foods-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Innovative Advances in Food Colloids: Novel Bio-Colloids and Smart Delivery Systems

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2026) | Viewed by 5627

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Riddet Institute, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
Interests: bioactive compounds; phenolic compounds; functional foods; encapsulation; phytochemical delivery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to announce a Special Issue of Foods dedicated to the latest advancements in food colloids. This Special Issue aims to explore the innovative aspects of multimolecular structures, their interactions, and the development of advanced delivery systems. Meanwhile, in order to differentiate traditional hydrocolloids for food applications, this Special Issue focuses more in-depth on and delves into the development and application of novel bio-colloids, smart delivery systems, advanced characterization techniques, and colloid interactions with bioactive compounds.

This Special Issue invites original research articles, reviews, and short communications that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  • Novel and emerging techniques in the characterization of food colloids: e.g., spectroscopy, microscopy (electron, atomic force, confocal), shear cell technology, and molecular simulation.
  • Novel bio-colloids for functional foods: colloidal interactions with bioactive compounds, focusing on self-assembling colloids, hierarchical structures, and interactions with non-hydrocolloid molecules (e.g., proteins, lipids).
  • Smart food colloids for targeted delivery: development of new delivery systems for bioactive compounds, emphasizing innovative delivery systems and "smart" responsive colloids, such as targeted release systems, edible coatings, or nanoscale carriers.
  • The role of food colloids in nutrition and health: applications in the development/creation of functional foods for personalized nutrition, where colloid-based systems deliver tailored nutrition.
  • Environmental sustainability: colloid systems derived from renewable or waste materials, aligning with green food production trends.

Authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts that provide new insights and contribute to the understanding of novel bio-colloids and smart delivery systems. All submissions will undergo a peer-review process to ensure the highest quality of published work.

We look forward to your contributions to this exciting and rapidly evolving field. For more information on submission guidelines and to submit your manuscript, please visit our submission portal.

Dr. Ali Rashidinejad
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • novel bio-colloids
  • smart delivery systems
  • colloid interactions with bioactive compounds
  • advanced characterization techniques self-assembling colloids
  • targeted release systems
  • nanoscale carriers
  • multimolecular structures

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

21 pages, 1614 KB  
Article
Physicochemical Stability and Bio-Functionality of Liposome-Encapsulated Macadamia Husk Phenolic Extract
by Md Faruk Ahmed, Catherine P. Whitby, David G. Popovich, Raise Ahmad and Ali Rashidinejad
Foods 2026, 15(5), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15050810 - 26 Feb 2026
Viewed by 702
Abstract
Macadamia husks are an underutilized by-product of nut processing and a rich source of phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity. However, their instability during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal digestion limits their application in food systems. This study aimed to encapsulate macadamia husk phenolic-rich [...] Read more.
Macadamia husks are an underutilized by-product of nut processing and a rich source of phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity. However, their instability during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal digestion limits their application in food systems. This study aimed to encapsulate macadamia husk phenolic-rich extract (MHPE) in liposomes to improve stability, enable controlled release, and assess cytotoxicity for functional food applications. MHPE was encapsulated in soy lecithin liposomes using high-shear mixing followed by high-pressure homogenisation. Liposomes were characterized by particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency, and morphology. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using Caco-2 cells, and phenolic release was assessed under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. MHPE-loaded liposomes exhibited nano-sized particles (77–78 nm), low PDI (0.21), and high negative ζ-potential (−43.11 to −47.01 mV) during two months of storage at 4 °C. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed predominantly spherical vesicles with sizes consistent with dynamic light scattering measurements. Encapsulation efficiency remained high (81.50% initially; 73.60% after 28 days). Both free and extract-loaded liposomes were non-cytotoxic to Caco-2 cells. Encapsulated MHPE showed slower phenolic release compared with the free extract. Overall, liposomal encapsulation effectively enhanced the stability and controlled release of macadamia husk phenolics, supporting their potential use as functional food and nutraceutical ingredients. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

