Beta-carotene is a carotenoid precursor of vitamin A, which is known by its biological activity such as antioxidant properties, prevention and management of heart disease and reducing breast risk cancer in pre-menopausal women. Since beta-carotene is highly hydrophobic, encapsulation may be a promising alternative to improve its water affinity and thus its bioavailability. The objective of this work was to produce beta-carotene nanoparticles by sonication (120 W, 1/8” probe tip, 10 min sonication). Transmission Electronic Microscopy showed that nanometric beta-carotene crystals were formed (confirmed by Dynamic Light Scattering, backscatter detection of undiluted samples) with 91.16 nm average particle diameter and 0.317 polydispersity index. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (50 mL.min-1 N2, heating from 0 to 300 ºC at 20 ºC.min-1) was used to compare the thermal behavior of pristine and nanoparticulated beta-carotene showing that crystallinity was not affected by the process, presenting melting point of 188.6 ºC. Crystallinity was also confirmed by X-ray diffraction (3 to 60º at 5.9º.min-1). Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (KBr as pelletizing agent, 1 nm resolution, 32 cumulative scans) showed no alteration in the absorption peaks after the nanoparticles production. These nanoparticles were readily dispersed in water indicating that the nanoparticles are colloidally stable. Gathered results indicated that PVP acted as protective colloid during the sonication process resulting in the formation of beta-carotene nanoparticles.