Quaternized curdlan/pectin polyelectrolyte complexes as biocompatible nanovehicles for curcumin

•Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) was prepared by quaternized curdlan (Qcurd) and pectin.•The Qcurd/pectin PECs showed a spherical morphology and negative zeta potential.•Hydrophobic curcumin was encapsulated into the nanosized Qcurd/pectin PECs.•Curcumin-loaded PECs showed high water solubility and antioxidant activities.•The Qcurd/pectin PECs can be explored as nanovectors for hydrophobic nutraceuticals.