Lyophilised liposome‐based formulations of α‐tocopheryl succinate: Preparation and physico‐chemical characterisation

α‐Tocopheryl succinate (α‐TOS) is a semisynthetic analogue of α‐tocopherol with selective toxicity to the cancer cells and anticancer activity in vivo. Yet, no suitable formulation of α‐TOS for medical application has been reported. Various formulations, for example, solutions in organic solvents, oil emulsions and vesicules prepared by spontaneous vesiculation, polyethylene glycol conjugates and liposomes of various compositions have been tested. We developed and characterised a stable lyophilised liposome‐based α‐TOS formulation. α‐TOS (15 mol%) was incorporated into large oligolamellar vesicles (OLVs) composed of soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) by the method of lipid film hydration followed by extrusion through polycarbonate filters. Stabilised liposomal formulation was prepared by lyophilisation in the presence of sucrose (molar ratio lipid/sucrose, 1:5). The size distribution of the liposomes (130–140 nm, polydispersity index 0.14) as well as the stable lipid and α‐TOS contents were preserved during storage in the lyophilised form at 2–8°C for at least 6 months. The data indicate good physical and chemical stability of the lyophilised preparation of α‐TOS liposomes that can be used in clinical medicine. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 99: 2434–2443, 2010     

Chemotherapy with hybrid liposomes without any drug in vivo

Prolonged survival was seen in a carcinoma model in mice intraperitoneally inoculated with B-16 melanoma cells after the intraperitoneal treatment with hybrid liposomes composed of L-alpha-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and polyoxyethylenedodecyl ether (C12(EO)n, n = 10 and 23 respectivery) which had a uniform and stable structure. No drug was administered. The therapeutic effects of the single-component liposomes composed of lipids with a variety of hydrophilic head groups and different hydrophobic alkyl chains were investigated. Markedly prolonged survival (248%) of mice was achieved after treatment with DMPC liposomes. However, DMPC liposomes have the disadvantage of an unstable structure, requiring daily sonication. On the other hand, no life-prolonging effects or toxicity occurred with the administration of the other single-component liposome employed in this study. Next, we successfully prepared stable, uniform liposomes composed of 90 mol% DMPC and 10 mol% C12(EO)n (n = 10 and 23, respectively), which have diameters of 70 nm and 100 nm, respectively. Interestingly, prolonged survival (173-186%) of mice was achieved after treatment with hybrid liposomes of 90 mol% DMPC/10 mol% C12(EO)n (n = 10 and 23). Finally, we conducted toxicity tests using normal rats to determine hybrid liposome stability. There were no abnormal findings in blood chemistry or relative organ weights at autopsy of normal rats after hybrid liposome administration. In addition, hybrid liposomes were metabolized in the liver after intravenous administration to normal mice. These results suggest that hybrid liposomes could be used as a new single chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of carcinoma with no side effects.     

Encapsulation of vinorelbine into cholesterol-polyethylene glycol coated vesicles: drug loading and pharmacokinetic studies

Objectives Pegylated liposome formulations of vinorelbine with prolonged circulation half‐life (t½) are desirable. However, DSPE‐PEG could affect vinorelbine loading into vesicles due to electrostatic interactions. To resolve this problem, chol‐PEG was used to prepare pegylated liposomal vinorelbine and the factors affecting drug loading and plasma pharmacokinetics were investigated. Methods Vinorelbine was loaded into liposomes using a novel triethylamine 5‐sulfosalicylate gradient. The effects of cholesterol and chol‐PEG on drug loading were investigated. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed in normal KunMing mice treated with different liposomal vinorelbine formulations. To clarify the effects of chol‐PEG on membrane permeability, drug release experiments were performed based on the fluorescence dequenching phenomenon of a fluorescence marker. Key findings In contrast to DSPE‐PEG, even at high PEG grafting density (～8.3 mol%), chol‐PEG had no effect on vinorelbine loading into HSPC/cholesterol (3 : 1, mass ratio) vesicles. However, for the formulations with low cholesterol content (HSPC/cholesterol 4 : 1), loading efficiency decreased with increasing chol‐PEG content. In vivo, the vinorelbine t½ of low cholesterol formulations decreased with increasing chol‐PEG content, but for high cholesterol liposomes, the maximum vinorelbine t½ was achieved at ～3 mol% chol‐PEG grafting density. The resulting vinorelbine circulation t½ was ～9.47 h, which was greater than that of non‐pegylated liposomes (～5.55 h). Drug release experiments revealed that chol‐PEG might induce membrane defects and concomitant release of entrapped marker, especially at high chol‐PEG density. Conclusions Through the investigation of the effects of chol‐PEG and cholesterol, an optimum pegylated liposomal vinorelbine formulation with prolonged t½ was achieved. In plasma, the membrane defect induced by chol‐PEG may counteract the long circulation characteristics that chol‐PEG afforded. When these two opposite effects reached equilibrium, the maximum vinorelbine t½ was achieved.     

