Eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles: I. Thermal stability improvement of eugenol through encapsulation

► Eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation of an oil-in-water emulsion. ► Eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape with a mean diameter of 80-100 nm. ► Encapsulation of eugenol into chitosan particles could reduce eugenol loss during the thermal process. ► Thermoplastic flour (TPF) with encapsulated eugenol showed superior antioxidant activity to TPF with naked eugenol.