• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.39-47
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• 2006

Incorporation of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, probiotics, bioactive peptides, and antioxidants into Nutrient Delivery System (NDS) for 'nanofood' provides simple way to develop novel functional foods that may have physiological benefits or reduce risks of diseases. As vital nutrient in nanofood, proteins possess unique functional properties including ability to form gels and emulsions, which allow them to be ideal nanofood materials for encapsulation of bioactive compounds. Based on protein physico-chemical properties, this review describes potential role of nanofood materials for development of NDS in hydrogel form, micro-or nano-particles. Applications of these nanofood materials to protect delivery-sensitive nutraceutical compounds are illustrated, and impacts of particle size on release properties are emphasized.