Innovative delivery system extends shelf life of bioactives - Land-Grant Impacts

a scientist examines samples in a petri dish

Innovative delivery system extends shelf life of bioactives

Food Security, Story 1890, 2025, Food Safety, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Research

Bioactives are naturally present in foods and are associated with several health benefits to consumers. However, these compounds often occur in limited amounts, too small to reach an effective concentration. They also tend to oxidize when exposed to oxygen, light or heat.

At North Carolina A&T State University, researchers created an oleogel using rice bran wax and carnauba wax as a delivery system for the bioactive curcumin which is found in medicinal herbs such as turmeric. The curcumin was incorporated into the oleogel which gave the bioactive added stability. These curcumin-loaded oleogels also extended the shelf life of the bioactive, thus protecting it from oxidation.

Consumer testing showed that the oleogels could also be integrated into food products without negatively affecting the taste or texture of the product and could be a healthier fat alternative in baked foods.

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by Evans-Alan funds. Photo courtesy of North Carolina A&T State University.

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