Encapsulation of the flavonoid quercetin with chitosan-coated nano-liposomes

•The flavonoid quercetin was encapsulated by electrostatic deposition method.•Lipsomes were coated with chitosan by electrostatic interactions.•Quercetin loaded nanocapsulation exhibit improved stability and antioxidant activities.

A facile electrostatic deposition method was proposed to encapsulate quercetin within chitosan/lecithin polymeric nanocapsules, with the aim to protect quercetin against degradation and enhance its biocompatibility. Quercetin loaded polymeric nanocapsules (Q-NPs) were characterized in terms of size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, storage stability, anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative activities. The obtained homogeneous and spherical Q-NPs have small particle size and high encapsulation efficiency (71.14%). The storage stability and antioxidant activity was improved compared with native quercetin. MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion assay showed the inhibitory effect of Q-NPs on HepG2 cells were comparable with that of free quercetin. This novel nanocapsule may provide a new system for the protection and delivery of a range of hydrophobic chemicals in vivo and food products.