Nanostructured lipid carriers: Promising delivery systems for encapsulation of food ingredients

Abstract

In the last few decades, various bioactive compound-delivery technologies have been emerged and nanoscale delivery devices have been developed. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are delivery systems that reveal some advantages over conventional carriers such as increased loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, solubility, storage stability, bioavailability, and half-life. Moreover, they provide controlled compound release and safety for food systems. In this review, aspects of NLCs, their components, production methods, bioactive compound incorporation, release, stability, and food applications are introduced.