Preparation,Optimization and Characterization of Bovine Lactoferrin‐loaded Liposomes and Solid Lipid Particles Modified by Hydrophilic Polymers Using Factorial Design

Bioadhesive liposomes and solid lipid particles (SLPs) modified by pectin and chitosan for oral administration of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) were prepared using a 2⁴ full‐factorial design to identify the key formulation variables influencing particle size and drug entrapment efficiency (EE). Netlike structures of the polymer–particle mixture consisting of a polymeric network in which multiple particles were imbedded were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical stability of bLf after encapsulation into pectin‐ and chitosan‐modified liposomes and SLPs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). Bovine lactoferrin was located within phospholipid bilayer, whereas in SLPs bLf was within the matrix. The crystalline nature of bLf after encapsulation was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of drug‐loaded particles, indicating amorphous dispersion of bLf in the polymer–lipid matrix of pectin‐ and chitosan‐modified liposomes and SLPs. In vivo pharmacokinetic investigation of bLf in pectin‐ and chitosan‐modified liposomes and SLPs showed prolonged mean residence time (MRT) of bLf in rat blood and increased the relative bioavailability (F_bio%) by 1.95‐ to 2.69‐fold compared with free bLf. The developed carrier systems are considered to be promising vehicles for oral delivery.     

Stability of Bovine Lactoferrin in Luminal Extracts and Mucosal Homogenates from Rat Intestine: A Prelude to Oral Absorption

Oral delivery is the most common method for bovine lactoferrin (bLf) administration. However, the presence of proteolytic enzymes in the stomach and intestine limits the effective absorption of bLf within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. To determine the extent of bLf proteolysis, several digestion models were developed using luminal extracts and mucosal homogenates isolated from four regions of rat intestine: duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and proximal colon. The kinetics of bLf degradation followed a pseudo‐first‐order rate, and almost complete hydrolysis of bLf was observed in the luminal extracts, indicating that bLf is more susceptive to luminal peptidases rather than mucosal enzymes. Moreover, a significant reduction in bLf proteolysis was observed in the presence of soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), bestatin, and bacitracin, suggesting that there exist trypsin‐like and aminopeptidase‐like proteases, which play a key role in the degradation of bLf in the intestine. Lactoferrin was then encapsulated in several lipid‐based delivery systems including liposomes and solid lipid particles (SLPs) with polymer modification, showing at least 50% of intact bLf remaining after 6 h of digestion compared with native bLf. These findings suggest that particle encapsulation may modulate protein digestion and possibly achieve sufficient oral bioavailability of bLf.     

Chitosan‐coated antifungal formulations for nebulisation

Objectives The aim of this study was to produce and characterise amphotericin B (AmB) containing chitosan‐coated liposomes, and to determine their delivery from an air‐jet nebuliser. Methods Soya phosphatidylcholine : AmB (100 : 1) multilamellar vesicles were generated by dispersing ethanol‐based proliposomes with 0.9% sodium chloride or different concentrations of chitosan chloride. These liposomes were compared with vesicles produced by the film hydration method and micelles. AmB loading, particle size, zeta potential and antifungal activity were determined for formulations, which were delivered into a two‐stage impinger using a jet nebuliser. Key findings AmB incorporation was highest for liposomes produced from proliposomes and was greatest (approximately 80% loading) in chitosan‐coated formulations. Following nebulisation, approximately 60% of the AmB was deposited in the lower stage of the two‐stage impinger for liposomal formulations, for which the mean liposome size was reduced. Although AmB loading in deoxycholate micellar formulations was high (99%), a smaller dose of AmB was delivered to the lower stage of the two‐stage impinger compared to chitosan‐coated liposomes generated from proliposomes. Chitosan‐coated and uncoated liposomes loaded with AmB had antifungal activities against Candida albicans and C. tropicalis similar to AmB deoxycholate micelles, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.5 µg/ml. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that chitosan‐coated liposomes, prepared by an ethanol‐based proliposome method, are a promising carrier system for the delivery of AmB using an air‐jet nebuliser, having a high drug‐loading that is likely to be effectively delivered to the peripheral airways for the treatment of pulmonary fungal infections.     

