Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was fabricated from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) kernel fat stabilized with Tween 80 in this present work. The influence of the Tween 80 concentration (0.025,0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 wt%) and solidification temperature (5 and 25 degrees C) on the characteristics and stability of the NLC were investigated. The results showed that an increase in the Tween 80 concentration caused decreased zeta-potential (zeta-potential) and particle size (Z-average) with no significant effect on the poly-dispersity index (PDI). Lipid particles in the NLC at all Tween 80 concentrations had a tendency to grow and the PDI tended to increase due to Ostwald ripening upon storage over 28 days. At least 0.2 wt% Tween 80 concentrations could be used to stabilize 1 wt rambutan NLC. The solidification temperature affected the microstructure, melting behavior and stability of rambutan NLC. Pre-solidification at 5 degrees C could create stable NLC with monodispersed-spherical lipid particles. Consequently, these stable NLC particles produced from rambutan kernel fat may serve as useful carriers for the delivery of bioactive lipophilic nutraceuticals. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.