Biological macromolecule delivery system for improving functional performance of hydrophobic nutraceuticals

• Biological macromolecule delivery system has gained increasing interest recently.
• They may be formed by coacervation, electrostatic interaction and crosslinking.
• Several novel materials for preparing delivery systems are introduced.
• Desired functionality can be realized by using these delivery systems.

There is a growing interest in using biological macromolecule based delivery system such as hydrogel, nanoparticle, coacervate to encapsulate, protect and release hydrophobic nutraceuticals in order to realize desired functionality. In this article, we reviewed recent progress in fabrication and functional performance of delivery systems based on these macromolecules. Physicochemical characteristics of macromolecules such proteins and carbohydrates used for building blocks were discussed. In particular, some novel macromolecules were introduced. An overview of strategies for fabricating biological macromolecule delivery system was given. Potential benefits of certain biological macromolecules based delivery system were highlighted. At last, we summarized potential challenge for future development of biological macromolecules based delivery system.