Biophysical studies on chitosan-coated liposomes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Liposomes are versatile drug delivery vehicles, aiding drug stabilization and targeted delivery.
• Chitosan, a biopolymer from crustacean shells, offers potential in drug development and tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between chitosan and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes.
• To evaluate how chitosan coating affects liposome properties relevant to drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for visualizing liposome structure.
• Zeta potential measurements to assess surface charge.
• Solubilization studies with octylglucoside (OG) to determine membrane integrity.
• Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and viscosity measurements to analyze chemical interactions.

Main Results:

• Chitosan coating was confirmed by TEM and increased liposome size by approximately 92 nm.
• Zeta potential became more positive with increasing chitosan concentration, indicating successful surface modification.
• Chitosan-coated liposomes exhibited increased resistance to detergent solubilization, suggesting altered membrane properties.
• FTIR analysis revealed changes in DPPC spectral bands upon chitosan interaction.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan coating modifies DPPC liposomes, enhancing their size and membrane stability.
• The altered properties suggest potential for improved drug delivery efficacy.
• Combining liposomal and chitosan characteristics offers a promising strategy for advanced drug delivery systems.