Nanoencapsulation of quercetin and resveratrol into elastic liposomes

Based on the fact that quercetin (QUE) and resveratrol (RES) induce a synergic inhibition of the adipogenesis and increase apoptosis in adipocytes, and that sodium deoxycholate (SDC) has necrotic effects, the nanoencapsulation of QUE and RES into SDC-elastic liposomes is proposed as a new approach for dissolving the subcutaneous fat. The concentration of constituents and the effect of the drug incorporation into cyclodextrin inclusion complexes on the stability of QUE/RES-loaded liposomes were studied. The best liposomal formulation reduced the use of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol in 17.7% and 68.4%, respectively. Liposomes presented a mean diameter of 149 nm with a polydispersion index of 0.3. The zeta potential of liposomes was slightly negative (− 13.3 mV) due to the presence of SDC in the phospholipid bilayer. Encapsulation efficiency of QUE and RES into liposomes was almost 97%. To summarize, QUE/RES-loaded elastic liposomes are stable and suitable for subcutaneous injection, thereby providing a new strategy for reducing subcutaneous fat.

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► Coencapsulated quercetin/resveratrol-loaded elastic liposomes were developed.
► Elastic liposomes are proposed as a new approach for subcutaneous fat dissolution.
► High drug encapsulation efficiency into elastic liposomes was obtained.
► The SEM analysis showed well dispersed vesicles without aggregation.
► Liposomes should be advantageous in the treatment of lipid accumulation diseases.