Oral bioavailability enhancement of a hydrophilic drug delivered via folic acid‐coupled liposomes in rats

Objectives A liposome preparation that is amenable to receptor‐mediated endocytosis has been developed to enhance the oral bioavailability of poorly absorbable peptidomi‐metic drugs by use of folic acid as the mediator of liposomal uptake. Methods Folic acid was physically coupled to the surface of the liposomes and cefotaxime was used as the model drug. In‐vivo evaluation was carried out on eight Sprague‐Dawley rats in a two‐way crossover study to compare the oral bioavailability of cefotaxime loaded in folic acid‐free liposomes and folic acid‐coupled liposomes. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein and plasma cefotaxime levels were determined using an HPLC method. Key findings Enhanced oral bioavailability (AUC_0‐∞) of cefotaxime was observed when administered via folic acid‐coupled liposomes. The peak plasma concentration (C_max) of cefotaxime was increased when administered via folic acid‐coupled liposomes as compared with folic acid‐free liposomes. At 90% confidence interval, the value for AUC_0‐∞ was 1.4–2‐times higher and the value for C_max was 1.2–1.8‐times higher for the folic acid‐coupled liposomes compared with folic acid‐free liposomes. Conclusions Folic acid could enhance the uptake of liposomally entrapped drug. It could be a useful candidate to supplement liposome delivery systems.     

Rheological characterization and permeation behavior of poloxamer 407-based systems containing 5-aminolevulinic acid for potential application in photodynamic therapy

Although anti-retroviral therapy is the most efficient disease management strategy for HIV-AIDS, its applications are limited by several factors including the low bioavailability and first pass metabolism of the drugs. Nanocarriers such as liposomes have been developed to circumvent some of these problems. We report here preparation of novel liposome formulations for efficient delivery of anti-retroviral drugs to mammalian cells in culture. The liposomes were prepared and surface was modified using poly (ethylene glycol). Encapsulation efficiency of the anti-retroviral drug saquinavir was found to be approximately 33% and also exhibited sustained release of the drug. Although PEGylated liposomes were more stable in protein-supplemented media, had better colloidal stability and exhibited lesser sonochemical stability due to lower cavitation threshold. The cell viability studies using Jurkat T-cells revealed that the PEGylated liposomes loaded with saquinavir were less cytotoxic as compared to the non-PEGylated liposomes or free drug confirming the potential of the liposomes as a sustained drug-release system. The drug delivery potential of the liposomes loaded with Alexa flour 647 was evaluated using Jurkat T-cells and flow cytometry showing uptake upto 74%. Collectively, our data demonstrate efficient targeting of mammalian cells using novel liposome formulations with insignificant levels of cytotoxicity.     

Carboxymethyl starch: Chitosan monolithic matrices containing diamine oxidase and catalase for intestinal delivery

The capacity of carboxymethyl starch (CMS):Chitosan monolithic tablets to protect diamine oxidase and/or catalase therapeutic enzymes against simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and to control their delivery in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) was investigated. Enzyme formulations loaded with grass pea seedlings diamine oxidase (PSDAO) vegetal extract, catalase, or PSDAO associated to catalase, were obtained by direct compression. The CMS:Chitosan (1:1) matrix afforded a good gastric protection to PSDAO and to catalase, when each enzyme was formulated separately. Variable amounts of DAO were delivered in the SIF containing pancreatin, with maximal release reached at about 8h, a time convenient for tablets to attain the colon. Up to 50% of the initial enzymatic activity of catalase formulated with CMS:Chitosan was found after 8 h in SIF. For the CMS:Chitosan tablets of bi-enzymatic formulations containing PSDAO:Catalase, the releases of DAO and of catalase were synchronized. The hydrogen peroxide (product of DAO activity) was decomposed by the catalase liberated in the same SIF environment. The proposed formulations could allow novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal cancers or pseudo-allergic reactions.     

