Polyphenolic nano-encapsulation systems: a review of their formation mechanism, bioavailability, and antioxidant activity
摘要
Polyphenols, despite their well-established health benefits, face significant challenges in food and pharmaceutical applications due to inherent physicochemical instability and suboptimal bioavailability. Nano-encapsulation has emerged as a promising technology to overcome these challenges. This review comprehensively analyzes the formation mechanisms of polyphenol-loaded nano-systems, focusing on key interactions (hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic forces, electrostatic interactions, and π-π stacking) between polyphenols and carriers. Case studies demonstrate that nano-encapsulation enhances polyphenol stability under gastrointestinal conditions and improves bioaccessibility is generally increased by 1 to 4 times compared to free forms. Furthermore, encapsulated polyphenols exhibit superior antioxidant activity through synergistic effects with carriers. Given the growing demand for functional foods, this review also highlights the potential of polyphenolic nano-encapsulation in developing new food products with enhanced health benefits and stability.