Liposomes and niosomes as topical drug delivery systems

The skin acts as a major target as well as a principle barrier for topical/transdermal (TT) drug delivery. The stratum corneum plays a crucial role in barrier function for TT drug delivery. Despite major research and development efforts in TT systems and the advantages of these routes, low stratum corneum permeability limits the usefulness of topical drug delivery. To overcome this, methods have been assessed to increase permeation. One controversial method is the use of vesicular systems, such as liposomes and niosomes, whose effectiveness depends on their physicochemical properties. This review focuses on the effect of liposomes and niosomes on enhancing drug penetration, and defines the effect of composition, size and type of the vesicular system on TT delivery.     

Formulation and evaluation of meloxicam niosomes as vesicular carriers for enhanced skin delivery

Context: Skin delivery of Meloxicam (MX) offers several advantages over the oral route which is associated with potential side effects.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop transdermal MX in niosomes.Materials and Methods: Vesicles prepared by thin film hydration method were characterized and the acute anti-inflammatory activity of 0.5% MX niosomal hydrogel was evaluated using carrageenan induced rat paw edema method. Results: The results revealed that niosomes prepared from span 60 and cholesterol at 6:4 molar ratio using 20?mg of MX were of the highest entrapment efficiency (> 55%) and with particle size (187.3?nm). There was a marked increase in the percentage inhibition of edema in animals treated with MX vesicular gel compared to those treated with free MX and piroxicam gels.

Discussion: There was an inverse proportionality between vesicle size and cholesterol content. With increased cholesterol molar ratio the bilayer stability increased and permeability decreased leading to efficiently trapping the MX. In contrast, higher amounts of cholesterol may compete with the drug for packing space within the bilayer. The inhibitory effect of MX niosomal gel may be attributed to its superior skin permeation.

Conclusions: The results suggest that niosomes may be promising vehicles for transdermal delivery of MX.     

Liposomes and lipopolymeric carriers for gene delivery

In this work we have examined the ability of various lipopolyplexes to deliver genes into liver cancer cells. We evaluated different parameters such as the protocol of preparation, the lipid/DNA molar ratio, and the molecular weight and type of PEI, to optimize the formulation to achieve high transfection activity. Our hypothesis was that the association of PEI with cationic liposomes (lipopolyplexes) would increase luciferase expression compared to lipoplexes (cationic lipid and DNA) and polyplexes (cationic polymer and DNA) alone.     

Liposomes and lipopolymeric carriers for gene delivery

In this work we have examined the ability of various lipopolyplexes to deliver genes into liver cancer cells. We evaluated different parameters such as the protocol of preparation, the lipid/DNA molar ratio, and the molecular weight and type of PEI, to optimize the formulation to achieve high transfection activity. Our hypothesis was that the association of PEI with cationic liposomes (lipopolyplexes) would increase luciferase expression compared to lipoplexes (cationic lipid and DNA) and polyplexes (cationic polymer and DNA) alone.     

Liposomes coated with chitosan-xanthan gum (chitosomes) as potential carriers for pulmonary delivery of rifampicin

The aim of this work was to develop new microparticles for drug delivery to lungs by coating liposomes with chitosan (CH)-xanthan gum (XG) polyelectrolyte complexes to obtain chitosomes. To this purpose, two groups of liposomes were prepared using a mixture of soy phosphatidylcholine and hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine in two different concentrations to evaluate their capability to entrap appropriate amounts of the model drug rifampicin. The obtained vesicles were then coated with different CH-XG weight ratios and liposomes and chitosomes were characterized in terms of morphology, size, size distribution, zeta potential, drug entrapment, and rheological properties. The efficiency of chitosomes and liposomes during nebulization was also studied. Results of this study indicated that nebulization and rheological properties of chitosomes are affected by the CH-XG weight ratio. In particular, CH-XG 1:0.5 (w/w) coating was able to greatly improve drug total mass output and drug deposition in the lower stages of the impinger.     