The effects of polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-derived lipid on the activity of target-sensitive immunoliposome

In this study, serum stability and target-sensitivity of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) immunoliposomes prepared with dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), HYB-241 monoclonal antibody that targets p-glycoproteins, and various levels of polyethyleneglycol 2000 dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PEG(2000)-DOPE) were determined. Incubation of calcein-laden pegylated immunoliposomes prepared with different levels of PEG(2000)-DOPE (0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 mol%) with p-glycoprotein rich bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells in 10% serum cell culture medium, all resulted in time-dependent release of calcein from the liposomes. The release of calcein was greatest for immunoliposomes prepared with 0.3 mol% PEG(2000)-DOPE (66% in 1 h). Contrarily, the release of calcein from the other two immunoliposomes reached only approximately 10-3% after same period of incubation. When serum-induced leakage of calcein was investigated for the above liposome preparations, liposomes prepared with 0.3 and 0.5 mol% PEG(2000)-DOPE had the highest leakage level (10% in 1 h). Contrarily, the release of calcein from liposomes prepared with 1.0 mol% PEG(2000)-DOPE reached only 3% after same period of incubation. Together, it would appear that release of calcein from the immunoliposomes prepared with 0.3 mol% PEG(2000)-DOPE is a result of both serum-induced and target-induced destabilization of liposomes. The net release of calcein due to target-induced destabilization of liposomes is calculated to be at approximately 56%. In contrast, there is no target-induced leakage of calcein from immunoliposomes prepared with either 0.5 or 1.0 mol% PEG(2000)-DOPE.     

Formulation and Evaluation of a Folic Acid Receptor-Targeted Oral Vancomycin Liposomal Dosage Form

Purpose. To demonstrate utility of folic acid-coated liposomes for enhancing the delivery of a poorly absorbed glycopeptide, vancomycin, via the oral route. Methods. Liposomes prepared as dehydration-rehydration vesicles (DRVs) containing vancomycin were optimized for encapsulation efficiency and stability. A folic acid-poly(ethylene oxide)-cholesterol construct was synthesized for adsorption at DRV surfaces. Liposomes were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and assessed in vitroin the Caco-2 cell model and in vivoin male Sprague-Dawley rats. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis of vancomycin was conducted after intravenous and oral administration of solution or liposome-encapsulated vancomycin with or without 0.05 mole ratio FA-PEO-Chol adsorbed at liposome surfaces. Results. Optimal loading of vancomycin (32%) was achieved in DRVs of DSPC:Chol:DCP, 3:1:0.25 mole ratio (m.r.) after liposome extrusion. Liposomes released less than 40% of the entrapped drug after 2 hours incubation in simulated gastrointestinal (GI) fluid and simulated intestinal fluid containing a 10 mM bile salt cocktail. Incorporation of FA-PEO-Chol in liposomes increased drug leakage by 20% but resulted in a 5.7-fold increase in Caco-2 cell uptake of vancomycin. Liposomal delivery significantly increased the area under the curve of oral vancomycin resulting in a mean 3.9-fold and 12.5-fold increase in relative bioavailability for uncoated and FA-PEO-Chol-coated liposomes, respectively, compared with an oral solution. Conclusions. The design of FA-PEO-Chol-coated liposomes resulted in a dramatic increase in the oral delivery of a moderate-size glycopeptide in the rat compared with uncoated liposomes or oral solution. It is speculated that the cause of the observed effect was due to binding of liposome-surface folic acid to receptors in the GI tract with subsequent receptor-mediated endocytosis of entrapped vancomycin by enterocytes.     

Stability of SUV liposomes in the presence of cholate salts and pancreatic lipases: effect of lipid composition.