30 pages, 4357 KB  
Article
Development of a pH-Responsive Delivery System Suitable for Naringenin and Other Hydrophobic Flavonoids Using the Interactions Between Basil Seed Gum and Milk Protein Complexes
by Ruwanthi Premathilaka, Matt Golding, Jaspreet Singh and Ali Rashidinejad
Foods 2026, 15(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15020201 - 7 Jan 2026
Viewed by 688
Abstract
Incorporating hydrophobic flavonoids such as naringenin into food systems is challenging due to their poor water solubility and instability. Effective delivery systems are essential to improve solubility, dispersibility, and controlled release during digestion. This study developed a food-grade encapsulation system using basil seed [...] Read more.
Incorporating hydrophobic flavonoids such as naringenin into food systems is challenging due to their poor water solubility and instability. Effective delivery systems are essential to improve solubility, dispersibility, and controlled release during digestion. This study developed a food-grade encapsulation system using basil seed gum water-soluble extract (BSG-WSE) combined with proteins, sodium caseinate (NaCas) and whey protein isolate (WPI), via pH-driven and mild heat treatments in aqueous media, without the use of organic solvents, to ensure safety and sustainability. BSG-WSE and NaCas were tested at mass ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5 under pH conditions of 4, 5, and 7, followed by heat treatments at 60 °C or 80 °C for 30 min. The total biopolymer concentrations were 0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.45% (w/v). The most stable colloidal system was obtained at a 1:1 ratio, pH 4, and 60 °C, which was further evaluated for two additional flavonoids (rutin and quercetin) and with WPI as an alternative protein source. The highest loading capacity (11.18 ± 0.17%) and encapsulation efficiency (72.50 ± 0.85%) were achieved for naringenin under these conditions. Quercetin exhibited superior performance, with a loading capacity of 14.1 ± 3.12% and an encapsulation efficiency of 94.36 ± 5.81%, indicating a stronger affinity for the delivery system. WPI showed lower encapsulation efficiency than NaCas. Ternary systems (BSG-WSE, NaCas, and naringenin) formed under different pH and heat treatments displayed distinct morphologies and interactions. The pH 4 system demonstrated good dispersion and pH-responsive release of naringenin, highlighting its potential as a delivery vehicle for hydrophobic flavonoids. BSG-WSE significantly improved the stability of protein-based complexes formed via pH-driven assembly. Physicochemical characterization, rheological analysis, and release studies suggest that this system is particularly suitable for semi-solid food products such as yogurt or emulsions, supporting its application in functional food development. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4432 KB  
Article
Design and Bioanalysis of Nanoliposome Loaded with Premium Red Palm Oil for Improved Nutritional Delivery and Stability
by Tanatchapond Rodsamai, Manat Chaijan, Prawit Rodjan, Arlee Tamman, Nassareen Supaweera, Mingyu Yin, Siriporn Riebroy Kim and Worawan Panpipat
Foods 2025, 14(4), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14040566 - 8 Feb 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2270
Abstract
Red palm oil (RPO), which is rich in carotenoids and tocotrienols, offers significant health-promoting properties. However, its utilization in functional foods is hindered by poor water solubility and instability under certain processing conditions. This study aimed to overcome these limitations by enhancing the [...] Read more.
Red palm oil (RPO), which is rich in carotenoids and tocotrienols, offers significant health-promoting properties. However, its utilization in functional foods is hindered by poor water solubility and instability under certain processing conditions. This study aimed to overcome these limitations by enhancing the bioactivity and stability of RPO through the ultrasound-assisted fabrication of nanoliposomes, formulated with varying ratios of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC) to RPO. At a 3:1 ratio, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) began to reach >90%. Nanoliposome with the highest β-carotene EE (94.9%) (p < 0.05) and a typical oil loading content of 13.40% was produced by EYPC-to-RPO at a 7:1 ratio. As EYPC levels increased, the average vesicle size and the polydispersity index decreased, but the zeta potential and pH gradually increased. Nanoliposome prepared with an EYPC: RPO ratio of 3:1 showed the lowest peroxide value (PV) of 4.99 meqO2/kg, a thiobarbuturic acid reactive substances (TBARS) value of 0.20 mmol/kg, and greater 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) inhibition over 30 days of storage at 25 °C. All nanoliposomes showed anti-inflammatory activity without cell toxicity. Nanoliposomes present a promising delivery system for enhancing the biological activity and storage stability of RPO. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

35 pages, 1404 KB  
Review
Molecular Insights into Bioactive Interactions Within Protein- and Polysaccharide-Based Colloids: Implications for Stability, Functionality, and Bioavailability
by Humeyra Cavdar Dincturk, Nisa Akkuzu, Deniz Günal-Köroğlu, Asli Can Karaca and Esra Capanoglu
Foods 2026, 15(1), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15010112 - 30 Dec 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1397
Abstract
Although bioactive compounds are associated with various health-promoting effects, their practical application is limited by challenges such as low solubility, stability, and bioaccessibility. Proteins, carbohydrates, and hybrid colloidal systems are developed for various purposes, including the transport, protection, and controlled release of bioactives. [...] Read more.
Although bioactive compounds are associated with various health-promoting effects, their practical application is limited by challenges such as low solubility, stability, and bioaccessibility. Proteins, carbohydrates, and hybrid colloidal systems are developed for various purposes, including the transport, protection, and controlled release of bioactives. These systems form the basis for the development of functional foods. The functionality of colloidal systems is driven by interactions between bioactive compounds and macromolecules. This review describes the characteristics of food colloid delivery systems; focuses on the mechanisms of colloid-bioactive compound interactions, particularly polyphenols and carotenoids; summarizes their impacts on functionality, bioaccessibility, and bioactivity; and provides insights into advanced characterization techniques. The mechanisms of interactions between food colloids and bioactive compounds are based on structural characteristics, which directly affect their functional and bioactive properties. Therefore, focusing on the latest technologies used to investigate these interactions, as well as understanding changes in component properties at both molecular and macroscopic levels, is crucial for designing more tunable and functional products in the near future. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop