冻干工艺及保护剂对羟基喜树碱脂质体质量的影响

用薄膜水化-高压均质法制备羟基喜树碱脂质体,以葡聚糖凝胶色谱法分离脂质体和游离药物,采用HPLC法测定包封率。通过差示扫描量热法测定含不同保护剂的脂质体的最低共熔点和玻璃化转变温度,并比较冻干品外观、冻干前后脂质体包封率和粒径的变化,优选出最佳的冻干工艺、冻干保护剂种类及比例。结果表明,以6%蔗糖为冻干保护剂,经4℃、1 h,-18℃、12 h和-35℃、5 h逐步预冻,然后于-54℃冷冻干燥24 h,制得的冻干品外观良好,脂质体复溶后粒径变化小,包封率达(87.0±2.7)%。     

The effect of cryoprotectants on the physical properties of large liposomes containing sodium diclofenac

Large liposomes (1-10 microm) containing sodium diclofenac were prepared and lyophilized using lactose or mannitol (7.5% in respect to the lipid content) as cryoprotectants. The physical studies of liposomes were performed during 30 days of storage in a dry or resuspended form. Lyophilization of large liposomes and storage in the dry form at 5 degrees C increases their physical stability. Lactose is a cryoprotectant which does not influence changes of properties of liposomes regarding their size, encapsulation efficacy and release rate. Large liposomes lyophilized in the presence of mannitol tend to increase in size and encapsulation efficacy, but the lipid bilayers are stabilized and less permeable to the drug.     

The use of chitosan-coated flexible liposomes as a remarkable carrier to enhance the antitumor efficacy of 5-fluorouracil against colorectal cancer

Surface-coated nanocarriers have been extensively used to enhance the delivery of anticancer drugs and improve their therapeutic index. In this study, chitosan (CS)-coated flexible liposomes (chitosomes) containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were designed and characterized for use as a novel approach to target colon cancer cells. 5-FU-loaded flexible liposomes (F1, F2, and F3) and 5-FU-loaded chitosomes (F4, F5, and F6) were prepared using film hydration and electrostatic deposition techniques, respectively. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE%), morphology, and in vitro drug release ability, and cytotoxicity of the formulations were determined. The results revealed that the size of chitosomes ranged from 212 to 271 nm with a positive surface charge of 6.1 to 14.7 mV, whereas the particle size of liposomes ranged from 108 to 234 nm with negative surface charges of ?2.3 to ?16.3. F3 and F6 had a spherical shape with a rough surface structure. The in vitro drug release study revealed that chitosomes retard 5-FU release as opposed to the 5-FU solution and liposomes. The cytotoxicity study using a colon cancer cell line (HT-29) showed that 5-FU-loaded chitosomes were more effective in killing cancer cells in a sustained manner than liposomes and the 5-FU solution. Chitosomes were therefore successfully developed as nanocarriers of 5-FU, with potential cytotoxicity for colorectal cancer cells.     

Formulation and characterization of Paclitaxel, 5-FU and Paclitaxel + 5-FU microspheres

The purpose of this study was to compare the combination (Paclitaxel + 5-FU microspheres) with a single drug chemotherapy (Paclitaxel and 5-FU microspheres) against metastatic breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB 435 S). The physicochemical characteristics of the microspheres (i.e. encapsulation efficiency, particle size distribution, in vitro release, thermal characteristics) were studied. The results demonstrated that the encapsulation efficiency of Paclitaxel was high (90%) when the drug was encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles with or without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). However, the encapsulation efficiency of 5-FU was low (19%) and increased to 30% when the drug was encapsulated with Paclitaxel. The mean particle size of microspheres was 2.5microm and were spherical in shape. The in vitro release of both 5-FU and Paclitaxel from the microspheres was relatively fast initially followed by a slower and more controlled release. The cytotoxic activity of Paclitaxel microspheres was far greater compared to either the microspheres containing 5-FU + Paclitaxel or 5-FU alone. Overall results demonstrated that incorporation of Paclitaxel or 5-FU in microspheres enhances the cytotoxicity in more controlled manner compared to that of free drugs and also that careful consideration should be made when combining drugs acting in different phases of cell cycle.     

