Evaluating the properties of nanoliposomes containing green tea extract produced by ethanol injection method

Green tea extract (GTE) has gained more attention in food and pharmaceutical industry for its beneficial effects such as anti-bacterial, antioxidant and prebiotic properties. Encapsulation in liposomes is used as a delivery system to preserve the functional compounds and their bioavailability in food processing and storage. The aim of this study was to produce (with ethanol injection method) and characterize nanoliposomes containing GTE. Particle size distribution and average diameter of GTE nanoliposomes were determined using dynamic light scattering method. Zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency was determined using measurement of the total phenolic compounds of GTE in nanoliposomes. By incorporating more concentration of GTE in nanoliposomes their particle size increased from 67.7 nm for lower concentration (containing 100 mg phenolic compounds) to 370 nm for higher concentration (containing 400 mg phenolic compounds). The average particle size of larger nanoliposomes (>100 nm) was increased upon storage time. Zeta potential data ranged from -20 to 25 mV indicating that the system possessed negative electrostatic charges promoting nanoliposomes stability due to electrostatic repellence. Encapsulation efficiency was significantly (p