Functional foods have become an essential element of the diet in developed nations, due to their health benefits and nutritive values. Such food products are only called functional if they, \"In addition to basic nutrition, have valuable effects on one or multiple functions of the human body, thereby enhancing general and physical conditions and/or reducing the risk of disease progression\". Functional foods are currently one of the most extensively researched areas in the food and nutrition sciences. They are fortified and improved food products. Presently, probiotics are regarded as the most significant and commonly used functional food product. Diverse probiotic food products and supplements are used according to the evidence that supports their strength, functionality, and recommended dosage. This review provides an overview of the current functional food market, with a particular focus on probiotic microorganisms as pivotal functional ingredients. It offers insights into current research endeavors and outlines potential future directions in the field.

The ruminant digestive system is uniquely designed to make efficient use of high-fibre feed, including forages. Between 40 to 100% of the ruminant diet consists of forages which are high in fibre and up to 70% of this may remain undigested in the ruminant gut, with substantial impact on feed utilisation rate and productivity and the economic and environmental sustainability of livestock production systems. In ruminants, feed costs can make up to 70% of the overall cost of producing an animal product. Increasing feed utilisation efficiency, i.e., more production with less feed lowers feeding costs and improves livestock economic viability. Strategies for improving nutrient utilisation in animal feed has been investigated over the years. Incorporation of fibre digesting enzymes in the feed to facilitate the digestion of the residual fibre in hind gut is one of the proposed strategies. However, delivering such enzymes to the hind gut in active state is challenging due to the unfavourable biochemical environment (pH, microbial proteases) of ruminant\'s gastrointestinal tract. This review discusses the potential application of microencapsulation for protected and targeted delivery of enzymes into the hind gut of ruminants.

Starch is a promising polymer for creating novel microparticulate systems with superior biocompatibility and controlled drug delivery capabilities. In this study, we synthesized polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified starch microparticles and encapsulated folic acid using a solvent-mediated acid-base precipitation method with magnetic stirring, which is a simple and effective method. To evaluate particle degradation, we simulated physiological conditions by employing an enzymatic degradation approach. Our results with FTIR and SEM confirmed the successful synthesis of starch-PEG microparticles encapsulating folic acid. The average size of starch microparticles encapsulating folic acid was 4.97 μm and increased to 6.01 μm upon modification with PEG. The microparticles were first exposed to amylase at pH 6.7 and pepsin at pH 1.5 at different incubation times at physiological temperature with shaking. Post-degradation analysis revealed changes in particle size and morphology, indicating effective enzymatic degradation. FTIR spectroscopy was used to assess the chemical composition before and after degradation. The initial FTIR spectra displayed characteristic peaks of starch, PEG, and folic acid, which showed decreased intensities after enzymatic degradation, suggesting alterations in chemical composition. These findings demonstrate the ongoing development of starch-PEG microparticles for controlled drug delivery and other biomedical applications and provide the basis for further exploration of PEG-starch as a versatile biomaterial for encapsulating bioactive compounds.

Microencapsulation is an advanced methodology for the protection, preservation, and/or delivery of active materials in a wide range of industrial sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fragrances, paints, coatings, detergents, food products, and agrochemicals. Polymeric materials have been extensively used as microcapsule shells to provide appropriate barrier properties to achieve controlled release of the encapsulated active ingredient. However, significant limitations are associated with such capsules, including undesired leaching and the nonbiodegradable nature of the typically used polymers. In addition, the energy cost of manufacturing microcapsules is an important factor to be considered when designing microcapsule systems and the corresponding production processes. Recent factors linked to UN sustainability goals are modifying how such microencapsulation systems should be designed in pursuit of \"ideal\" microcapsules that are efficient, safe, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. This review provides an overview of advances in microencapsulation, with emphasis on sustainable microcapsule designs. The key evaluation techniques to assess the biodegradability of microcapsules, in compliance with recently evolving European Union requirements, are also described. Moreover, the most common methodologies for the fabrication of microcapsules are presented within the framework of their energy demand. Recent promising microcapsule designs are also highlighted for their suitability toward meeting current design requirements and stringent regulations, tackling the ongoing challenges, limitations, and opportunities.

Source control of mine drainage and leachate from mining wastes is ideal, but there is limited use of control methods aside from removal of wastes to repositories or capping wastes in situ. In some locations, neither removal nor capping is possible; thus, there is renewed interest in understanding technologies for coating mining wastes. This paper presents the current state of knowledge from a critical review of the few field case studies where chemical coating technologies have been applied to mined surfaces (e.g. a highwall) or mining wastes. It also includes laboratory studies where the same technology was examined on the same type of waste material as the field studies. The chemicals used in field studies for coating mining wastes were magnesium oxide, potassium permanganate, silicate compounds, phosphate compounds, and a furfuryl alcohol resin sealant. Descriptions of the methods employed, and results obtained are provided. Limitations of the individual studies and of the technologies in general are discussed. Potential reasons why coating technologies have not been commonly used are presented, along with further research needs.

