PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF QUERCETIN-LOADED LIPOSOMES PREPARED BY SONICATION FOR FUNCTIONAL FOOD APPLICATION

Abstract

This research was intended to synthesize liposome as a nanocarrier to encapsulate quercetin, which is prone to degradation and susceptible to low bioavailability upon oral administration. The liposomes were synthesized by thin-film hydration method and followed by probe sonication for downsizing. Soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and cholesterol (CHOL) were employed as the composition of the phospholipid bilayer. Results indicated a dependence of sonication amplitude and time in the formation of free liposomes (FL). The average size of quercetin-loaded liposomes (QL) prepared was 346.4 nm with a narrow polydispersity index (0.22) and a high magnitude of zeta potential (-49.6 mV). These characterizations depict that a homogenous nanovesicle suspension with high stability was successfully synthesized. Quercetin was incorporated into the liposomes with a high encapsulation efficiency of 90.7% and loading capacity of 9.3%. This viable nanocarrier perhaps will provide ingenious protection for a wider spectrum of active agents in food and biopharmaceutical products.