The effect of bile salts (sodium cholate and sodium taurocholate), and pancreatic lipases on the structural integrity of SUV liposomes of different lipid compositions was studied. Liposomal membrane integrity was judged by bile salt or pancreatin-induced release of vesicle encapsulated 5,6-carboxyfluorescein, and vesicle size distribution before and after incubations. Bile salt concentration was 10 mM, while a saturated solution of pancreatin (mixed with equal volume of liposomes) was utilized. Results agree with earlier studies, demonstrating the instability of liposomes composed of lipids with low transition temperatures (PC and DMPC) in presence of cholates. Addition of cholesterol (1:1 lipid:chol molar ratio) does not substantially increase the encapsulated molecule retention. Nevertheless, liposomes composed of lipids with high transition temperatures (DPPC, DSPC and SM), retain significantly higher amounts of encapsulated material, under all conditions studied. Furthermore, the vesicles formed by mixing cholesterol with these lipids will possibly be sufficiently stable in the gastrointestinal tract for long periods of time. Sizing results reveal that in most cases release of encapsulated molecules is mainly caused by their leakage through holes formed on the lipid bilayer. However, in stearylamine containing DPPC and DSPC vesicles, the cholate-induced drastic decrease in vesicle size suggests total liposome disruption as the possible mechanism of encapsulated material immediate release.     

不同表面活性剂对伊文思蓝脂质体体内外性质的影响

目的　寻找与二硬脂酰磷脂酰乙醇胺 聚乙二醇 (DSPE PEG)功能相似的表面活性剂 ,以增加脂质体的稳定性 ,改善其体内分布 ,提高靶向性。方法　制备伊文思蓝 (EB)脂质体 ,考察胆固醇与磷脂的比例对伊文思蓝脂质体包封率的影响 ;比较用DSPE PEG、吐温 80 (Tween 80 )和苄泽 3 5 (Brij 3 5 )修饰后的EB脂质体的包封率和在大鼠体内组织分布状况的变化。结果　EB脂质体的包封率最高为 2 5 3 0 %。用DSPE PEG、Tween 80和Brij 3 5修饰后使EB脂质体的包封率略有下降 ,但差别不显著 ;体内分布实验结果显示 :修饰后的脂质体在肝、脾和肾中EB的浓度均有不同程度的降低 ,脑中EB的浓度有所提高 ,而且以Tween 80修饰组最显著。结论　DSPE PEG、Tween 80和Brij 3 5对EB脂质体的包封率影响较小。Brij 3 5对EB脂质体的作用与DSPE PEG相似 ,能提高脂质体逃避网状内皮系统吞噬的能力 ;Tween 80主要能增加EB脂质体在大鼠脑组织中的分布 ,为脑靶向脂质体的研究提供了有益信息     

DSPE-PEG,Tween80和Brij35对伊文思蓝脂质体包封率和体内分布的影响

目的寻找与DSPE．PEG功能相似的表面活性剂，以增加脂质体的稳定性，改善其体内分布，提高靶向性。方法制备了伊文思蓝脂质体，考察了胆固醇与磷脂的比例对伊文思蓝脂质体包封率的影响；比较了用DSPE-PEG、Tween80和Brij35修饰后的伊文思蓝脂质体包封率和在大鼠体内分布状况的变化。结果伊文思蓝脂质体的包封率最高为25．30％。用DSPE-PEG、Tween80和Brij35修饰后使伊文思蓝脂质体的包封率略有下降，但差别不显著；体内分布实验结果显示：修饰后的脂质体在肝、脾和肾中伊文思蓝的浓度均有不同程度的降低，脑中伊文思蓝的浓度有所提高，而且以Tween80修饰组最显著。结论DSPE-PEG、Trween80和Brij35对伊文思蓝脂质体的包封率影响较小。Brij35对伊文思蓝脂质体的作用与DSPE-PEG相似，能提高脂质体逃避网状内皮系统吞噬的能力；Tween80主要能增加伊文思蓝脂质体在大鼠脑组织中的分布，为脑靶向脂质体的研究提供了有益信息。     

