Structural degradation and uptake of resveratrol-encapsulated liposomes using an in vitro digestion combined with Caco-2 cell absorption model

Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenol with strong antioxidant capacity but poor bioavailability and light instability, urgently needs an effective delivery technique to overcome its drawbacks. As it is a highly biocompatible delivery system, liposomes were used to carry RES to form resveratrol-encapsulated liposomes (RES-LPS). Results showed that the diameter of RES-LPS was 333 ± 50 nm and the encapsulation efficiency was 84.69 ± 0.02 %, with a spherical shape and double-layered structure. Morphology showed that RES-LPS, could maintain an intact membrane structure during stomach digestion, as well as while under hydrolysis, mimicking intestinal conditions, before releasing RES. Moreover, Caco-2 cells uptake study also demonstrated that the digesta of RES-LPS resulted in a better cell absorption efficiency and a stronger ability to reduce reactive oxygen species when compared with free RES. Thus, these results indicate that liposomes play a key role in improving the bioavailability of RES, demonstrating the promising role of liposomes as a delivery system for food supplements.