The application of beta-carotene as a natural colourant in food and nutraceutical products requires an appropriate formulation in order to protect the active compound from degradation and overcome the low bioavailability due to a low solubility in aqueous media. Liposomes as carriers for beta-carotene can enhance their release to the organism and improve their preservation. In this work, beta-carotene has been encapsulated in soybean lecithin using the novel PGSS (Particles from Gas Saturated Solutions)-drying technique. An experimental study of the influence of the main process parameters (pressure, temperature, gas to product ratio and concentration of carrier material) has been carried out. Dry particles of 10-500 mu m, constituted by fused spherical particles of less than 10 mu m, have been obtained, with beta-carotene encapsulation efficiencies up to 60%. By hydration of these particles, beta-carotene-loaded multilamellar liposomes of 1-5 mu m have been obtained. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.