Curcumin-containing liposomes stabilized by thin layers of chitosan derivatives.

Highlights: [•] Cationic, hydrophobic and cationic–hydrophobic derivatives of chitosan were obtained and characterized. [•] Curcumin-containing liposomes were successfully stabilized by effective coating with these derivatives. [•] Liposomes coated with cationic–hydrophobic chitosan are most promising for curcumin delivery. [•] Such coated liposomes easily penetrate cell membrane and release curcumin in a controlled manner. [•] These curcumin-loaded liposomal systems are non-toxic for normal cells, but toxic for murine melanoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]