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Liposomes prepared from different proliposomes (Pro-lipo^® H, Pro-lipo^® S, Pro-lipo^® C and Pro-lipo^® DUO) were tested for their capacity to encapsulate nisin Z. Factors affecting the entrapment process (pH and concentration of nisin Z solution and cholesterol concentration in the lipid membranes) were optimized. The use of nisin Z monoclonal antibodies made it possible to quantify, using a competitive enzyme immunoassay, and visualize, using transmission electron microscopy, nisin Z. Nisin Z was entrapped in different liposomes with encapsulation efficiencies (EE) ranging from 9.5% to 47%. The pH of nisin Z aqueous solution and nisin Z concentration had a significant effect on the amount of encapsulated nisin. An increase in cholesterol content in lipid membranes up to (20%, w/w) resulted in a slight reduction in EE. Nisin-loaded vesicles did not severely disturb Cheddar cheese fermentation and showed …