Liposomes Modified with Cyclic RGD Peptide for Tumor Targeting

Cyclic RGD peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes (RGD-SL) were investigated for selective and preferential presentation of carrier contents at angiogenic endothelial cells overexpressing α_vβ₃ integrins on and around tumor tissue and thus for assessing their targetabilty. Liposomes were prepared using distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), cholesterol and distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine–polyethyleneglycol–RGD peptide conjugate (DSPE–PEG–RGD) in a molar ratio 56:39:5. The control RAD peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes (RAD-SL) and liposome with 5 mol% PEG (SL) without peptide conjugate which had similar lipid composition were used for comparison. The average size of all liposome preparations prepared was approximately 105 nm and maximum drug entrapment was 10.2±1.1%. In vitro endothelial cell binding of liposomes exhibited 7-fold higher binding of RGD-SL to HUVEC in comparison to the SL and RAD-SL. Spontaneous lung metastasis and angiogenesis assays show that RGD peptide anchored liposomes are significantly (p<0.01) effective in the prevention of lung metastasis and angiogenesis compared to free 5-FU, SL and RAD-SL. In therapeutic experiments, 5-FU, SL, RGD-SL and RAD-SL were administered intravenously on day 4 at the dose of 10 mg 5-FU/kg body weight to B16F10 tumor bearing BALB/c mice resulting in effective regression of tumors compared with free 5-FU, SL and RAD-SL. Results indicate that cyclic RGD peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes bearing 5-FU are significantly (p<0.01) active against primary tumor and metastasis than the non-targeted sterically stabilized liposomes and free drug. Thus cyclic RGD peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes hold potential of targeted cancer chemotherapeutics.     

Application of quality by design to formulation and processing of protein liposomes

Quality by design (QbD) principles were explored in the current study to gain a comprehensive understanding of the preparation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) containing liposome formulations prepared using freeze-and-thaw unilamellar vesicles (FAT-ULV). Risk analysis and D-optimal statistical design were performed. Of all the variables investigated, lipid concentration, cholesterol mol%, main lipid type and protein concentration were identified as critical parameters affecting SOD encapsulation efficiency, while the main lipid type was the only factor influencing liposome particle size. Using a model generated by the D-optimal design, a series of three-dimensional response spaces for SOD liposome encapsulation efficiency were established. The maximum values observed in the response surfaces indirectly confirmed the existence of a specific SOD-lipid interaction, which took place in the lipid bilayer under the following optimal conditions: (1) appropriate membrane thickness and curvature (DPPC liposomes); and (2) optimal "pocket size" generated by cholesterol content. With respect to storage stability, the prepared SOD liposomes remained stable for at least 6 months in aqueous dispersion state at 4°C. This research highlights the level of understanding that can be accomplished through a well-designed study based on the philosophy of QbD.     

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.     

Nebulization of Liposomes. I. Effects of Lipid Composition

A series of multilamellar liposome dispersions was prepared from lipids of soy phosphatidylcholine or hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine containing from 0 to 30 mol% of either cholesterol, steary-lamine, or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol. The liposome dispersions were aerosolized with a Collison nebulizer for 80 min at an output flow rate of 4.7 liters of air/min. The effects of nebulization on the vesicles were determined by monitoring the release of encapsulated 5,6-carboxyfluorescein (CF) from dispersions containing 200 µg of total CF, of which 93.1 ± 2.4% (N = 18) was initially encapsulated. In all experiments CF was released from the liposomes while being aerosolized, and this ranged from a mean of 12.7 ± 3.8 to 60.9 ± 1.9% of the encapsulated CF, depending upon the lipid composition. The lipid concentration in the dispersions did not affect the rate or percentage release of CF over a range of 0.5 to 50 mg per nebulized dispersion. If liposomes are to be used as drug carriers in an inhalation aerosol a lipid composition should be employed which will minimize the release of encapsulated drug caused by nebulization.     

Targeted delivery of an anti-cancer agent via steroid coupled liposomes

In the present investigation, testosterone (T) was evaluated as a targeting ligand to direct the site-specific delivery of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) bearing liposomes to the androgen receptor (ARs) positive tumors and other organs like prostate, brain, and testis. The testosterone was conjugated with the distearoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DSPE) and then this lipid conjugate, Testosterone-DSPE (T-DSPE) was used as one of the components of the liposome. The liposomes were prepared by cast film method using T-DSPE, egg PC, and cholesterol. Further these liposomes were characterized for vesicle shape, average size, polydispersity index, drug entrapment, and in vitro drug release. It was observed that the prepared liposomes were spherical in shape with an average size of 232?±?21?nm and 0.181?±?0.064 polydispersity index. The in vitro drug release study showed 79.50?±?2.81 percent drug release in 24?h. In vivo performance of the developed liposomes was evaluated using organ distribution study in male albino rats. Moreover the fluorescent microscopy was also performed using 6-Carboxyfluorescein (6-CF) as a fluorescent marker. The organ distribution and fluorescent uptake studies confirm that T-DSPE coupled liposomes were effectively taken up by various ARs expressing tissues. Thus, it may be concluded that the testosterone may be used as an effective ligand for the site-specific delivery of anti-cancer agents to various ARs positive carcinomas.     

