Nanoencapsulation of active compounds in chitosan by ionic gelation: Physicochemical, active properties and application in packaging

Author(s)

Silva, Natalia Cristina ; Chevigny, Chloe ; Domenek, Sandra ; Almeida, Giana ; Assis, Odilio Benedito Garrido ; Martelli-Tosi, Milena

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Food Chemistry; v. 463, p. 11-pg., 2024-09-11.

Abstract

The ionic gelation technique using chitosan to encapsulate active compounds has received lots of attention in the literature due to its ease-of-use and known biodegradability, biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties of the polymer. In this review, main studies from the last five years involving encapsulation of active compounds (natural and commercial/synthetic) are brought together in order to understand the encapsulation mechanisms of components with chitosan as well as the physical, chemical and morphological properties of the resulting particles. The application of these nanostructures in polymeric films was then investigated, since additives for packaging are an attractive premise and have only recently started being studied in the literature. Herein, comparisons are made between free and encapsulated bioactive compounds in different film matrices, as well as the effect of this activation on structure. Finally, this work details the mechanisms involved in the production of chitosan nanoparticles with active compounds and encourages new studies to focus on their application in packaging. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/03055-0 - Sustainable use of phytochemicals extracted from agro-industrial by-products: encapsulation, biological evaluation and application as food additives
• Grantee: Milena Martelli Tosi
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Initial Project
• FAPESP's process: 22/03469-9 - Production of loaded particles and nanocelluloses from agro-industrial by-products: potential application in active coatings or PLA films
• Grantee: Milena Martelli Tosi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants