Delivery of Functionality in Complex Food Systems: Physically Inspired Approaches from Nanoscale to Microscale: 5th Symposium

The aim of this symposium, the 5^th in the series “Delivery of Functionality in Complex Food Systems: Physically Inspired Approaches from Nanoscale to Microscale”, was to discuss the various aspects of delivery systems for health-promoting compounds in foods and beverages. Initially, molecular level basic studies of amphiphilic proteins and their interactions and self-assembly, as well as processes for obtaining such functional materials were presented, followed by microstructure and functionality studies. These material science studies provided proper background for the following presentations dealing with structural engineering for entrapment and release of bioactives, lipid structuring for functionality and engineering lipid-based delivery systems. Next the more applied aspects of production and performance of delivery systems for bioactive components were discussed, followed by studies of the interactions with the human body during digestion, with emphasis on issues of micronutrient bioavailability. Finally safety of the delivery systems and regulatory aspects were addressed.

This special issue is a collection of papers which were presented during the symposium, highlighting many of the major topics presented in the symposium, including material science and lipid structuring for functionality, processes for obtaining functional materials, entrapment and release of bioactives, engineering lipid-based delivery systems, and interactions with the human body during digestion.