Nanoencapsulation- A Novel Strategy for Enhancing the Bioactivity of Essential Oils: A Review

Abstract

An upsurge in the global demand for safe and healthy food with minimal synthetic preservatives has raised the need for natural antimicrobial agents. Plant based products, especially essential oils (EOs) exhibit strong antimicrobial activities that could play a significant role as a novel source of food preservatives. However, hydrophobicity, high volatility, susceptibility to oxidation, low stability and solubility limit the uses of essential oils. Therefore, nanoencapsulation could be promising technique to address these limitations as it prevents the exposure and degradation of essential oils, by creating a physical barrier that protects the bioactive constituents. Furthermore, it also facilitates their controlled release, resulting into enhanced bioavailability as well as efficacy in the food system. Present review highlights the various encapsulating methods and provides insight about some encapsulated essential oils and their bioactive properties.

Lemongrass essential oil micro‐ and nanoencapsulation for industrial application: Production techniques and potential applications

“…This fast and economical method has proven more suitable for encapsulating hydrophobic substances than hydrophilic core materials (Table 6). [44,48,49] Antonioli and collaborators [45] successfully developed nanocapsules constituted by PLA, containing LEO as core, using interfacial deposition of a preformed polymer after solvent displacement technique. First, they demonstrated that PLA is insoluble in the LEO, making it a suitable candidate for encapsulation.…”

“…This fast and economical method has proven more suitable for encapsulating hydrophobic substances than hydrophilic core materials (Table 6). [ 44,48,49 ]…”

Photocatalytic Degradation of Toxic Textile Dyes by Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Strobilanthes hamiltoniana Leaf Extract

“…Green synthesis nanoparticles are also exceedingly stable, easily recovered and reusable, which reduces waste generation. Furthermore, these nanoparticles have the potential to target a wide range of dye types while also performing well in a number of operational conditions [6]. Because of their long term durability and efficacy in textile dye degradation, they are a viable option for reducing water pollution and encouraging ecologically friendly practices in the textile industries [7].…”