5-Fluorouracil in vesicular phospholipid gels for anticancer treatment: entrapment and release properties

Vesicular phospholipid gels (VPG), i.e. highly concentrated liposomal dispersions, are suitable for entrapping substances such as anticancer drugs with particular high encapsulation efficiencies (EE). We prepared different formulations of VPG with 30% (w/w) lipid containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by high pressure homogenization and analysed their EE and drug release. Using mixtures of hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol with molar ratios ranging from 55/45 to 75/25, a decreasing amount of cholesterol correlated with an increasing EE, which is probably due to a reduced amount of smaller vesicles and number of lamellae. Using a 5-FU solution of pH 8.6 for VPG preparation, an EE of approximately 40% was found after redispersion of the gel to a liposomal dispersion and separation of free drug from liposomal drug by size exclusion chromatography. The reduced EE for preparations with lower pH values was attributed to a fast initial drug release due to the increased drug lipophilicity below the pK(a) value of 8. After redispersion of a VPG of pH 8.0, an initially faster release of about a third of the entrapped drug was found during the first 20 min, followed by stable entrapment over many hours. The rapid initial release may be due to the portion of liposomes smaller than 40 nm in diameter, determined by photon correlation spectroscopy. Cryo electron microscopic pictures show a lentil-like shape of these small liposomes. The membrane defects on the edges are probably the reason for the very high initial drug release rate. The half-life time of the release of 5-FU from intact FU-VPG at both pH 7.4 and 8.0 was found to be in the order of 4-5 h and the kinetics are typical for matrix-controlled drug diffusion. The in vitro data of 5-FU loaded VPG suggest their applicability as implants with controlled release properties or, after redispersion, as intravenously injected liposomal formulations.     

Injectable nimodipine-loaded nanoliposomes: preparation, lyophilization and characteristics

The main purpose of this study was to prepare nimodipine-loaded nanoliposomes for injection and evaluate their characteristics after lyophilization. Nimodipine-loaded nanoliposomes were prepared by the emulsion-ultrasonic method with sodium cholesterol sulfate (SCS) as the regulator and then lyophilized by adding different cryoprotectants. SCS was used as a blender of regulator and surfactant and helped to prepare smaller liposomes due to the steric hindrance of the sulfate group. The results showed that nimodipine-loaded nanoliposomes with a 20:1 of egg yolk lecithin PL-100M vs. SCS ratio had a particle size of 86.8±42.007 nm, a zeta potential of -13.94 mV and an entrapment efficiency (EE) of 94.34% and could be stored for 12 days at 25°C. Because of the good bulking effect of mannitol and the preservative effect of trehalose, they were used to obtain suitable lyophilized nanoliposomes. The lyophiles containing 10% mannitol and 20% trehalose had a good appearance and a slightly altered particle size after rehydration. In addition, the lyophilized products were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed the morphous state of trehalose, mannitol and the mixture. Trehalose could inhibit mannitol crystallization to some extent. The drug release from nanoliposomes before and after lyophilization in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer containing 30% ethanol was also examined and both profiles were found to fit the Viswanathan equation. This means that the drug release was controlled by the pore diffusion resistance.     

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of cubosomes containing 5-fluorouracil for liver targeting

The objective of this study was to prepare cubosomal nanoparticles containing a hydrophilic anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for liver targeting. Cubosomal dispersions were prepared by disrupting a cubic gel phase of monoolein and water in the presence of Poloxamer 407 as a stabilizer. Cubosomes loaded with 5-FU were characterized in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, 5-FU-loaded cubosomes entrapped 31.21% drug and revealed nanometer-sized particles with a narrow particle size distribution. In vitro 5-FU release from cubosomes exhibited a phase of rapid release of about half of the entrapped drug during the first hour, followed by a relatively slower drug release as compared to 5-FU solution. In vivo biodistribution experiments indicated that the cubosomal formulation significantly (P<0.05) increased 5-FU liver concentration, a value approximately 5-fold greater than that observed with a 5-FU solution. However, serum serological results and histopathological findings revealed greater hepatocellular damage in rats treated with cubosomal formulation. These results demonstrate the successful development of cubosomal nanoparticles containing 5-FU for liver targeting. However, further studies are required to evaluate hepatotoxicity and in vivo antitumor activity of lower doses of 5-FU cubosomal formulation in treatment of liver cancer.Key words: 5-Fluorouracil, Hydrophilic drug, Cubosomes, Liver targeting, Hepatotoxicity     

