o:37984 Comparative Characterization of Non-Treated and UV-Irradiated Bilberry Leaf Extract-Loaded Liposomes Physicochemical Properties, Stability, and Antioxidant Capacity en Vaccinium myrtillus L. (European bilberry) leaves are rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. To improve the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of these bioactives, bilberry leaf extract was encapsulated in liposomes using proliposome technology. The study compared non-treated and UV-irradiated liposomal systems, evaluating encapsulation efficiency (EE), FT-IR spectra, physical properties, and antioxidant activity. FT-IR results indicated that lipid bands dominated the spectra, masking extract-specific bands. Antioxidant activity remained stable post-UV treatment, with ABTS and DPPH inhibition values of 53.17% and 68.71%, respectively. Over a 60-day period, liposomes maintained narrow size distributions (5169.7–5508.7 nm), with zeta potential ranging from −5.02 mV to −9.16 mV and polydispersity index between 0.294–0.437. UV irradiation had a minimal impact on physicochemical or antioxidant characteristics. These findings highlight the potential of liposomal delivery systems for bilberry leaf extract in various applications, with an additional need to improve system stability, i.e., increase zeta potential. bilberry, extract, liposomes, particle size, stability, zeta potential 1552099 https://doi.org/10.1177/18785093261417996 2026-02-25T14:36:48.189Z 44 yes 46 Aleksandra A. Jovanović University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Serbia doktor tehnoloških nauka 0000-0001-5394-0125 Andrea Pirković University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy INEP, Serbia doktor bioloških nauka person 0000-0002-1182-4895 Milena Milošević University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Serbia person Muna Elferjane University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Serbia person Aleksandar Marinković University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Serbia person Dragana Dekanski Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy INEP, University of Belgrade, Serbia doktor medicinskih nauka person 0000-0001-8467-4165 application/pdf 2865563 https://phaidrabg.bg.ac.rs/o:37984 no yes 19 70 92000001 11A29 11A24 11A41 Comparative characterization of non-treated and UV-irradiated bilberry leaf extract-loaded liposomes: Physicochemical properties, stability, and antioxidant capacity Journal of Berry Research Nieuwe Hemweg 6B, 1013 BG Amsterdam, The Netherlands IOS Press BV, SAGE Publications 2026