Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of chitosan-caseinophosphopeptides nanocomplexes loaded with epigallocatechin gallate

► Chitosan (CS)-caseinophosphopeptide (CPP) nanoparticles as a delivery system for epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been developed. ► Physical, chemical and biological properties of the nanoparticles were characterized systematically. ► Cross-linking CS with peptides reduced the cytotoxicity of CS nanoparticles. ► Dose and time dependent cellular internalization of EGCG-loaded CS-CPP nanoparticles was confirmed by green fluorescence inside the Caco-2 cells. ► Intestinal permeability of EGCG was significantly enhanced by the CS/CPP nanoparticles.