Design and development of folate appended liposomes for enhanced delivery of 5-FU to tumor cells

Folate appended sterically-stabilized liposomes (FA-SL) were investigated for tumor targeting. Liposomes were prepared using HSPC, cholesterol and FA-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-SA. The liposomes with polyethylene glycol (PEG) without folic acid which has similar lipid composition were used for comparison. Liposomal preparations were characterized for shape, size and percent entrapment. The average size of liposomes was found to be in range 124-163 nm and maximum drug entrapment was found to be 34.2-40.3%. In vitro drug release from the formulations is obeying fickian release kinetics. Cellular uptake and IC(50) values of the FR-targeted formulation were determined in vitro in FR (+) B16F10 melanoma cells. In vitro cell binding of FA-SL exhibits 11-folds higher binding to B16F10 melanoma cells in comparison to SL. In vivo cytotoxicy assay on FR targeted liposomes gave IC(50) of 1.87 microM and non-targeted liposomes gave IC(50) of 4.02 microM. In therapeutic experiments 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), SL and FA-SL were administered at the dose of 10 mg 5-FU/kg body weight to B16F10 tumor bearing Balb/c mice. Administration of FA-SL formulation results in effective reduction in tumor growth as compared with free 5-FU and SL. Results indicate that folic acid appended SL bearing 5-FU are significantly (P < 0.01) active against primary tumor and metastasis than non-targeted sterically-SL. Thus, it could be concluded that folate coupled liposomal formulations enhanced drug uptake by tumor cells.     

Formulation factors for preparing ocular biodegradable delivery system of 5-fluorouracil microparticles.

Microparticles containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were prepared using poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) with an oil-in-oil emulsion/solvent extraction technique. Particle characteristics including size distribution, 5-FU loading efficiencies, in vitro release and degradation were investigated. The dispersed phase was composed of PLG dissolved in dichloromethane, and the continuous phase was paraffin oil containing lecithin. 5-FU was successfully entrapped in the microparticles with trapping efficiencies up to 76%, loading level 10% w/v, and particle size 3 microm. Release profiles of 5-FU loaded microparticles were determined to follow a first-order-time relationship. An optimized preparation of 5-FU microparticles was achieved and was capable of controlling the release of 5-FU over 21 days with an in vitro delivery rate of 0.4 microg 5-FU/mg particles/day in the study. Preliminary animal studies indicated that the 5-FU loaded microparticles as an ocular delivery system showed no ocular toxicity and no significant inflammatory response in rabbits for 2 months. The 5-FU loaded microparticles approach, with PLG, might be a potential for the application of long-term delivery of hydrophilic drugs in the eye.     

Formulation factors for preparing ocular biodegradable delivery system of 5-fluorouracil microparticles

Microparticles containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were prepared using poly(dllactide-co-glycolide) with an oil-in-oil emulsion/solvent extraction technique. Particle characteristics including size distribution, 5-FU loading efficiencies, in vitro release and degradation were investigated. The dispersed phase was composed of PLG dissolved in dichloromethane, and the continuous phase was paraffin oil containing lecithin. 5-FU was successfully entrapped in the microparticles with trapping efficiencies up to 76%, loading level 10% w/v, and particle size 3 µm. Release profiles of 5-FU loaded microparticles were determined to follow a first-order-time relationship. An optimized preparation of 5-FU microparticles was achieved and was capable of controlling the release of 5-FU over 21 days with an in vitro delivery rate of 0.4 µg 5-FU/mg particles/ day in the study. Preliminary animal studies indicated that the 5-FU loaded microparticles as an ocular delivery system showed no ocular toxicity and no significant inflammatory response in rabbits for 2 months. The 5-FU loaded microparticles approach, with PLG, might be a potential for the application of long-term delivery of hydrophilic drugs in the eye.     

