Cross-linked chitosan/liposome hybrid system for the intestinal delivery of quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties, poorly absorbed when administered orally. To increase its bioavailability and optimize its release in the intestine, a hybrid system made of liposomes coated with cross-linked chitosan, named TPP-chitosomes, was developed and characterized by light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and Turbiscan® technology. The TPP-chitosomes were nanosized (∼180 nm), fairly spherical in shape and unilamellar. The actual coating of the surface of liposomes with the cross-linked chitosan was demonstrated by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering. The release of quercetin in simulated gastric and intestinal pH was investigated, the results showing that the system provided resistance to acidic conditions, and promoted the release in alkaline pH, mimicking the intestinal environment. The proposed hybrid system represents a promising combination of nanovesicles and chitosan for the delivery of quercetin to the intestine in the therapy of oxidative stress/inflammation related disorders.