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Preparation and Characterization of Nanoliposomes for the Entrapment of Bioactive Hydrophilic Globular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2019
Magnetoliposomes with high USPIO entrapping efficiency, stability and magnetic properties
Athanasios Skouras1, Spyridon Mourtas, Eleni Markoutsa
1Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Dept. of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
Nanomedicine : Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine
|June 28, 2011
Summary
Novel magnetoliposomes (MLs) effectively encapsulate ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIOs), achieving high encapsulation efficiency. These targeted MLs show promise as stable T2 contrast agents for advanced medical imaging.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Liposomes are versatile nanocarriers for drug delivery and imaging.
- Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are widely used as contrast agents.
- Developing stable, efficient SPION-loaded liposomes is crucial for advanced diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel magnetoliposomes (MLs) encapsulating hydrophilic ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIOs).
- To optimize USPIO encapsulation efficiency and evaluate the magnetic properties of the MLs.
- To assess the stability and targeting capability of the developed MLs for potential biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Hydrophilic USPIOs were encapsulated into liposomes using the dehydration-rehydration vesicle (DRV) technique followed by extrusion.
- Magnetoliposomes (MLs) were characterized for size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency (EE), physical stability, and magnetic relaxivity (r2/r1).
- Targeted MLs were prepared by immobilizing OX-26 monoclonal antibody via biotin-streptavidin ligation.
Main Results:
- Extruded DRV MLs demonstrated higher USPIO encapsulation compared to sonicated vesicles.
- An encapsulation efficiency of 12% for Fe(III) was achieved, the highest reported for nanosized MLs.
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating enhanced ML encapsulation efficiency and stability, though it decreased r2/r1 ratios.
- Most ML formulations exhibited efficient T2 contrast agent properties.
- Targeted MLs were successfully created without significant USPIO loss and maintained integrity during storage.
Conclusions:
- The DRV technique is effective for producing nanosized magnetoliposomes with high USPIO encapsulation efficiency.
- PEGylation improves ML stability and encapsulation but modulates magnetic properties.
- Targeted MLs demonstrate potential as stable and effective T2 contrast agents for diagnostic imaging.
