Nondiagnostic advancements in revolutionizing lactose intolerance: A minireview for health sciences

Abstract

Lactose intolerance is a gastrointestinal condition in which lactase enzyme is unable to hydrolyze lactose into glucose and galactose. It is manifested by diarrhea, flatulence, cramping, borborygmi, and abdominal discomfort following lactose ingestion. Adverse effects also include bone decay, fractures, and osteoporosis. The development of condition due to genetic, or environmental factors could be diagnosed by hydrogen breath test, lactose tolerance test, intestinal biopsies, and genetic tests. Frequently employed traditional therapeutic approaches include lactase supplements, lactose free products, non-dairy alternatives, and probiotics. With increase in demand of more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic criteria for lactose intolerance advanced nanotechnology-based diagnostic, therapeutic, and managing approaches have been developed. Development of nanobiosensors, nano-detectors, and lactose trackers for efficient diagnosis, enzyme nanoimmobilization strategies including adsorption, encapsulation, and entrapment, delivery strategies for lactase enzyme, probiotics, and production of lactose free products had been successfully investigated under the wide umbrella of nanotechnology. This review focuses on the developments being done by the amalgamation of conventional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. It covers the novel nanotechnological applications discovered over the years to develop the most effective diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures to ameliorate the symptoms in lactose intolerant individuals.

Keywords

• Lactose intolerance
• Lactase
• Nanohybrid
• Nanotechnology
• Nanobiosensors