Biodistribution of ascorbyl palmitate loaded doxorubicin pegylated liposomes in solid tumor bearing mice

The aim of this study is to develop ascorbyl palmitate (ASP) loaded doxorubicin (DOX) pegylated liposomes and to evaluate their targeting potential to tumor. We have prepared conventional (DL), pegylated DOX liposomes with (SDL) and without ascorbyl palmitate (SDL-A). The vesicle size in all the formulations was within the range 105-120 nm and in vitro release studies in serum confirmed the stability of the liposomes. Biodistribution studies carried out in Ehrlich ascites tumor bearing mice indicate higher area under the curve for SDL and SDL-A liposomes compared to DL and plain drug solution. Drug targeting index assessed from tumor-to-serum concentration ratio and therapeutic availability of DOX in tumor tissue was also significantly higher for pegylated liposomes. In conclusion, biodistribution study reveals that the presence of ascorbyl palmitate alters the distribution pattern of liposomes and paves way for better drug targeting.