Application of nano/microencapsulated ingredients in chewing gum

Abstract Improved retention and controlled release of different flavors, colors, sugars, and nutritional ingredients in chewing gum base can be guaranteed by microencapsulation or nanoencapsulation approaches. Encapsulation is able to decrease the amount of incorporated volatiles or bioactive compounds in chewing gum matrix and in turn prevent some off-flavors. Recently, chewing gum has been boosted in oral drug delivery and health-promoting nutraceuticals. This chapter presents the potential of chewing gum base as a delivery vehicle for various ingredients, including bioactive compounds, sweeteners, flavors, and essential oils, salts, acids, etc. The importance and application of encapsulated pharmaceuticals and medicated chewing gums will be discussed in detail, focalizing the attention on the medicated chewing gums (MCGs), which represent the main final application.