Body distributioin of RGD-mediated liposome in brain-targeting drug delivery

RGD conjugation liposomes (RGD-liposomes) were evaluated for brain-targeting drug delivery. The flow cytometric in vitro study demonstrated that RGD-liposomes could bind to monocytes and neutrophils effectively. Ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic, FA) was loaded into liposomes. Rats were subjected to intrastriatal microinjections of 100 units of human recombinant IL-1beta to produce brain inflammation and caudal vein injection of three formulations (FA solution, FA liposome and RGD-coated FA liposome). Animals were sacrificed 15, 30, 60 and 120 min after administration to study the body distribution of the FA in the three formulations. HPLC was used to determine the concentration of FA in vivo with salicylic acid as internal standard. The results of body distribution indicated that RGD-coated liposomes could be mediated into the brain with a 6-fold FA concentration compared to FA solution and 3-fold in comparison to uncoated liposome. Brain targeted delivery was achieved and a reduction in dosage might be allowed.     

Preparation and physicochemical characterization of atovaquone‐containing liposomes

This work describes the preparation and the physicochemical properties of atovaquone‐loaded liposomes. It also describes drug release from the liposomes. As many factors can influence liposome stability, we studied several formulations, including different concentrations of atovaquone, phospholipids, and cholesterol. The effect of atovaquone (ATV) concentration was also evaluated. The highest binding percentage (100±2.5%) was obtained under alkaline conditions for a 2 mg/ml concentration of ATV. The percentage of encapsulation decreased significantly when drug concentrations increased. Drug uptake (expressed per unit mass of phospholipids) was nonlinearly related to equilibrium ATV concentration. A Langmuir‐type sorption was suggested (r = 0.978). In acidic or neutral buffer, the binding percentage reached 42.1 ± 0.02%. The increase of phospholipids and cholesterol concentrations did not significantly improve the ATV binding yield for the lowest ATV concentration. Conversely, ATV binding was significantly increased for the highest ATV concentration. All the formulations tested gave monodispersed liposomes with a mean diameter around 260 nm. The dilution (1/5–1/20) of liposomes in alkaline conditions induced a significant release of ATV (74% release). In acidic or neutral buffer no release was observed, suggesting an encapsulation process. Drug Dev. Res. 47:155–161, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated vesicular systems for oral immunization: preparation, in-vitro and in-vivo characterization

BSA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared and encapsulated in vesicles (liposomes and niosomes) to make them acid resistant upon oral administration. Prepared systems were characterized in-vitro for shape, size, entrapment efficiency and stability in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.5). The immune stimulating activity was studied by measuring serum IgG titre and secretory IgA (sIgA) levels in mucosal secretions following oral administration of various formulations in albino rats. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) serum IgG titres were achieved following oral administration of novel nanoparticulate vesicular formulations as compared with unmodified chitosan nanoparticles. Further, high sIgA levels in mucosal secretions advocated a possible application of chitosan nanoparticle encapsulated in vesicles as an oral vaccine delivery carrier-adjuvant system.     

Preparation,characterization, and in vitro evaluation of isoniazid and rifampicin‐loaded archaeosomes

The ability of Archaea to adapt their membrane lipid compositions to extreme environments has brought in archaeosomes into consideration for the development of drug delivery systems overcoming the physical, biological blockades that the body exhibits against drug therapies. In this study, we prepared unilamellar archaeosomes, from the polar lipid fraction extracted from Haloarcula 2TK2 strain, and explored its potential as a drug delivery vehicle. Rifampicin and isoniazid which are conventional drugs in tuberculosis medication were loaded separately and together in the same archaeosome formulation for the benefits of the combined therapy. Particle size and zeta potential of archaeosomes were measured by photon correlation spectroscopy, and the morphology was assessed by with an atomic force microscope. Encapsulation efficiency and loading capacities of the drugs were determined, and in vitro drug releases were monitored spectrophotometrically. Our study demonstrates that rifampicin and isoniazid could be successfully loaded separately and together in archaeosomes with reasonable drug‐loading and desired vesicle‐specific characters. Both of the drugs had greater affinity for archaeosomes than a conventional liposome formulation. The results imply that archaeosomes prepared from extremely halophilic archaeon were compatible with the liposomes for the development of stable and sustained release of antituberculosis drugs.     