Vesicular carriers for dermal drug delivery

The skin can offer several advantages as a route of drug administration although its barrier nature makes it difficult for most drugs to penetrate into and permeate through it. During the past decades there has been a lot of interest in lipid vesicles as a tool to improve drug topical delivery. Vesicular systems such as liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes and elastic, deformable vesicles provide an alternative for improved skin drug delivery. The function of vesicles as topical delivery systems is controversial with variable effects being reported in relation to the type of vesicles and their composition. In fact, vesicles can act as drug carriers controlling active release; they can provide a localized depot in the skin for dermally active compounds and enhance transdermal drug delivery. A wide variety of lipids and surfactants can be used to prepare vesicles, which are commonly composed of phospholipids (liposomes) or non-ionic surfactants (niosomes). Vesicle composition and preparation method influence their physicochemical properties (size, charge, lamellarity, thermodynamic state, deformability) and therefore their efficacy as drug delivery systems. A review of vesicle value in localizing drugs within the skin at the site of action will be provided with emphasis on their potential mechanism of action.     

Liposomes and micro/nanoparticles as colloidal carriers for nasal drug delivery

The use of the nasal route for drug delivery has attracted much interest in recent years in the pharmaceutical field. Local and principally systemic drug delivery can be achieved by this route of administration. But the nasal route of delivery is not applicable to all drugs. Polar drugs and some macromolecules are not absorbed in sufficient concentration due to poor membrane permeability, rapid clearance and enzymatic degradation into the nasal cavity. Thus, alternative means that help overcome these nasal barriers are currently in development. Absorption enhancers such as phospholipids and surfactants are constantly used, but care must be taken in relation to their concentration. Drug delivery systems including liposomes, cyclodextrins, micro- and nanoparticles are being investigated to increase the bioavailability of drugs delivered intranasally. This review article discusses recent progress and specific development issues relating to colloidal drug delivery systems in nasal drug delivery.     

Penetration enhancer-containing vesicles (PEVs) as carriers for cutaneous delivery of minoxidil

The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of a few different penetration enhancers to produce elastic vesicles with soy lecithin and the influence of the obtained vesicles on in vitro (trans)dermal delivery of minoxidil. To this purpose, so-called Penetration Enhancer-containing Vesicles (PEVs) were prepared as dehydrated–rehydrated vesicles by using soy lecithin and different amounts of three penetration enhancers, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol (Transcutol^®), capryl-caproyl macrogol 8-glyceride (Labrasol^®), and cineole. Soy lecithin liposomes, without penetration enhancers, were used as control. Prepared formulations were characterized in terms of size distribution, morphology, zeta potential, and vesicle deformability.The influence of PEVs on (trans)dermal delivery of minoxidil was studied by in vitro diffusion experiments through newborn pig skin in comparison with traditional liposomes and ethanolic solutions of the drug also containing each penetration enhancer. A skin pre-treatment study using empty PEVs and conventional liposomes was also carried out.Results showed that all the used penetration enhancers were able to give more deformable vesicles than conventional liposomes with a good drug entrapment efficiency and stability. In vitro skin penetration data showed that PEVs were able to give a statistically significant improvement of minoxidil deposition in the skin in comparison with classic liposomes and penetration enhancer-containing drug ethanolic solutions without any transdermal delivery. Moreover, the most deformable PEVs, prepared with Labrasol^® and cineole, were also able to deliver to the skin a higher total amount of minoxidil than the PE alcoholic solutions thus suggesting that minoxidil delivery to the skin was strictly correlated to vesicle deformability, and therefore to vesicle composition.     

Penetration enhancer containing vesicles as carriers for dermal delivery of tretinoin

The ability of a recently developed novel class of liposomes to promote dermal delivery of tretinoin (TRA) was evaluated. New penetration enhancer-containing vesicles (PEVs) were prepared adding to conventional phosphatidylcholine vesicles (control liposomes) different hydrophilic penetration enhancers: Oramix NS10 (OrNS10), Labrasol (Lab), Transcutol P (Trc), and propylene glycol (PG). Vesicles were characterized by morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, incorporation efficiency, stability, rheological behaviour, and deformability. Small, negatively charged, non-deformable, multilamellar vesicles were obtained. Rheological studies showed that PEVs had fluidity higher than conventional liposomes. The influence of the obtained PEVs on (trans)dermal delivery of tretinoin was studied by ex vivo diffusion experiments through new born pig skin using formulations having the drug both inside and outside the vesicles, having TRA only inside, in comparison with non-incorporated drug dispersions of the same composition used to produce the studied vesicles. Main result of these experiments was an improved cutaneous drug accumulation and a reduced transdermal TRA delivery (except for PG-PEVs). TRA deposition provided by PEVs was higher for dialysed than for non-dialysed vesicles. Further, the accumulation increased in the order: control liposomes相似文献   

