Nanoceuticals as an Emerging Field: Current Status and Future Prospective

Background: The safety and quality of food have been a matter of great discussion throughout the centuries and the application of nanotechnology in the field of nutraceuticals i.e. nanoceuticals has improved the variety and protection of food products in many ways. Objective: Improving the quality and safety of food products with a view to improving public health and the invasion of nanotechnological advancements in the area of nutrition have resulted in the expansion of novel foods with improved oral bioavailability as well as thermal stability. The main objective of this review is to summarize the available literature on nanoceuticals including patents and clinical trials. Methods: The review was extracted from the searches performed on PubMed, Google Patents and Google Scholars, etc. Data from these searches were collected and evaluated for getting the information about the available literature on the nanoceuticals. Along with this, some reported patents have also been included in this review in order to conclude the future of nanoceuticals. Results: The literature so obtained was studied thoroughly as per the requirement of the objective of this review. The details of nanoceuticals including major applications, regulatory aspects, some reported patents and clinical trials are compiled here in this review. Nanoceuticals like vitamins, antibiotics, bioactive peptides, probiotics, etc., which are dispersed, absorbed or incorporated in nano diameter range sacs, have improved solubility, delivery properties, biological activities, protection against degradation and therefore have improved biological activities and delivery to the target cells and tissues in the body. Different regulations from various countries recommend that any food ingredients which result from the use of nanotechnologies must undergo safety risk assessment standards before entering into the market as nano-food. Conclusion: The idea of "nanoceuticals" is increasing enthusiasm and marketable dairy/food and food supplements. This article focuses on the history, applications, regulation aspects, patents, clinical trials and future prospects of nanoceuticals.