Nanobiotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that combines nanotechnology and biology to develop innovative solutions in various areas, including beverage hydration. When it comes to hydration, nanobiotechnology offers potential advancements in the development of functional beverages with enhanced hydration properties. Nanobiotechnology is divided into a number of areas such as:-
Nanoparticles for Enhanced Absorption
Nanoparticles can be engineered to encapsulate water molecules or electrolytes, improving their absorption and bioavailability in the body. These nanoparticles can be designed to have controlled release properties, allowing for a sustained hydration effect.
One of the most interesting application is to encapsulate probiotics and prebiotics for incorporation into beverages. The type of materials used for carrying these types of nutrient range from Eudragit S100 NPs, magnesium oxide NPs, silver and titanium dioxide, nanocellulose, chitosan NPs, starch NPs and lately phthalypullulan. All these materials can be used to target the gut via encapsulated pro- and prebiotics (Dangi et al., 2023).
Nano-starch as well as native starch has been used to encapsulate probiotics such as Pediococcus acidolactici (Ahmad et al., 2019) which was isolated from camel milk. It is not a suitable material for encapsulation though of probiotics. Encapsulation in native starches shows higher viable cells of 2.65 log CFU/g compared to bacteria encapsulated in starch nano-particles where the level is 1.47 log CFU/g.
A number of carbohydrates such as alginate with chitosan have been entertained as materials for enhanced absorption. A number of techniques have been tried for their construction. Whilst this system is ideal for short-term use, alginates eventually disperse as calcium leaches from the gel nanoparticle and release their load into the beverage (Paques et al., 2014).
Pectin nanoparticles have excellent solubility especially when high-methoxyl-pectin is used. It can be combined with other polymers, it can be composed of both of high- and low-methoxyl pectin, coupled with divalent ions and so on. This could be an alternative material for the encapsulation of probiotics.
Nanosensors for Electrolyte and Hydration Monitoring
Nanobiotechnology enables the development of nanosensors with great sensitivity, capable of detecting and monitoring electrolyte levels and other hydration-associated markers in beverages and the human body. These sensors can provide real-time information on electrolyte concentrations, specific biomarkers and indicators of hydration status. These aid in the formulation of personalized hydration solutions for athletes, or medical professionals to track hydration levels accurately and take necessary actions to maintain optimal hydration.
One recent application was the use of a nanosensor for monitoring extracellular potassium concentration in the brain. This was part of a study into assessing the situation in neurological disorders (Liu et al., 2020). An optical potassium indicator is embedded in mesoporous silica nanoparticles. This is shielded by an ultrathin layer of a potassium-permeable membrane, which prevents diffusion of other cations and allows the specific capturing of potassium ions.
Nanostructured Membranes for Filtration
This topic allows for the creation of nanostructured membranes with precise pore sizes that can filter water and beverages more effectively. These membranes can selectively remove impurities, pathogens, and contaminants while retaining essential minerals and electrolytes, resulting in improved hydration quality.
Smart Packaging for Controlled Release
Nanobiotechnology can be employed in the design of smart packaging materials that regulate the release of hydration components. By incorporating nanostructures or nanocapsules into the packaging, it becomes possible to release electrolytes, vitamins, or other hydration-enhancing substances gradually, maintaining the beverage’s effectiveness over time.
Targeted Delivery Systems
Nanoparticles can serve as carriers for hydration-promoting substances, allowing for targeted delivery to specific tissues or cells in the body. This targeted approach ensures that the hydration components reach their intended destination more efficiently, optimizing the hydration process.
As in the targeted drug delivery industry, micelles composed of amphiphilic molecules are used for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs and nutraceuticals. The micellar drug and nutrient delivery systems devised for hydrophobic products have notable advantages over free hydrophobic compounds. A couple of examples include mesoporous phosphosilicate nanoparticles which are hollow spheres that are effective for encapsulating antibiotics (Das et al., 2012).
Polymeric nanoparticles are more stable during storage which makes them suitable for longer-term use in beverages following processing.
A biodegradeable nanoparticle however can be constructed from poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (Vert, 1996; Jain, 2000). We have already mentioned alginate and chitosan nanoparticles and its no surprise these make very goof short-term delivery vehicles (Severino et al., 2019).
Taste and Texture Modification
Nanobiotechnology techniques can be utilized to improve the taste and texture of hydration beverages. Nanoemulsion technology, for example, can create stable, homogenous mixtures of water, oils, and other ingredients, resulting in beverages with improved sensory attributes and palatability.
Nanostructures have also been used effectively for fighting bacterial infection by generating an antimicrobial system that is much more targeted (Ruiz-Rico et al., 2018).
It’s important to note that while nanobiotechnology shows promising potential in enhancing beverage hydration, further research and testing are necessary to ensure safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance before these advancements can be widely implemented in commercial products.
References
Ahmad, M., Gani, A., Hamed, F., & Maqsood, S. (2019). Comparative study on utilization of micro and nano-sized starch particles for encapsulation of camel milk derived probiotics (Pediococcus acidolactici). Lwt, 110, pp. 231-238 (Article).
Cao, F., Jin, L., Gao, Y. et al. (2023) Artificial-enzymes-armed Bifidobacterium longum probiotics for alleviating intestinal inflammation and microbiota dysbiosis. Nat. Nanotechnol. 18, pp. 617–627 (Article).
Dangi, P., Chaudhary, N., Chaudhary, V., Virdi, A. S., Kajla, P., Khanna, P., … & Haque, S. (2023). Nanotechnology impacting probiotics and prebiotics: A paradigm shift in nutraceuticals technology. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 110083.
Das, S. K., Bhunia, M. K., Chakraborty, D., Khuda-Bukhsh, A. R., & Bhaumik, A. (2012). Hollow spherical mesoporous phosphosilicate nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle for an antibiotic drug. Chemical Communications, 48(23), pp. 2891-2893
Jain, R. A. (2000). The manufacturing techniques of various drug loaded biodegradable poly (lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA) devices. Biomaterials, 21(23), pp. 2475-2490.
Liu, J., Li, F., Wang, Y. et al. (2020) A sensitive and specific nanosensor for monitoring extracellular potassium levels in the brain. Nat. Nanotechnol. 15, pp. 321–330 (Article).
Paques, J. P., van der Linden, E., van Rijn, C. J., & Sagis, L. M. (2014). Preparation methods of alginate nanoparticles. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 209, pp. 163-171.
Ruiz‐Rico, M., Pérez‐Esteve, É., de la Torre, C., Jiménez‐Belenguer, A. I., Quiles, A., Marcos, M. D., … & Barat, J. M. (2018). Improving the antimicrobial power of low‐effective antimicrobial molecules through nanotechnology. Journal of Food Science, 83(8), pp. 2140-2147 (Article)
Sadeghi, A., Ebrahimi, M., Kharazmi, M. S., & Jafari, S. M. (2023). Role of nanomaterials in improving the functionality of probiotics; integration of nanotechnology onto micro-structured platforms. Food Bioscience, 102843.
Severino, P., da Silva, C. F., Andrade, L. N., de Lima Oliveira, D., Campos, J., & Souto, E. B. (2019). Alginate nanoparticles for drug delivery and targeting. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 25(11), pp. 1312-1334.
Vert, M. (1996). The complexity of PLAGA-based drug delivery systems. In Proceedings of the international conference on advances in controlled delivery pp. 32-36
Zohri, M., Gazori, T., Mirdamadi, S., Asadi, A., & Haririan, I. (2009). Polymeric nanoparticles: Production, applications and advantage. Internet J Nanotechnol, 3(1).
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