Simvastatin (SIM) is widely prescribed to treat hyperlipidemia, despite its limitations, such as a short half-life and low oral bioavailability. To overcome these drawbacks, the development of a controlled-release formulation is desirable. This study aims to develop a microparticulate system based on cellulose acetate (ACT) obtained from Agave sisalana Perrine to promote a controlled SIM release. SIM-loaded microparticles (SMP) were prepared using the solvent emulsification-evaporation method. Several parameters were evaluated, including particle size, surface charge, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, thermochemical characteristics, crystallinity, and in vitro release profile. ACT exhibited favorable flow properties after acetylation, with a degree of substitution values superior to 2.5, as confirmed by both the chemical route and H-NMR, indicating the formation of cellulose triacetate. The obtained SMP were spherical with an average size ranging from 1842 to 1857 nm, a zeta potential of -4.45 mV, and a high SIM incorporation efficiency (98%). Thermal and XRD analyses revealed that SIM was homogeneously dispersed into the polymeric matrix in its amorphous state. In vitro studies using dialysis bags revealed that the controlled SIM release from microparticles was higher under simulated intestinal conditions and followed the Higuchi kinetic model. Our results suggest that ACT-based microparticles are a promising system for SIM delivery, which can improve its bioavailability, and result in better patient compliance.

Haskap berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a rich dietary source of anthocyanins with potent anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, isolated haskap berry anthocyanins were encapsulated in maltodextrin and inulin (3:1) by freeze-drying to improve stability and bioavailability. The structural properties of microcapsules, encapsulation yield, efficiency, recovery, and powder retention were evaluated. The microcapsules that exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (60%) and anthocyanin recovery (89%) were used in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in mice. Thirty-five BALB/c male mice of seven weeks old were divided into seven dietary supplementation groups (n = 5) to receive either free anthocyanins, encapsulated anthocyanins (6.2 mg/day), or probiotics (1 × 109 CFU/day) alone or as combinations of anthocyanin and probiotics. As observed by clinical data, free anthocyanin and probiotic supplementation significantly reduced the severity of colitis. The supplementary diets suppressed the DSS-induced elevation of serum inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor) and apoptosis markers (B-cell lymphoma 2 and Bcl-2-associated X protein) in mice colon tissues. The free anthocyanins and probiotics significantly reduced the serum IL-6 levels. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of haskap berry anthocyanins and probiotics protects against DSS-induced colitis possibly by attenuating mucosal inflammation, and this combination has the potential as a health-promoting dietary supplement and nutraceutical.

Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) is rich in carotenoids, mainly β-carotene, and has great value for application as a food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic ingredient, as well as a natural pigment. Microencapsulation is a promising technique to protect compounds sensitive to degradation such as β-carotene. Materials composed of carbohydrates and proteins, such as azuki bean (Vigna angularis L.) and lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) flours, are alternative matrices for microencapsulation, which additionally provide good amounts of nutrients. In combination with maltodextrin, the flours represent a protective barrier in stabilizing lipophilic compounds such as buriti oil for subsequent spray drying. In this work, the performance of mixtures of maltodextrin with whole azuki and lima bean flours was evaluated in the microencapsulation of buriti oil. The microcapsules showed good results for solubility (>80%), hygroscopicity (~7%), encapsulation efficiency (43.52 to 51.94%), and carotenoid retention (64.13 to 77.49%.) After 77 days of storage, the microcapsules produced maintained 87.79% and 90.16% of carotenoids, indicating that the powders have high potential for application as encapsulants in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The objective of this exploratory study was to assess if microencapsulated arginine influences the physicochemical quality of beef. The study included three genetic groups: Angus, Hereford, and Angus × Hereford crossbreed. Two encapsulation systems were used with carnauba wax, at ratios of 3:1 and 2:1, carnauba wax:core (arginine), respectively. A control treatment was also included with no arginine addition. Encapsulated arginine with a 3:1 ratio increased redness by 19.66 at 28 d aged beef compared to the control and 2:1 ratio with values of 18.55 and 16.77, respectively (p = 0.01). Encapsulated arginine at a 3:1 ratio showed the lowest meat shear force values with 24.32 N at 28 d of ageing (p < 0.001). The Angus breed also had a low value of 24.02 N (p < 0.001). Finally, the highest values of intramuscular fat were observed with the inclusion of arginine in a 3:1 ratio. The fat value reached 2.12% with a 3:1 ratio (p = 0.002), while in the Angus breed it was 1.59%. The addition of carnauba wax-encapsulated arginine can improve meat quality. It enhances red color, tenderness, and marbling in bovine meat.

A combination of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and tretinoin is recommended for treating acne; however, concurrent administration can be irritating, and coformulation is prevented by BPO-mediated oxidation of tretinoin. In rosacea, benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be efficacious; however, its use has been limited by poor tolerability. To overcome these limitations, the active ingredients can be encapsulated within silica microcapsules. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved 2 products using this technology, a combination of encapsulated benzoyl peroxide and encapsulated tretinoin product for acne vulgaris and encapsulated benzoyl peroxide to treat inflammatory lesions in rosacea. The active ingredients are released through small channels in the silica shell, gradually releasing the active ingredients to the skin. This study describes the stability and release profiles of encapsulated tretinoin and encapsulated benzoyl peroxide from the silica shell in physiologically relevant conditions and provides differentiation from traditional formulations.