Chitosan-coated nanoliposome as vitamin E carrier

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Nutraceuticals require effective delivery systems to prevent degradation of active ingredients.
• Liposomes are versatile carriers, but their stability and loading capacity can be improved.
• Chitosan offers bioactivity and mucoadhesive properties, enhancing liposomal formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize chitosan-coated nano-size liposomes as a novel nutraceutical carrier.
• To investigate the impact of formulation parameters on liposome size and vitamin E (VE) loading.
• To evaluate the stability and protective capacity of the developed liposomes for VE.

Main Methods:

• Liposomes were prepared using phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol via sonication.
• Chitosan coating was applied to the liposomes.
• Liposome size was optimized by varying PC:cholesterol ratios and sonication time.
• Vitamin E (VE) loading efficiency, payload, and stability were assessed.

Main Results:

• The smallest liposomes (∼82 nm) were achieved with a 40:60 PC:cholesterol ratio and 12 min sonication.
• Chitosan-coated liposomes loaded with VE reached a size of 144 nm.
• Highest VE loading efficiency exceeded 99% with a payload over 27%.
• VE-loaded liposomes maintained over 90% stability after 8 weeks of storage at 4°C.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-coated nano-size liposomes are effective carriers for chemically labile compounds like vitamin E.
• The formulation parameters significantly influence liposome characteristics and loading efficiency.
• These liposomes show high potential for enhancing the delivery and stability of nutraceuticals.