Pectin polymers as wall materials for the nano-encapsulation of bioactive compounds

Abstract

Background: Pectin has been used as a carrier for the protection and targeted delivery of bioactive compounds and for increasing their shelf life and stability. Nano-encapsulation process is one of the techniques that has been used for the effective protection of bioactive compounds. Scope and approach: This review aims to describe the different sources and characterization of pectin along with various encapsulation methods of different bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the focus is on the application of nano-encapsulation pectin for the entrapment of bioactive compounds. Key findings and conclusions: Pectin can be used for nano-encapsulation, where nano-capsules can be formed through different methods i.e. spray drying, emulsion and through the formation of hydrogel, liposomes, and nanocomplexes. Moreover, the use of pectin in combination with other compounds such as proteins and lipids were found to be the most promising wall material for the bioactive compounds.