Effects of lipid composition and preparation conditions on physical-chemical properties, technological parameters and in vitro biological activity of gemcitabine-loaded liposomes

The effects of lipid composition and preparation conditions on the physicochemical and technological properties of gemcitabine-loaded liposomes, as well as the in vitro anti-tumoral activity of various liposome formulations were investigated. Three liposome formulations were investigated: DPPC/Chol/Oleic acid (8:3:1 molar ratio, liposomes A), DPPC/Chol/DPPS (6:3:1 molar ratio, liposomes B) and DPPC/Chol/DSPE-MPEG (6:3:1 molar ratio, liposomes C). Multilamellar liposomes were prepared by using the TLE, FAT and DRV methods, while small unilamellar liposomes were obtained by extrusion through polycarbonate filters. Light scattering techniques were used to characterize liposome formulations. Loading capacity and release profiles of gemcitabine from various liposome formulations were also investigated. Caco-2 cells were used to evaluate in vitro the antitumoral activity of gemcitabine-loaded liposomes with respect to the free drug and also the intracellular drug uptake. Preparation methods and liposome lipid composition influenced both physicochemical parameters and drug delivery features. Liposomes with a size ranging from 200 nm to 7 microm were obtained. The gemcitabine entrapment was higher than that expected probably due to an interaction with the liposome lipid components. The following decreasing loading capacity order was observed: liposome B>liposome C>liposome A. Gemcitabine release from various liposome formulations is modulated by two different processes, i.e. desorption from and permeation through liposomal bilayers. MTT assay showed a greater cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine-loaded liposomes with respect to the free drug. The following decreasing anticancer activity order was observed between the various liposome formulations: liposome C>liposome A>liposome B. The increased anticancer activity is correlated to the ability of the colloidal carrier to increase the intracellular drug uptake. Due to the encouraging results and to the high liposome modularity various applications of potential therapeutic relevance can be envisaged for liposomes.     

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sterylglucoside-modified liposomes for levonorgestrel delivery via nasal route

For emergency contraceptive, the rapid delivery of levonorgestrel (LNG) to plasma is desirable, furthermore, a sustained delivery of LNG along with rapid absorption will be necessary. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of LNG entrapped in different kinds of liposome formulations via nasal administration in rats were evaluated and compared with LNG suspension via the oral route. The relative bioavailabilities of these liposome formulations via nasal administration were 100% or higher than 100%. The C_max and T_max values of sterylglucoside (SG) and chitosan-contained formulations by nasal administration were 416.84 ng/mL and 1.02 hr, 227.97 ng/mL and 2.02 hr, respectively, compared with that of 334.94 ng/mL and 1.89 hr of oral suspension. Fully 100% contraception was observed for all the formulations. SG could promote the absorption of LNG via the nasal route and may provide a rapid onset of action of LNG for emergency contraception. Chitosan could retain LNG in the nasal cavity for long contact time to sustain delivery of LNG. The rapid onset and sustained delivery of LNG can be achieved via the nasal route using liposomes as the vehicle.     

Nuclear delivery of a therapeutic peptide by long circulating pH-sensitive liposomes: benefits over classical vesicles

The purpose of this study is to propose a suitable vector combining increased circulation lifetime and intracellular delivery capacities for a therapeutic peptide. Long circulating classical liposomes [SPC:CHOL:PEG-750-DSPE (47:47:6 molar% ratio)] or pH-sensitive stealth liposomes [DOPE:CHEMS:CHOL:PEG₇₅₀-DSPE (43:21:30:6 molar% ratio)] were used to deliver a therapeutic peptide to its nuclear site of action. The benefit of using stealth pH-sensitive liposomes was investigated and formulations were compared to classical liposomes in terms of size, shape, charge, encapsulation efficiency, stability and, most importantly, in terms of cellular uptake. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the intracellular fate of liposomes themselves and of their hydrophilic encapsulated material. Cellular uptake of peptide-loaded liposomes was also investigated in three cell lines: Hs578t human epithelial cells from breast carcinoma, MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells and WI-26 human diploid lung fibroblast cells. The difference between formulations in terms of peptide delivery from the endosome to the cytoplasm and even to the nucleus was investigated as a function of time. Characterization studies showed that both formulations possess acceptable size, shape and encapsulation efficiency but cellular uptake studies showed the important benefit of the pH-sensitive formulation over the classical one, in spite of liposome PEGylation. Indeed, stealth pH-sensitive liposomes were able to deliver hydrophilic materials strongly to the cytoplasm. Most importantly, when encapsulated in pH-sensitive stealth liposomes, the peptide was able to reach the nucleus of tumorigenic and non tumorigenic breast cancer cells.     

