This study emphasizes the development of a novel surface modified liposome as an anticancer drug nanocarrier. Quaternized N,O-oleoyl chitosan (QCS) was synthesized and incorporated into liposome vesicles, generating QCS-liposomes (Lip-QCS). The Lip-QCS liposomes were spherical in shape (average size diameter 171.5 +/- 0.8 nm), with a narrow size distribution (PDI 0.1 +/- 0.0) and zeta potential of 11.7 +/- 0.7 mV. In vitro mucoadhesive tests indicated that Lip-QCS possesses a mucoadhesive property. Moreover, the presence of QCS was able to induce the cationic charge on the surface of liposome. Cellular internalization of Lip-QCS was monitored over time, with the results revealing that the cell entry level of Lip-QCS was elevated at 24 h. Following this, Lip-QCS were then employed to load cisplatin, a common platinum-containing anti-cancer drug, with a loading efficiency of 27.45 +/- 0.78% being obtained. The therapeutic potency of the loaded Lip-QCS was investigated using a 3D spheroid cervical cancer model (SiHa) which highlighted their cytotoxicity and apoptosis effect, and suitability as a controllable system for sustained drug release. This approach has the potential to assist in development of an effective drug delivery system against cervical cancer. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.