ABSTRACT
As the encapsulation technologies advancing rapidly, it will be a daunting task to include a comprehensive list of materials, which can be used to entrap, coat, or encapsulate solids, liquids, or gases. Indeed, there are a multitude of substances (of different types, origins, and properties), including natural or synthetic origin available, which can be used for the purpose. However, only a limited number thereof have been approved for food, drug, and cosmetics applications (the regulations for food additives are much stricter than for pharmaceuticals or cosmetics). In other words, the materials suitable for drug encapsulation may not be applicable for food industry and vice versa. This chapter hopes to provide a brief introduction of different class of materials (mostly natural origin) that can be considered for encapsulating active ingredients.