2‐Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin‐modified SLN of paclitaxel for overcoming p‐glycoprotein function in multidrug‐resistant breast cancer cells

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the potential of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of paclitaxel (PTX) modified with a 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin system to enhance cellular accumulation of PTX into p‐glycoprotein (p‐gp)‐expressing cells. Methods The PTX‐loaded‐SLNs consisted of lipid (stearic acid) and surfactants (lecithin and poloxamer 188) and were then modified with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin by a sonication method. Key findings In terms of cytotoxicity, PTX‐loaded SLNs modified with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin showed higher cytotoxicity than other formulations. In particular, the cellular uptake of PTX from PTX‐loaded SLNs modified with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin was about 5.8‐ and 1.5‐fold higher than that from PTX solution and unmodified PTX‐loaded SLNs in MCF‐7/ADR cells, respectively. After a 4‐h incubation, clear fluorescence images inside cells were observed over time. When PTX‐loaded SLNs modified with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin were incubated with MCF‐7/ADR cells for 4 h, cellular uptake of PTX increased 1.7‐fold versus that of PTX in the presence of verapamil. Conclusions These results suggest that optimized SLNs modified with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin may have potential as an oral drug delivery system for PTX.     

Effect of long‐term stabilization of cationic liposomes as defibrotide delivery system for antithrombotic activity

The general goal of this study was to produce cationic liposome formulations suitable for the in vivo administration of defibrotide (DFT) (a DNA‐based drug) and to investigate in vitro and in vivo the stability of such a formulation. This article describes the freeze‐drying of cationic liposomes using as cryoprotectants different carbohydrates, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and sucrose. Liposome characteristics before and after freeze‐drying, such as size, morphology, and ability in complexing a DNA‐based drug, have been investigated. The in vitro studies indicate that cationic liposomes sufficiently maintain the initial characteristics after lyophilization and rehydration including the ability to complex DFT. The in vivo data show that lyophilized cationic liposome formulations can be safely stored for at least 3 months. Before in vivo use, liposomes can be rehydrated with DFT solutions, resulting in the formation of stable complexes retaining an in vivo activity comparable to that of the freshly prepared formulation. Drug Dev. Res. 55:127–138, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Sterylglucoside-Modified Liposomes for Levonorgestrel Delivery via Nasal Route

For emergency contraceptive, the rapid delivery of levonorgestrel (LNG) to plasma is desirable, furthermore, a sustained delivery of LNG along with rapid absorption will be necessary. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of LNG entrapped in different kinds of liposome formulations via nasal administration in rats were evaluated and compared with LNG suspension via the oral route. The relative bioavailabilities of these liposome formulations via nasal administration were 100% or higher than 100%. The C_max and T_max values of sterylglucoside (SG) and chitosan-contained formulations by nasal administration were 416.84 ng/mL and 1.02 hr, 227.97 ng/mL and 2.02 hr, respectively, compared with that of 334.94 ng/mL and 1.89 hr of oral suspension. Fully 100% contraception was observed for all the formulations. SG could promote the absorption of LNG via the nasal route and may provide a rapid onset of action of LNG for emergency contraception. Chitosan could retain LNG in the nasal cavity for long contact time to sustain delivery of LNG. The rapid onset and sustained delivery of LNG can be achieved via the nasal route using liposomes as the vehicle.     

