nanoencapsulation

Nanoencapsulation is the process of enclosing functional agents within nanometer-scale carriers to produce encapsulated entities with sizes typically from about 1 to 1000 nanometers. This approach protects sensitive ingredients from degradation, enables controlled release, enhances solubility and bioavailability, and can enable targeted delivery.

Carriers used in nanoencapsulation include liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (for example PLGA), solid lipid nanoparticles, nanospheres, dendrimers, silica and other inorganic nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and self-assembled amphiphiles.

Fabrication methods include nanoprecipitation, solvent evaporation, emulsification-diffusion, high-pressure homogenization, ultrasonication, coacervation, spray drying, and electrostatic deposition.

Characterization covers particle size and distribution (dynamic light scattering), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, release kinetics, and morphological analysis by TEM or SEM, along with stability testing.

Applications span pharmaceuticals and medicine (drug and vaccine delivery), nutraceuticals and functional foods, cosmetics, agriculture (pesticide and fertilizer formulations), and food packaging or sensing.

Advantages include improved stability, solubility, bioavailability, and controlled release, while challenges encompass potential toxicity, regulatory and safety assessments, reproducibility, scale-up costs, and environmental considerations. Regulatory oversight and labeling practices vary by jurisdiction, and safety evaluation is a standard part of developing nanoencapsulated products.