Smart and Sustainable Delivery Systems for Natural Compounds in Health and Nutrition
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 4
Special Issue Editor
Interests: advanced delivery systems for natural bioactive compounds; phytochemical characterization; evaluation of their biological activities
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Smart and sustainable delivery systems are emerging as a transformative approach to enhance the use of natural bioactive compounds in both health and nutrition. Natural molecules, such as polyphenols, terpenoids, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids, often suffer from intrinsic limitations—including poor solubility, instability, rapid degradation, and low bioavailability—that significantly reduce their functional impact. Innovative delivery technologies address these challenges by enabling controlled release, targeted delivery, and improved absorption while preserving the biological activity of sensitive compounds. A wide range of systems—including nanoemulsions, liposomes, biopolymer-based hydrogels, micro- and nano-carriers, encapsulation matrices, and stimuli-responsive platforms—are now being developed using environmentally friendly processes. These technologies leverage biodegradable, renewable, and food-grade materials such as alginate, chitosan, cellulose derivatives, proteins, and lipid-based structures, aligning with current sustainability goals and circular bioeconomy principles. The integration of smart functionalities, such as pH- or enzyme-responsive release, which enhance permeation mechanisms and surface engineering, allows for precise modulation of bioactive delivery in the gastrointestinal tract or within target tissues. Furthermore, advances in microfluidics, green chemistry, and biotechnologically derived materials have enabled the scalable production of sophisticated carriers with high reproducibility and a minimal ecological footprint. From a One Health perspective, these platforms contribute to human health, environmental protection, and sustainable nutritional strategies. By reducing the need for synthetic additives, improving nutrient efficiency, and supporting bioactive-rich functional foods, smart delivery systems promote healthier populations and more sustainable food systems. In parallel, their potential applications extend to preventive medicine, chronic disease management, and personalized nutrition, emphasizing their relevance across multiple sectors.
Researchers are invited to contribute to these groundbreaking studies that pave the way for the next generation of delivery strategies.
Prof. Dr. Raffaele Conte
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- natural bioactive compounds
- smart delivery systems
- sustainable nutrition
- biopolymer-based carriers
- microfluidics and green technologies
- controlled and targeted release
- functional foods and nutraceuticals
- one health approach
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