Abstract
Phytochemicals are biologically active chemical compounds found in plants. They were identified as displaying bioactivity in the prevention of cancer, heart disease and other diseases. The most important classes of phytochemicals are: polyphenols, carotenoids, essential oils, phytosterols etc. The encapsulation of phytochemical compounds in different matrices is required in order to prevent the degradation of phytochemical compounds under the influence of some factors such as oxygen, light radiations, pH and high temperature. Biopolymers with new functional properties, i.e. biodegradable, biocompatible and stimulus responsive, have been tested for encapsulation of phytochemicals bioactive. In this review, we are showing the most important biopolymer classes used as wall in the preparation of drug and food phytochemicals micro and nanoparticles.
Keywords: phytochemicals; polyphenols; carotenoids; essential oils; phytosterols