1. Introduction
Graphic Abstract
[1][2][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][6][8][6]
2. Nanoencapsulation (principle, classification, and delivery methods)
A summative scheme showing the different ways of forming nanoscale capsules, the techniques involved, the different conditions required, and the resulting nanoscale carrier
At its core, nanoencapsulation operates on the principle of isolating functional compounds within engineered carrier matrices that act as physical and chemical shields
[9][10][6][7][11][8][9][12][13]
[14][15]
[10][8]
[7][16][17]
[18][19][20][15]
3. Review Methodology
The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines
[21]
[22]
4. Results
A total of 50 studies published between 2018 and 2025 were identified for inclusion. As detailed in the PRISMA flow diagram (Figure 2), these studies were thematically categorized into seven major domains, with a dominant emphasis on bioavailability enhancement, sustainable agriculture, and active packaging. Polymeric and lipid-based nanocarriers were the most frequently reported systems. The particle sizes predominantly ranged between 30 nm and 500 nm, a range that balances cellular uptake efficiency with physical stability in food matrices. The following table summarizes key experimental studies, categorized by their primary application domain.
Summary of recent nanoencapsulation studies (2018-2025) categorized by application domain
| Application Domain | Nanocarrier Type | Size (nm) | Key Performance Indicators | Specific Application | Reference |
| Sustainable Agriculture | Biopolymer nanoparticles | 100–400 | Encapsulation efficiency, yield response | Crop biostimulants | [23] |
| Nano-agrochemicals | 50–300 | Controlled release kinetics | Sustainable agriculture | [24] | |
| Nanofertilizers | 30–200 | Nutrient release kinetics | Precision farming | [25] | |
| Chitosan nanoparticles | 80–250 | Uptake efficiency | Crop nutrition | [26] | |
| Bioavailability & Fortification | Nanoemulsions | 50–300 | Encapsulation efficiency | Food fortification | [27] |
| Lipid nanocarriers | 80–200 | Bioaccessibility | Micronutrient delivery | [28] | |
| Protein-lipid carriers | 100–500 | Bioavailability enhancement | Plant-based foods | [29] | |
| Solid lipid nanoparticles | 90–250 | Sustained release | Vitamin delivery | [30] | |
| Active Packaging & Preservation | Nanocomposite films | - | Mechanical strength | Active packaging | [31] |
| Biopolymer films | - | Antimicrobial release | Smart packaging | [31] | |
| AgNP packaging | - | Migration rate | Food contact materials | [32] | |
| Essential oil nanoemulsions | 30–150 | Antifungal activity | Food preservation | [33] | |
| Food Safety & Regulation | Metal nanoparticles | 10–100 | Cytotoxicity assessment | Food safety toxicology | [34] |
| Nanoencapsulated vitamins | 100–300 | Dose-response relationships | Toxicology | [35] | |
| Food-grade nanomaterials | - | Risk thresholds | Regulatory framework | [37] | |
| Polymeric nanocapsules | 50–200 | Mycotoxin inhibition | Grain storage safety | [38] | |
| Green & Functional Carriers | Polysaccharide matrices | 150–600 | Stability under stress | Functional foods | [39] |
| Nanoemulsions | 40–200 | Shelf-life extension | Green food safety | [40] | |
| Polymer nanoparticles | 70–300 | Volatility reduction | Essential oil delivery | [41] |
As shown above, several studies consistently demonstrated that nanocarriers, particularly chitosan and biopolymer-based systems, significantly improve the delivery of agrochemicals. Khan et al. (2022) highlighted that reducing particle size to the 50
–[36][37]
5. Discussion and Future Directions
While nanoencapsulation offers a promising future for boosting food security, transitioning from laboratory innovation to mainstream food systems requires systematic mitigation of safety, regulatory, and social barriers
[6]
[13][42][42][17]
[43][36][44][43][45]
Transparency and Consumer Perception: Consumer acceptance remains one of the most significant barriers to adoption
[46][43][47][48][44]
The transition of nano-based foods from the Lab to Market beyond the current experimental stages, future research and policy must prioritize:
Enhancement of safety protocols by developing standardized, long-term toxicological protocols that will specifically account for nano-bio interactions and environmental persistence
[6]
Tech-Innovations that lead to the development of smart and stimuli-responsive nano-systems, which allow the integration of biosensing with targeted delivery
[9][20][10][15][20][28]
Integrating the concept of a circular economy, which is believed to be a good strategy because of its conceptual shift (waste-to-resource) strategy
[49][39]
Harmonization of global regulatory bodies on the concept of nano-based practices: this will allow coordinated guidelines (EFSA, FDA, and FAO/WHO), which are essential to reduce duplicative assessments and provide a “gold standard” for global governance
[43][50][51]
By systematically addressing these and other technical and ethical challenges, nanoencapsulation can evolve into a mainstream enabler of resilient and equitable food systems, directly contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals: Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).
6. Conclusion
This review assessed and confirmed that nanoencapsulation represents a transformative strategic frontier in sustainable food systems (food biotechnology). By systematically analyzing recent research and literature, it is evident that nanocarriers, particularly biodegradable polymers and lipid systems, offer robust solutions for stabilizing volatile nutrients and reducing agricultural chemical runoff. This technology effectively addresses the “utilization” and “stability” dimensions of food security by extending shelf life and enhancing the bioavailability of functional foods. However, the transition from laboratory efficacy to industrial application and finally to consumer acceptance is currently stalled by the “nano-fear” factor gap and a lack of harmonized global regulation by regulatory bodies. To fully explore the potential of nano-based food technology, future research must rotate from characterization-based studies to long-term toxicological assessments and circular-economy manufacturing. And finally, for the nano-based food technology to serve as a strong pillar of resilient global food systems, it must be developed within a framework that balances technological innovation with rigorous safety standards and transparent consumer communication.