Chitosan coated liposomes as an innovative nanocarrier for drugs

Chitosomes are chitosan coated liposomes that represent an alternative to conventional liposomes since they present better stability and bioadhesivity. The aim of this work was to develop and evaluate the physico-chemical stability of melatonin (MEL)-loaded chitosomes as well as to compare their properties with that of MEL loaded liposomes. Structural characteristics of nanovesicles were also studied by dynamic light scattering and small angle X-ray scattering. The liposome and chitosome suspensions presented mean diameters between 150 nm and 254 nm, polydispersity indexes around 0.4, zeta potential values between -38 mV and -28 mV, pH values close to 4.0, MEL content close to 100% and encapsulation efficiency between 34.4% and 60.8%. Small angle X-rays scattering showed the presence of unilamelar structures, which were also observed by transmission electronic microscopy. Stability studies focusing on the particle diameter indicated that, within 90 days, the liposome suspensions had a decrease in mean diameter values and in polydispersity indexes, but no alterations were detected in zeta potentials and MEL content. The chitosome suspensions remained stable in relation to these parameters during 90 days. Multiple light scattering analysis (Turbiscan LAb) corroborated the the findings in the stability studies. The result sets pointed out the physico-chemical stability of chitosomes and the chitosan influence in their supramolecular structure.