Cationic nanoemulsions as potential carriers for intracellular delivery

Successful cytosolic delivery enables opportunities for improved treatment of various genetic disorders, infectious diseases and cancer. Cationic nanoemulsions were designed using alternative excipients and evaluated for particle size, charge, effect of sterilization on its stability, DNA condensation potential and cellular uptake efficiency. Various concentrations of non-ionic and ionic stabilizers were evaluated to design formula for colloidally stable cationic nanoemulsion. The nanoemulsion comprised of 5% Capmul MCM, 0.5% didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), 1% phospholipid, 1% Poloxamer 188 and 2.25% glycerol and possessed particle size of 81.6 ± 3.56 nm and 137.1 ± 1.57 nm before and after steam sterilization, respectively. DNA condensation studies were carried out at various nanoemulsion: DNA ratios ranging from 1:1 to 10:1. Cell uptake studies were conducted on human embryonic kidney (HEK) cell lines which are widely reported for transfection studies. The nanoemulsions showed excellent cellular uptake as evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Overall, a colloidally stable cationic nanoemulsion with good DNA condensation ability was successfully fabricated for efficient cytosolic delivery and potential for in vivo effectiveness.     

Applying the taguchi method to optimize sumatriptan succinate niosomes as drug carriers for skin delivery

Niosomes formulated from different nonionic surfactants (Span® 60, Brij® 72, Span® 80, or Eumulgin® B 2) with cholesterol (CH) molar ratios of 3:1 or 4:1 with respect to surfactant were prepared with different sumatriptan amount (10 and 15 mg) and stearylamine (SA). Thin‐film hydration method was employed to produce the vesicles, and the time lapsed to hydrate the lipid film (1 or 24 h) was introduced as variable. These factors were selected as variables and their levels were introduced into two L18 orthogonal arrays. The aim was to optimize the manufacturing conditions by applying Taguchi methodology. Response variables were vesicle size, zeta potential (Z), and drug entrapment. From Taguchi analysis, drug concentration and the time until the hydration were the most influencing parameters on size, being the niosomes made with Span® 80 the smallest vesicles. The presence of SA into the vesicles had a relevant influence on Z values. All the factors except the surfactant–CH ratio had an influence on the encapsulation. Formulations were optimized by applying the marginal means methodology. Results obtained showed a good correlation between mean and signal‐to‐noise ratio parameters, indicating the feasibility of the robust methodology to optimize this formulation. Also, the extrusion process exerted a positive influence on the drug entrapment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 101:3845–3863, 2012     

Liposomes as carriers of DNA

A recombinant plasmid encoding for rat preproinsulin I was encapsulated in large liposomes and injected intravenously into rats. Glycemia and blood, splenic and hepatic insulin were assayed from 6 h after inoculation. Control animals received (1) empty liposomes, (2) liposomes carrying the E. coli pBR322 plasmid, (3) the free rat insulin I gene, or (4) no injection. All controls showed unchanged glucose and insulin levels. Six hours after inoculation, the treated rats had 72 +/- 6 mg glucose per 100 ml of blood, compared with 107 +/- 2 mg for controls. Radioimmunoassay of blood insulin gave 61 +/- 8 microU/ml (43 +/- 5 microU/Ml for controls). Spleen and liver values were 242 +/- 20 and 205 +/- 22 microU/g of tissue, respectively (112 +/- 20 and 87 +/- 15 microU/g in controls). The kinetics and extent of uptake of liposomes by spleen and liver were studied by external gamma-camera imaging after injection of 111In-labeled liposomes. The results paralleled insulin synthesis in the two organs. The insulin gene was localized in liver cells after the injection of liposomes containing the plasmid encoding insulin. Livers were processed 4 h after inoculation for isolation of hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and endothelial cells. DNA was purified and exogenous DNA detected by Southern blotting. Kupffer cells were the primary targets for gene incorporation with liposomes consisting of phospholipids and cholesterol. Targeting of liposomes to other liver cells was attempted by including lactosylceramide in the liposomes. This increased the amount of exogenous gene in hepatocytes and particularly in endothelial cells. Detailed electron microscopy and biochemical studies were performed in order to follow the liposome-encapsulated DNA from the moment of i.v. injection to its entering the nucleus of different liver cells. Interactions of liposomes taken up in vivo by the liver cells with subcellular organelles were studied as well. The mechanism of DNA transport by liposomes in vivo and its potential are discussed.     

