在光照、热和氧气环境中容易降解。由于包封可提高类胡萝卜素的溶解度、稳定性和控释性，它已成为克服这些问题的可行策略。本综述探讨了几种包封方法，包括静电纺丝、脂质递送系统、喷雾干燥、冷冻干燥和超临界流体技术。对这些方法中的每一种，都根据其保留类胡萝卜素的能力、提高生物利用度的能力以及实现靶向分布的能力进行了评估。对这些方法的评估考虑了其优点、缺点以及工业适用性。总之，该分析确定了类胡萝卜素包封方面当前面临的挑战以及该领域未来潜在的研究和创新方向，以开发基于类胡萝卜素的功能性食品、营养保健品和药物。
