Recent Developments in Starch-Based Delivery Systems of Bioactive Compounds: Formulations and Applications

Bioactive compounds exhibit numerous health benefits; however, they are highly sensitive to degradation under various process conditions. Applications of these compounds are limited in food and pharmaceutical products due to their quick release, low solubility, possible interactions with other ingredients, and reduced biological potential. Encapsulation in suitable carrier systems could protect their bioactivity and retain sensorial properties of products during processing and storage. Starch is a natural polysaccharide, and its physicochemical properties offer an excellent carrier system for various bioactive compounds. In this review, comprehensive discussions have been provided on the different fabrication techniques of starch-based micro, nano-carrier systems and their applications for various bioactive compounds have been discussed also. Various techniques including nano-spray drying, electrospinning, extrusion, acid hydrolysis, nanoemulsification, nanoprecipitation, microfluidization, ultrasonication, and gamma-irradiation have been employed to fabricate micro and nanocarrier systems from a starch biopolymer. Starch-based nanostructures are emerging as a novel and promising nano-vehicles for delivering bioactive compounds.