Integrin Targeting and Toxicological Assessment of Peptide‐Conjugated Liposome Delivery Systems to Activated Endothelial Cells

Utilization of functionalized liposomes as the means of targeted delivery of therapeutics may enhance specific transport of biologically active drugs to target tissues, while avoiding or reducing undesired side effects. In the present investigation, peptide‐conjugated cationic liposomes were constructed with the aim of targeting integrins (i.e. vitronectin and/or fibronectin receptors) on activated endothelial cells. The peptide‐conjugated liposomes induced only cytotoxicity at the highest concentration in non‐activated or activated endothelial cells, as well as in co‐culture of endothelial cells and macrophages. There was unaltered secretion of cytokines after exposure of peptide‐conjugated liposomes to endothelial cells, indicating that the materials were not inflammogenic. Liposomes with a peptide targeting the fibronectin receptor (integrin α5β1) were more effective in targeting of activated endothelial cells, as compared to a liposome with a peptide that targeted both the fibronectin and vitronectin receptors, as well as liposomes with a control peptide. The liposome targeted to the fibronectin receptor also displayed uptake in endothelial cells in co‐culture with activated macrophages. Therefore, this study demonstrates the feasibility of constructing a peptide‐conjugated cationic liposome, which displays targeting to activated endothelial cells at concentrations that are not cytotoxic or inflammogenic to the cells.     

Skin delivery of oestradiol from deformable and traditional liposomes: mechanistic studies

Deformable vesicles and traditional liposomes were compared as delivery systems for oestradiol to elucidate possible mechanisms of drug delivery through human skin. Accordingly, epidermal permeation of oestradiol from optimized deformable vesicles and traditional liposome formulations was studied under low dose non-occluded conditions. Five mechanisms were investigated. A free drug mechanism compared low-dose permeation through skin with drug release determined after separation of the free drug. Penetration enhancement was researched by studying skin pretreatment with empty vesicles. Improved drug uptake by skin was monitored by dipping stratum corneum into different formulations for 10 min and determining drug uptake. The possibility that intact vesicles permeate through the epidermis was tested by comparing permeation from 136-nm vesicles with that from >500-nm vesicles, assuming that penetration depends on vesicle size. The possibility that different entrapment efficiencies in alternative formulations could be responsible for the difference in delivery was also evaluated. Lipid vesicles improved the skin delivery of oestradiol compared with delivery from an aqueous control. Maximum flux (Jmax) was increased 14- to 17-fold by use of deformable vesicles and 8.2- to 9.8-fold by use of traditional liposomes. Deformable vesicles were thus superior to traditional liposomes. Drug release was negligible over the period during which skin flux was maximum. Pretreatment with empty vesicles resulted in an enhancement ratio of 4.3 for pure phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles but the enhancement ratio ranged from only 0.8 to 2.4 for other formulations. Vesicles increased drug uptake into the stratum corneum 23- to 29-fold. Relative flux values obtained from small and large vesicles were similar. No correlation was found between entrapment efficiency and skin delivery. The results showed no evidence of a free drug mechanism, but revealed a possible penetration-enhancing effect for pure PC vesicles, although this was not the only mechanism operating. The positive uptake suggested that lipid vesicles increased drug partitioning into the skin. The data provided no evidence for in-vitro liposome penetration through skin as distinct from vesicle penetration into the stratum corneum.     

Physico-chemical characterisation of cationic DOTAP liposomes as drug delivery system for a hydrophilic decapeptide before and after freeze-drying

In the present study, positively charged 1,2-dioleoyloxy-3-trimethylammoniumpropane (DOTAP) liposomes as a delivery system for a hydrophilic decapeptide were developed. The main objective was the preparation of a stable, highly loaded, lyophilised formulation to yield the basis for an acceptable shelf life. The influences of addition of cholesterol, pH value, amounts of lipid and peptide, type and amount of sugar-based cryoprotective agent (trehalose and sucrose), and time point for cryoprotector addition as well as the freeze-drying process parameters were investigated. The collapse temperatures of the liposome dispersions in the presence of the disaccharides trehalose and sucrose were determined using a freeze-drying microscope (Lyostat 2). The liposome morphology before freeze-drying was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The evidence of intact liposomes after freeze-drying was shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging. In summary, this study demonstrated the successful development of DOTAP liposomes including their lyophilisation as a drug delivery system for small hydrophilic peptides.