Potential of encapsulated phytochemicals in hydrogel particles

Abstract In the recent past, bioactive compounds, especially naturally antioxidants, have occupied the main research focus, due to their high biological activity. Plant polyphenols are one of the most potent antioxidants. Encapsulation technique is a promising tool to protect their beneficial properties and to overcome the problems of polyphenols instability and low bioavailability. Micro- and nanohydrogel particles are attractive carriers and have a significant interest because of their unique small size and size-dependent physical properties, which provide many benefits. This chapter is an overview of the current state of the art in encapsulation techniques for polyphenolics with an insight into physicochemical and morphological characteristics of hydrogel–polyphenol systems. Finally, the effect of encapsulation process on biological activity of phenolics will be discussed through the examples available in literature.