Differential Adhesion of Normal and Inflamed Rat Colonic Mucosa by Charged Liposomes

PURPOSE: To study the adhesion properties of charged liposomes to the healthy and inflamed (colitis-induced) rat intestinal epithelium. METHODS: Neutral, positively charged, and negatively charged liposomes were prepared and tagged. The cationic or anionic liposomes contained increasing amounts (13, 22, or 36 mol%) of either the cationic lipid dimethyl-dioctadecylammoniumbromide (DODAB) or the anionic lipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)] (DSPG). Colitis was induced in rats by DNBS. Adhesion of the various types of liposomes was assessed in rat colon sacs. The effects of charge type, charge density (mol%), liposome size, and incubation time on the adhesion of the liposomes were compared in the inflamed and healthy epithelial tissues. RESULTS: Three times as many cationic liposomes adhered to the healthy colonic mucosa than neutral or anionic liposomes. However, anionic liposome adherence to the inflamed colonic mucosa was 2-fold that of either neutral or cationic liposomes (a finding that was verified by charged-dyes studies). Adherence was directly correlated with charge density. An inverse correlation was identified between cationic liposome size and healthy tissue adherence in short incubation periods. The adherence of cationic liposomes, which was also found to be time-dependent, decreased in healthy mucosa in the presence of high concentrations of aqueous Mg2+ rinse. CONCLUSIONS: Anionic liposomes could be useful for the topical delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs in inflammatory bowel disease therapy.     

甘草次酸阳离子脂质体的制备及稳定性考察

目的:制备甘草次酸阳离子脂质体,并研究其稳定性。方法:用乙醇注入法制备甘草次酸阳离子脂质体。考察其粒径、包封率、过氧化值、在血浆中的稳定性和放样稳定性等性质。结果:所得脂质体的粒径小而均匀,呈球形和类球形,包封率为(91.6±1.2)%;离心加速试验结果显示脂质体的稳定性参数KE值较小,脂质体在血浆中释放缓慢,在4℃下放置6个月,其外观、包封率、粒径等各项指标无明显改变。结论:制得的甘草次酸脂质体包封率较高,稳定性良好。     

大豆磷脂脂质载体与胆酸盐表面活性剂的体外相互作用

采用旋转薄膜蒸发法结合挤压过滤工艺制备大豆磷脂脂质体,所制得脂质体的平均粒径为217nm,跨距0．838,负染色脂质体经透射电镜观察,呈明显的双层膜圆球型结构。以胆酸钠盐和脱氧胆酸钠盐研究其与脂质体之间的相互作用,将500nm波长处的可见光吸收值评价胆盐-脂质体混悬液的浊度,测定脂质体的粒径变化情况。在胆酸盐加入的初期,由于胆酸盐和脂质体形成混合胶团,致使脂质体的粒径和浊度值稍有增加,进一步加入的胆酸盐使脂质体的粒径和浊度值下降。胆盐和脂质体问的相互作用经历了数个重排现象,使脂质体的粒径发生规律性的变化,这与脂质体的体内稳定性密切相关,也可反映脂质体的载药和释药特性。     

Stability of Liposomal Formulations in Physiological Conditions for Oral Drug Delivery

The stability of liposomal formulations is a key issue in drug delivery. Liposomes made of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC), cholesterol (Chol), sphingomyelin (SM), and gangliosides (GM1 and GM type III) were incubated in different media to determine their stability. Mixtures containing GM1 or GM type III were found to be the most stable, and both showed similar stability trends in plasma at 37°C. EPC/Chol was the most susceptible to lysis in plasma. In acid media (pH 2), the highest stability corresponded to EPC/Chol, whereas in bile and pancreatin, liposomes with GM1 and GM type III were more stable than those containing SM. This study suggests that among the formulations used as oral drug carriers, those containing GM1 and GM type III have higher possibilities of surviving through the gastrointestinal tract.     