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of liposomal chloroquine diphosphate loaded by a transmembrane pH-gradient method

This study developed an active loading method for encapsulating chloroquine diphosphate (CQ) into liposomes. The effects of different formulation factors on the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and the size of CQ liposomes were investigated. These factors included the internal phase of liposomes, the external phase of liposomes, the ratio of drug to soybean phosphatidylcholine (drug/SPC), the ratio of cholesterol to soybean phosphatidylcholine (Chol/SPC), and the incubation temperature and time. The EE (93%) was obtained when using drug/SPC (1:50 mass ratio), SPC/Chol (1:5 mass ratio) at 0.10M citrate-sodium citrate buffer (pH 3.6). As 5mol% methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)(2000) cholesteryl succinate (CHS-PEG(2000)) or distearoyl phosphatidylethanolamine-poly (ethylene glycol)(2000) (DSPE-PEG(2000)) was added, the size of particle was reduced and the EE was improved. Freeze-drying with 5% trehalose as a cryoprotectant was carried out to achieve long-term stability. The drug release studies were performed in vitro simulating the desired application conditions, such as physiological fluids (pH 7.4), tumor tissues (pH 6.5) and endosomal compartments (pH 5.5). The release of CQ from the liposomes prepared via remote loading showed the significant pH-sensitivity and retention properties, which favored the application of liposomal CQ at tumor tissues and endosomal compartments.     

聚乙二醇对盐酸伊立替康脂质体体外释放及在不同稀释介质中稳定性的影响

目的:考察不同聚乙二醇含量对盐酸伊立替康脂质体体外释放特性及在不同稀释介质中稳定性的影响。方法:采用乙二胺四乙酸铵梯度法,以聚乙二醇2000含量分别为0、8、14、20、26 mg/ml的聚乙二醇2000-二硬脂酰磷脂酰乙醇胺(m PEG2000-DSPE)制备盐酸伊立替康脂质体,测定其包封率和粒径,评价其体外24 h内的累积释放度和在生理氯化钠溶液与5%葡萄糖注射液中的稳定性。结果:随着m PEG2000-DSPE含量的增加,盐酸伊立替康脂质体体外24 h累积释放度逐渐减小;以生理氯化钠溶液及5%葡萄糖注射液稀释后,随着m PEG2000-DSPE含量的增加,盐酸伊立替康脂质体的包封率和粒径变化均减小;当聚乙二醇2000质量浓度增加至20、26 mg/ml时,脂质体包封率和粒径基本不再变化。结论:m PEG2000-DSPE的加入可减慢盐酸伊立替康脂质体的体外释放,提高其在不同稀释介质中的稳定性。     

5-Fluorouracil in topical liposome gels for anticancer treatment--formulation and evaluation

Liposome gels bearing an antineoplastic agent, 5-fluorouracil, intended for topical application have been prepared and drug release properties in vitro have been evaluated. Different formulations of liposomes were prepared by the film hydration method by varying the lipid phase composition (PL 90H/cholesterol mass ratio) and hydration conditions of dry lipid film (drug/aqueous phase mass ratio). Topical liposome gels were prepared by incorporation of lyophilized liposomes into a structured vehicle (1%, m/m, chitosan gel base). Also, hydrogels containing different concentrations of 5-fluorouracil were prepared and drug release properties were investigated. The rate of drug release from liposome gels was found to be dependent on the bilayer composition and the dry lipid film hydration conditions. Also, liposomes embedded into a structured vehicle of chitosan showed significantly slower release than hydrogels. The drug release obeyed the Higuchi diffusion model, while liposomes acted as reservoir systems for continuous delivery of the encapsulated drug.     

Encapsulation, Stability, and In Vitro Release Characteristics of Liposomal Formulations of Stavudine (D4T)

The objective of this study was to examine the encapsulation of stavudine (d4T), an approved drug for AIDS treatment, in liposomes composed of various lipids and the in vitro release characteristics, and to evaluate the stability. The reverse phase evaporation method was used to prepare liposomes and the effect of cholesterol on drug encapsulation was studied by adding different amounts of cholesterol to a constant amount of lipid. The effect of charge of the lipid bilayer on drug encapsulation was also studied. Stearylamine or dicetylphosphate (10 mol%) were used to induce positive or negative charges, respectively. The particle size of the liposomes was measured using dynamiclightscattering. Stabilitystudies were performed by storing formulations at 4, 25, and 37 C for 12 weeks, and then subjecting them to alternate heat-cool cycles and simulated transportation conditions. Encapsulation of stavudine was found to be maximum (48%) in DSPC liposomes containing equimolar amounts of cholesterol. Encapsulation generally increased with increasing amounts of cholesterol, and also with the incorporation of both positive and negative charge. In vitro release was found to be biphasic, the release controlled by the dialysis membrane and the lipid bilayer. The release of the drug was inhibited in the presence of charge (30%), compared to neutral liposomes. Particle size distribution ranged from 0.6 mu m to 1.4 mu m and was polydisperse. Liposomes were stable with respect to the amount to drug retained for a period of 4 weeks. Beyond 4 weeks, there was a leakage of entrapped drug independent of the temperature of storage. An increase in particle size during storage was observed in the case of neutral but not charged vesicles. A high degree of encapsulation of stavudine in liposomes is feasible by reverse-phase evaporation. Liposomal formulations may be beneficial in alleviating the longterm side effects of stavudine and enhancing in vivo cellular uptake in HIV therapy.     

