Anthocyanin Delivery Systems: A Critical Review of Recent Research Findings

Abstract

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are polyphenolic, water-soluble pigments, and phytochemicals, which in recent years, have garnered the interest of consumers, researchers, and industries for their various potential preventative and/or therapeutic health benefits and applications in the food industry. ACN-based processed foods have emerged as functional foods with significant therapeutic potential against various health conditions. However, their wider application in food and pharmaceutical formulations is hindered by their inherent instability under different environmental conditions, such as pH, light, and temperature, rendering them non-functional due to loss of biological activity. The current review focuses on the frequently used bio-based encapsulation materials for ACN-based delivery systems and their formulation techniques. Various bio-based materials including pectin, gums, pectin, proteins, lipids, phospholipids, and their conjugates are being widely used for targeted delivery and controlled release of bioactive compounds and drugs. The incorporation of advanced technologies seems to be promising in the context of extraction, encapsulation, and storage of ACNs. However, more comprehensive studies are required for the application of encapsulated ACNs in various food products, and improvements in their stability under different processing conditions.

Anthocyanin-Loaded Polymers as Promising Nature-Based, Responsive, and Bioactive Materials

“…There are several studies that report the development of nanoemulsions and microemulsions with extracts from different sources of anthocyanins, such as mangosteen peel, Brazilian berry, purple sweet potato, cranberry, red cabbage, blueberry, and jaboticaba peel, among others, showing nanoparticles that are stable for long periods of time, ranging from 30 days to 3 months [ 53 , 58 , 59 , 62 , 63 ].…”

“…This manufacturing method has received increasing attention from the food industry due to its shape flexibility and customized design [51,64]. from 30 days to 3 months [53,58,59,62,63].…”

Liposome Formulations for the Strategic Delivery of PARP1 Inhibitors: Development and Optimization

“…Thus, a liposome-based delivery system may be the answer to surpassing these downsides and increasing therapeutic efficacy and efficiency [ 9 ]. Liposomes have been used and investigated as efficient transport systems and as a means to achieve target delivery of therapeutic agents [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. This ability is mostly due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, lack of immune system activation, and incorporation capability for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”

“…Liposomes have been used and investigated as efficient transport systems and as a means to achieve target delivery of therapeutic agents [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. This ability is mostly due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, lack of immune system activation, and incorporation capability for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Furthermore, liposomes can act as a protective barrier for photosensitive molecules, protecting the drug’s structural molecular integrity and therapeutic activity [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Anthocyanin Production from Plant Cell and Organ Cultures In Vitro

“…The stability of anthocyanins can be increased by a number of techniques, including light preservation and oxygen exclusion. New food colorants with improved stability, bioavailability, and solubility have been made possible in recent years by the microencapsulation of anthocyanins [ 1 , 11 ].…”