Solid lipid nanoparticles suspension versus commercial solutions for dermal delivery of minoxidil

Solid lipid nanoparticles have been reported as possible carrier for skin drug delivery. Solid lipid nanoparticles are produced from biocompatible and biodegradable lipids. Solid lipid nanoparticles made of semi-synthetic triglycerides stabilized with a mixture of polysorbate and sorbitan oleate were loaded with 5% of minoxidil. The prepared systems were characterized for particle size, pH and drug content. Ex vivo skin penetration studies were performed using Franz-type glass diffusion cells and pig ear skin. Ex vivo skin corrosion studies were realized with a method derived from the Corrositex^® test. Solid lipid nanoparticles suspensions were compared to commercial solutions in terms of skin penetration and skin corrosion. Solid lipid nanoparticles suspensions have been shown as efficient as commercial solutions for skin penetration; and were non-corrosive while commercial solutions presented a corrosive potential. Solid lipid nanoparticles suspensions would constitute a promising formulation for hair loss treatment.     

Liposomes as targetable drug carriers

The general problem of targeted drug transport is critically reviewed and three principle components of targeted systems are discussed: the target, the vector molecule, and the carrier. Different systems of drug targeting are briefly described: local drug application, chemical modification of the drug molecule, physical targeting under the action of pH, temperature, or magnetic field. The idea of a vector molecule is discussed and different methods of vector molecule coupling with the drug are reviewed (direct coupling, coupling via spacer group or polymer molecule, etc.). It is shown that the most promising approach seems to be the use of a drug-containing microcontainer with the vector molecule immobilized on its outer surface. Different types of microcontainers are briefly described: microcapsules, cell hosts, and liposomes. The advantages of liposomes as drug containers are shown and the main problems of their use for drug targeting in vitro and in vivo conditions are discussed. One of the most important problems is the problem of vector molecule immobilization on liposome surfaces. The principle four different immobilization methods: adsorbtion, incorporation, covalent binding, and hydrophobic binding. Targeted liposome transport is described in model systems, cell cultures, and experimental animals. It is shown that targeted liposomes may release a drug via diffusion, lysis, or endocytosis by appropriate cells. The problems of targeted liposome technology and clinical application are analyzed.     

Liposomes as carriers of imaging agents

This review discusses the utilization of liposomes as imaging agents or as vehicles for contrast materials. The initial approach was the use of radiolabeled liposomes for scintigraphy. To this end liposomes were either labeled in the lipid membrane or aqueous radiotracers were incorporated inside the lipid vesicles. The lipid labeling provides a more stable association of the radioactive tracer and the lipid vesicles, while the use of water-soluble radiotracers provides a wider selection of compounds. Early attempts at selective tumor imaging using radiolabeled liposomes were unsuccessful. The use of monoclonal antibodies attached to liposomes offers new hopes. Several strategies have been proposed in this respect and several others can be envisioned. The use of liposomes permits the use of several administration routes for imaging agents. Of particular interest is the subcutaneous administration for lymph node visualization. Liposomes offer clear advantages over most radiocontrast agents for prolonged hepatosplenic contrast enhancement. This is particularly relevant in the diagnostic evaluation of the abdomen with computed tomography. Important research efforts are being conducted in this area. Two different approaches have been advanced: the incorporation of contrast agents into liposomes and the preparation of radiopaque liposomes from radiodense lipids. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging can also benefit from contrast agents. Several centers are investigating this exciting field using liposomes loaded with paramagnetic elements.     

Liposomes as carriers of cyclosporin A

Abstract

Liposomes prepared from 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-3-phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-3-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) containing cyclosporin A (CsA) were reviewed in respect of the amount and localization of associated CsA. It was found that DMPG liposomes are capable of binding a much higher amount of CsA than those prepared from DMPC. Furthermore, while CsA associated with DMPG was embedded within the hydrophobic region of phospholipids, CsA associated with DMPC was excluded from the hydrophobic region and was entrapped in the hydrophylic region of these liposomes.     