Optimization of freeze-drying condition of amikacin solid lipid nanoparticles using D-optimal experimental design

Amikacin as an aminoglycoside antibiotic was chosen to be loaded in a cholesterol carrier with nanoparticle size and sustained release profile to increase the dose interval of amikacin and reduce side-effects. To support the stability of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), freeze-drying was suggested. Factors affecting the freeze-drying process in the present study included the type and concentration of cryoprotectants. Pre-freezing temperature effects were also studied on particle size of SLNs of amikacin. In some preliminary experiments, important factors which influenced the particle size of SLNs after lyophilization were selected and a D-optimal design was applied to optimize the freeze-drying conditions in the production of SLNs with minimum particle size growth after freeze-drying. Zeta potential, DSC thermograms, release profiles and morphology of the optimized particles were studied before and after freeze-drying. Results showed sucrose changed the particle size of SLNs of amikacin from 149 ± 4 nm to 23.9 ± 16.7 nm; in that situation, the absolute value of zeta potential changed from 1 ± 0.7 mV to 13 ± 4 mV. The release profiles showed a sustained release behavior of the loaded drug that did not change significantly before and after freeze-drying, but a burst effect was seen after it in the first 2 h. DSC analysis showed chemical interaction between amikacin and cholesterol.     

Development of a respirable, sustained release microcarrier for 5-fluorouracil I: In vitro assessment of liposomes, microspheres, and lipid coated nanoparticles

The release rate of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from liposomes, microspheres, and lipid-coated nanoparticles (LNPs) was determined by microdialysis to investigate their use as a respirable delivery system for adjuvant (postsurgery) therapy of lung cancer. 5-FU was incorporated into liposomes using thin film hydration and into microspheres and LNPs by spray drying. Primary particle size distributions were measured by dynamic light scattering. Liposomes released 5-FU in 4-10 h (k(1) = 0.44-2.31/h, first-order release model). Extruded vesicles with diameters less than one micron released 5-FU more quickly than nonextruded vesicles. With poly-(lactide) (PLA) and Poly-(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres, slower release rates were observed (k(1) = 0.067-0.202/h). Increasing the lactide:glycolide ratio (50:50-100:0) resulted in a progressive decrease in the release rate of 5-FU. poly-(lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) microspheres released 5-FU more rapidly compared to PLGA systems (k(1) = 0.254-0.259/h). LNPs formulated with polymeric core excipients had lower release rates compared to monomeric excipients (k(1) = 0.043-0.105/h vs. k(1) = 0.192-0.345/h). Changing the lipid chain length of the shell lipid components had a relatively minor effect (k(1) = 0.043-0.129/h). Overall, these systems yielded a wide range of delivery durations that may be suitable for use as an inhalation delivery system for adjuvant therapy of lung cancer.     

Effect of formulation design and freeze-drying on properties of fluconazole multilamellar liposomes

