Formation and potential uses of milk proteins as nano delivery vehicles for nutraceuticals: A review

The aim of this review was to highlight the progress achieved in the use of milk protein as nano vehicles for nutraceuticals. Reassembled casein and beta-casein micelles and core/shell nanoparticles from casein with other biopolymers have been prepared. Also, cross-linking of casein micelles has developed stable nanoparticles. Nanogels of whey proteins (WP), beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) and lactoferrin (Lf) have been prepared by controlled thermal treatment, and several core/shell nanoparticles have been developed from WP or beta-LG with several polysaccharides. The developed caseins and WP nanoparticles have been used as carriers for several nutraceuticals. Examples have been presented and discussed.