Development and characterization of a liposome-based collagen delivery system with sustained release and preserved antioxidant activity.

Collagen is valued for its nutritional and functional properties but is limited in food applications due to instability and digestive degradation. To overcome these limitations, this study developed a liposome-based collagen delivery system (Lip-COL) and systematically evaluated its physicochemical and functional characteristics. Lip-COL displayed spherical morphology, a mean particle size of 215.13 ± 1.42 nm, a zeta potential of -18.87 ± 0.29 mV, an encapsulation efficiency of 70.13 ± 0.39%, and pseudoplastic flow behavior. Encapsulation markedly improved collagen stability against heat, pH, and ionic strength. In vitro release and simulated digestion demonstrated sustained release, with delayed t50 (1.1 h) and t80 (7.7 h), and a 26% reduction in burst release, ensuring intestinal-phase delivery while preserving antioxidant activity. These findings highlight liposomal encapsulation as an effective nutraceutical nanodelivery strategy to enhance collagen stability and biofunctionality, supporting its potential as a dietary supplement and functional food ingredient.