Flavonoids, anthocyanins, betalains, curcumin, and carotenoids: Sources, classification and enhanced stabilization by encapsulation and adsorption

Bioactive compounds have remarkable biological activities for health, nutrition, and food preservation. However, these compounds are chemically unstable maily when exposure at high temperatures, light, and humidity. Several stabilization techniques have been used to protect these compounds, expanding their application range. Therefore, this review aims to show the main bioactive compounds currently studied and the use of stabilization techniques, such as encapsulation and adsorption, for food application. A broader systematic classification of bioactive compounds based on phenolic and non-phenolic sub-levels was suggested, which can assist in a deeper discussion of results, including the correlation of biological activities, their synergistic effects, and their enhanced stabilization on materials that promote a well-controlled delivery (higher bioavailability). Research on Scopus Database was used to identify the scientific trends for stabilization methods (2016–2020). This review article focused on analyzing bioactive encapsulation using cold processing techniques such as ionic gelation, emulsification, complex coacervation, and adsorption to expand production and application in the food sector.