Fluconazole-entrapped multilamellar liposomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method. The effects of cholesterol molar ratio, charge-inducing agents, and α-tocopherol acetate on encapsulation efficiency values and in vitro drug release of multilamellar liposomes were studied. Freeze-dried liposomal products were prepared with or without cryoprotectants. Results showed that incorporation of stearylamine resulted in an increased entrapment of fluconazole, whereas incorporation of dicetyl phosphate decreased the drug entrapment efficiency. The incorporation of α-tocopherol acetate into fluconazole multilamellar liposomes resulted in the increase of entrapment efficiency of fluconazole liposomes. In vitro release studies revealed that incorporation of cholesterol into multilamellar liposomal formulations decreased drug permeability from formulations. Positively charged fluconazole multilamellar liposomes gave rise to a slow release rate compared to neutral liposomes whereas negatively charged fluconazole liposomes showed a rapid release rate. Physical stability studies showed that lyophilized cake of liposomes without cryoprotectants was compact and difficult to reconstitute compared to fluffy easily reconstituted cakes upon using cryoprotectants. Fluconazole retained in freeze-dried liposomes without cryoprotectants was 63.452% compared to 91.877% using three grams of trehalose as a cryoprotectant per gram lipid in positively charged multilamellar liposomes. Physical stability studies showed superior potentials of the lyophilized product after reconstitution in comparison with those of a solution product.     

Measurement of drug release from microcarriers by microdialysis

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of the microdialysis sampling technique as a method to precisely and conveniently measure drug release from microcarrier systems such as liposomes and microspheres. Release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from liposomes and microspheres was evaluated in vitro using microdialysis. Retrodialysis calibration using 5-chlorouracil (5-CU) was performed in conjunction with on-line HPLC analysis. At a microdialysis perfusate flow rate of 0.5 muL/min, concurrent 5-FU gain and 5-CU loss ranged from 72% to 75%, while concurrent 5-FU loss and 5-CU ranged from 69% to 71%. After calibration, simultaneous 5-FU release profiles were obtained by continuous microdialysis and discrete equilibrium dialysis sampling using a side-by-side diffusion apparatus. Release rates were characterized by a first-order release model. The release rate constants for a representative liposomal formulation were 0.30 and 1.85/h by microdialysis in the acceptor and donor compartments, respectively, and 0.39/h by equilibrium dialysis in the acceptor compartment. The calculated release rate constant determined by equilibrium dialysis in the donor compartment (1.98/h) agrees with that determined by microdialysis (1.85/h) when the resistance of the equilibrium dialysis membrane with associated first-order rate constant of transfer of 0.42/h is taken into account. Release profiles of 5-FU from a number of different liposome and microsphere formulations were determined. The results indicate that a convenient and reproducible characterization of drug release from various liposome and microsphere formulations is readily obtainable by microdialysis.     

两亲性壳聚糖包覆紫杉醇脂质体的制备及体外释放研究

目的:制备两亲性壳聚糖N-辛基-N,O-羧甲基壳聚糖包覆紫杉醇脂质体(PTX-LP-OCC),并考察其理化性质及体外释放行为。方法:采用基于乙醇的前体脂质体法制备紫杉醇脂质体并以OCC包覆,并以普通脂质体(PTX-LP)为对照,测定其包封率、粒径大小、电位,观测其形态及稳定性,然后采用全体液平衡反向透析法研究体外释放行为。结果:紫杉醇脂质体包封率为89.5%,粒径为236.5 nm,Zeta电位为-31.4 mV,多糖包覆修饰后药物包封率无显著变化,粒径及Zeta电位显著增加,脂质体稳定性显著提高,药物释放呈缓释特征,且突释显著降低。结论:两亲性壳聚糖包覆脂质体是一个有前景的抗肿瘤药物递送载体     

Development and evaluation of inhalational liposomal system of budesonide for better management of asthma

Budesonide is a corticosteroid used by inhalation in the prophylactic management of asthma. However, frequent dosing and adverse effects (local and systemic) remain a major concern in the use of budesonide. Liposomal systems for sustained pulmonary drug delivery have been particularly attractive because of their compatibility with lung surfactant components. In the present investigation, pulmonary liposomal delivery system of budesonide was prepared by film hydration method and evaluated for sustained release. Various parameters were optimized with respect to entrapment efficiency as well as particle size of budesonide liposomes. For better shelf life of budesonide liposomes, they were freeze dried using trehalose as cryoprotectant. The liposomes were characterized for entrapment efficiency, particle size, and surface topography; in vitro drug release was evaluated out in simulated lung fluid at 37° at pH 7.4. The respirable or fine particle fraction was determined by using twin stage impinger. The stability study of freeze dried as well as aqueous liposomal systems was carried out at 2-8° and at ambient temperature (28±40). The freeze dried liposomes showed better fine particle fraction and drug content over the period of six months at ambient as well as at 2-8° storage condition compared to aqueous dispersion of liposomes.