Atomic force microscopy imaging of novel self-assembling pectin–liposome nanocomplexes

Self-assembling pectin–liposome nanocomplexes (PLNs) were prepared by a simple mixing of cationic liposomes with pectin solution. Nanostructures of liposomes, pectin, and PLNs were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM images of pectin show a chain-like structure with a small number of branches while those of liposomes show a spherical form. The AFM images also provided a direct evidence for association of cationic liposomes on the pectin chain. This was confirmed by the FTIR analysis.