Stability of liposomal formulations in physiological conditions for oral drug delivery

The stability of liposomal formulations is a key issue in drug delivery. Liposomes made of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC), cholesterol (Chol), sphingomyelin (SM), and gangliosides (GM1 and GM type III) were incubated in different media to determine their stability. Mixtures containing GM1 or GM type III were found to be the most stable, and both showed similar stability trends in plasma at 37°C. EPC/Chol was the most susceptible to lysis in plasma. In acid media (pH 2), the highest stability corresponded to EPC/Chol, whereas in bile and pancreatin, liposomes with GM1 and GM type III were more stable than those containing SM. This study suggests that among the formulations used as oral drug carriers, those containing GM1 and GM type III have higher possibilities of surviving through the gastrointestinal tract.     

Influence of cationic lipids on the stability and membrane properties of paclitaxel-containing liposomes

Paclitaxel (taxol) is a poorly soluble anticancer agent that is in widespread clinical use. Liposomes provide a less toxic vehicle for solubilizing the drug and increasing the therapeutic index of paclitaxel in model tumor systems. The role of liposome membrane composition in the stability of paclitaxel-containing formulations is understood partially for neutral and anionic liposomes, but poorly for other compositions. We investigated the effect of dialkyl cationic lipids on the stability and physical properties of paclitaxel-containing liposomes, using circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy, and differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC). DOTAP (1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane), a cationic lipid used frequently for gene delivery, was combined at various ratios with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), or distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC). In the absence of DOTAP, the stability of liposomes containing > or =3 mol% paclitaxel was observed to follow the following rank order: DPPC >DSPC > DMPC. Increasing concentrations of DOTAP increased the physical stability of all compositions, and maximal stabilization was achieved at 30-50 mol% DOTAP, depending on the paclitaxel concentration and the acyl chain length of the phosphatidylcholine. The relationship between stability and mole fraction of DOTAP was complex for some compositions. DOTAP exerted a major fluidizing effect on DMPC, DPPC, and DSPC membranes, and the addition of paclitaxel at 3-8 mol% did not increase fluidity further. Studies of membrane phase domain behavior using the probe Laurdan (6-dodecanoyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene) indicated that both paclitaxel and DOTAP were miscible with the phosphatidylcholine phase. The physical events leading to destabilization of formulations are hypothesized to arise from concentration-dependent paclitaxel self-association rather than immiscibility of the membrane lipids. Given the increased incorporation and stability of paclitaxel in DOTAP-containing membranes and the potential for enhanced interaction with cells, cationic liposomes may provide a therapeutic advantage over previously described liposome formulations.     

A model approach for assessing liposome targeting in vivo

A procedure intended to facilitate characterization and optimization of liposomes designed for in vivo targeting to sites outside the blood compartment is described. The approach is based on a model consisting of administering streptavidin liposomes intravenously to mice previously injected intraperitoneally or intratumorally with biotinylated multilamellar vesicles (MLVs). In vivo targeting, therefore, is measured through the evaluation of streptavidin liposome accumulation and distribution within the site of MLV injection. In vitro studies suggested that optimal binding would be achieved when streptavidin liposomes, prepared with 2 mol% polyethylene glycol-modified phospholipids (PEG-SA-LUV), were incubated with multilamellar vesicles incorporating biotinoylaminohexanoyl DSPE (BAH-MLV). In vivo targeting studies were focused in three areas. The least stringent test determined PEG-SA-LUV binding to biotinylated MLVs in the peritoneal cavity after ip administration and resulted in a 17-fold increase in binding of PEGSA-LUVs to MLVs within the peritoneal cavity 24 h after injection. Alternatively, a 5-fold increase in binding to MLVs was achieved in animals when the PEGSA-LUVs were administered intravenously. The third approach consisted of iv administration of PEG-SALUVs into mice bearing subcutaneous Lewis lung tumors that had been injected with either BAH-MLVs or, in a contralateral tumor, control MLVs. Under these conditions a 2-fold increase in tumor accumulation was achieved in tumors injected with the biotinylated MLVs. The results presented indicate that approaches designed to facilitate targeting of liposomal drugs to extravascular sites will result in little or no change in the capacity of these liposomes to accumulate passively.