Biotinylated liposomes as potential carriers for the oral delivery of insulin

This study aimed to explore biotinylated liposomes (BLPs) as novel carriers to enhance the oral delivery of insulin. Biotinylation was achieved by incorporating biotin-conjugated phospholipids into the liposome membranes. A significant hypoglycemic effect and enhanced absorption were observed after treating diabetic rats with the BLPs with a relative bioavailability of 12.09% and 8.23%, based on the measurement of the pharmacologic effect and the blood insulin level, respectively; this achieved bioavailability was approximately double that of conventional liposomes. The significance of the biotinylation was confirmed by the facilitated absorption of the BLPs through receptor-mediated endocytosis, as well as by the improved physical stability of the liposomes. Increased cellular uptake and quick gastrointestinal transport further verified the ability of the BLPs to enhance absorption. These results provide a proof of concept that BLPs can be used as potential carriers for the oral delivery of insulin.From the Clinical EditorDiabetes remains a major source of mortality in the Western world, and advances in its management are expected to have substantial socioeconomic impact. In this paper, biotinylated liposomes were utilized as carriers of insulin for local delivery, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach in a rat model.     

Gb3-binding lectins as potential carriers for transcellular drug delivery

Objectives: Epithelial cell layers as well as endothelia forming the blood-brain barrier can drastically reduce the efficiency of drug targeting. Our goal was to investigate lectins recognizing the glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) for their potential as carriers for transcytotic drug delivery.

Methods: We utilized an in vitro model based on Madin-Darby canine kidney cells transfected with Gb3 synthase to characterize transcytosis of the Gb3-binding lectins LecA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the B-subunit of Shiga toxin (StxB).

Results: Both lectins were rapidly transcytosed from the apical to the basolateral plasma membrane and vice versa. Whereas StxB proceeded on retrograde and transcytotic routes, LecA avoided retrograde transport. This differential trafficking could be explained by our observation that LecA and StxB segregated into different domains during endocytosis. Furthermore, inhibiting the small GTPase Rab11a, which organizes trafficking through apical recycling endosomes, blocked basolateral to apical transcytosis of both lectins.

Conclusions: Gb3-binding lectins are promising candidates for transcytotic drug delivery. Our findings highlight that LecA and StxB, which both bind Gb3 but exhibit dissimilar valence and molecular structures of their carbohydrate binding sites and can take divergent intracellular trafficking routes. This opens up the possibility of developing tailor-made glycosphingolipid-binding carrier lectins, which take optimized trafficking pathways.     

Cationic lipid emulsions as potential bioadhesive carriers for ophthalmic delivery of palmatine

Palmatine (PM) is a potent anti-infective agent used to treat eye diseases. However, PM is less effective for ocular application due to short residence time within the eyes. This study aimed to develop a cationic lipid emulsions (CLEs) for ophthalmic delivery of PM and evaluate its suitability in infection treatment. PM-loaded CLEs (PM-CLEs) were prepared through emulsifying/high-pressure homogenisation and characterised by particle size, ζ potential and morphology. The resulting PM-CLEs possessed a particle size of 192?nm and ζ potential of 45?mV around. In vitro release illustrated that PM was released less from CLEs. Corneal bioadhesion test showed that PM-CLEs exhibited an enhanced ocular residence time. Improved anti-infective activity was achieved in the model of fungus-induced keratitis. Furthermore, PM-CLEs demonstrated predominant cellular uptake and internalisation in the corneal epithelial cells. These results provide proof of concept that CLEs are promising bioadhesive carriers for ophthalmic delivery of PM.     

Liposomes as carriers of cyclosporin A.

Liposomes prepared from 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-3-phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-3-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) containing cyclosporin A (CsA) were reviewed in respect of the amount and localization of associated CsA. It was found that DMPG liposomes are capable of binding a much higher amount of CsA than those prepared from DMPC. Furthermore, while CsA associated with DMPG was embedded within the hydrophobic region of phospholipids, CsA associated with DMPC was excluded from the hydrophobic region and was entrapped in the hydrophilic region of these liposomes.