Nanonutraceuticals: The New Frontier of Supplementary Food

Abstract

In the last few decades, the combination between nanotechnology and nutraceutics has gained the attention of several research groups. Nutraceuticals are considered as active compounds, abundant in natural products, showing beneficial effects on human health. Unfortunately, the uses, and consequently the health benefits, of many nutraceutical products are limited by their unsuitable chemico-physical features. For example, many nutraceuticals are characterized by low water solubility, low stability and high susceptibility to light and oxygen, poor absorption and potential chemical modifications after their administration. Based on the potential efficacy of nutraceuticals and on their limiting features, nanotechnology could be considered a revolutionary innovation in empowering the beneficial properties of nutraceuticals on human health, thus enhancing their efficacy in several diseases. For this reason, nanotechnology could represent a new frontier in supplementary food. In this review, the most recent nanotechnological approaches are discussed, focusing on their ability to improve the bioavailability of the most common nutraceuticals, providing an overview regarding both the advantages and the possible limitations of the use of several nanodelivery systems. In fact, although the efficacy of smart nanocarriers in improving health benefits deriving from nutraceuticals has been widely demonstrated, the conflicting opinions on the mechanism of action of some nanosystems still reduce their applicability in the therapeutic field.

Advances in Nanofabrication Technology for Nutraceuticals: New Insights and Future Trends

“…Honey, for example, has a significant antibacterial effect and can be used to disinfect infected wounds. It also shows inhibitory activity against amylase and glucosidase, indicating its usefulness in treating type 2 diabetes [ 96 ]. The extract is also used to treat high blood pressure as it inhibits angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE1) [ 97 ].…”

Utilization of Olive Pomace in Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles: Physico-Chemical Characterization, Bioaccessibility and Biocompatibility

“…Selenium is also available in the form of nanoparticles (NPs), which are generally characterized by unique features such as a high surface-to-volume ratio, solubility, and multi-functionality [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. The application of nanotechnology in the development of nutraceuticals offers numerous advantages such as increased bioavailability, promoting the controlled-release and targeted delivery of encapsulated bioactive natural compounds, which leads to an increase in their biological efficacy [ 16 ].…”

Mouthwash Formulation Co-Delivering Quercetin and Mint Oil in Liposomes Improved with Glycol and Ethanol and Tailored for Protecting and Tackling Oral Cavity

“…Due to their biphasic lamellar structure and cell affinity, these vesicles may ensure optimal performance and security, especially in the delivery of natural molecules [ 10 ]. They may improve the effectiveness of quercetin, achieving a higher deposition in the deeper skin layers thanks to their structure, which seems to be the main factor in determining the extent of the depth of deposition of quercetin in the skin [ 11 ]. Phospholipid vesicles, such as liposomes and glycerosomes, ameliorated the delivery of quercetin and its deposition in the deeper strata of the skin to a better extent than quercetin aqueous dispersion, which provided an accumulation confined to the skin surface [ 12 ].…”