Nanocarriers for resveratrol delivery: Impact on stability and solubility concerns

Abstract Background Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenol which has attracted great interest in the academic and industrial communities due to its natural origin and potential health benefits. Nevertheless, the administration of RES is restrained by its properties, such as poor water solubility, lack of stability due to light-induced isomerization, as well as auto-oxidation and rapid metabolization. Therefore, recently, nanotechnology, through different approaches, emerged as a potential solution to improve RES solubility and stability enabling its therapeutic use. Scope and approach In the present review, current research findings, developments and trends regarding novel nanocarriers for RES delivery are discussed. An overview of the research progress regarding the nanoencapsulation of RES is presented. Particular focus is cast on the composition, physicochemical and surface characteristics of the myriad of nanocarriers so far produced, since these features relevantly influence the intracellular delivery of RES. Key findings and conclusions The application of nanocarriers towards RES delivery reduced the physicochemical restrictions related to the administration of this phytochemical. The improvements conveyed by nanocarriers regarding RES stability and solubility may lead to an upgrade in the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity of RES.