Nanoencapsulation Strategies for Stabilization and Delivery of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Bioactive Compounds: Current Advances and Future Perspectives
- 1Department of Food Technology, Vocational School of Technical Sciences at Mersin Tarsus Organized Industrial Zone, Tarsus University, Mersin 33100, Türkiye
- 2Food and Nutritional Sciences Program, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
Abstract
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including betalains, phenolic compounds, and dietary nitrates, which are associated with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. The practical application of these compounds in food and nutraceutical systems is significantly limited by their high sensitivity to environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, light, and oxygen, leading to rapid degradation, reduced stability, and low bioavailability. Nanoencapsulation has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges. Nanoliposomes, polymer-coated liposomes, chitosan-based nanogels, and nanoemulsions have emerged as promising nanocarrier platforms for improving the physicochemical stability and gastrointestinal fate of beetroot bioactive compounds. Nanoliposomes offer advantages in terms of nanoscale particle dimensions and relatively high loading capacities, whereas polymeric coatings can provide an additional protective barrier against premature release during gastrointestinal transit. Chitosan nanogels are particularly attractive because of their mucoadhesive properties and potential to promote prolonged and controlled release, while double nanoemulsions provide efficient dispersion of beetroot bioactive within nanosized droplets and can improve colloidal stability. Despite significant progress, challenges related to large-scale production, cost-effectiveness, regulatory approval, and long-term safety remain. Future research should focus on the development of sustainable, biopolymer-based nanocarriers, integration with green extraction technologies, and advanced delivery systems with improved targeting and responsiveness. Overall, nanoencapsulation represents a transformative approach to unlocking the full potential of beetroot bioactive compounds for industrial and health-related applications.
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BibTeX
@article{zannou2026nanoencapsulation,
title = {{Nanoencapsulation Strategies for Stabilization and Delivery of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Bioactive Compounds: Current Advances and Future Perspectives}},
author = {Oscar Zannou and Mansuri M. Tosif and Rıdvan Arslan and Reza Tahergorabi and Gulden Goksen},
journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3390/ijms27219986},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9986},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Nanoencapsulation Strategies for Stabilization and Delivery of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Bioactive Compounds: Current Advances and Future Perspectives
AU - Oscar Zannou
AU - Mansuri M. Tosif
AU - Rıdvan Arslan
AU - Reza Tahergorabi
AU - Gulden Goksen
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/07
JO - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DO - 10.3390/ijms27219986
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9986
AB - Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including betalains, phenolic compounds, and dietary nitrates, which are associated with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. The practical application of these compounds in food and nutraceutical systems is significantly limited by their high sensitivity to environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, light, and oxygen, leading to rapid degradation, reduced stability, and low bioavailability. Nanoencapsulation has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges. Nanoliposomes, polymer-coated liposomes, chitosan-based nanogels, and nanoemulsions have emerged as promising nanocarrier platforms for improving the physicochemical stability and gastrointestinal fate of beetroot bioactive compounds. Nanoliposomes offer advantages in terms of nanoscale particle dimensions and relatively high loading capacities, whereas polymeric coatings can provide an additional protective barrier against premature release during gastrointestinal transit. Chitosan nanogels are particularly attractive because of their mucoadhesive properties and potential to promote prolonged and controlled release, while double nanoemulsions provide efficient dispersion of beetroot bioactive within nanosized droplets and can improve colloidal stability. Despite significant progress, challenges related to large-scale production, cost-effectiveness, regulatory approval, and long-term safety remain. Future research should focus on the development of sustainable, biopolymer-based nanocarriers, integration with green extraction technologies, and advanced delivery systems with improved targeting and responsiveness. Overall, nanoencapsulation represents a transformative approach to unlocking the full potential of beetroot bioactive compounds for industrial and health-related applications.
SN - 1422-0067
ER -