Modified and derived ethanol injection toward liposomes: development of the process

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Nanotechnology
• Biophysical Chemistry

Background:

• Conventional ethanol injection methods for liposome production have limitations in controlling vesicle size.
• Efficient and scalable methods for liposome manufacturing are crucial for drug delivery applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modified and derived ethanol injection (MDEI) process for improved liposome production.
• To achieve more efficient control over liposome vesicle diameter compared to traditional methods.

Main Methods:

• A modified and derived ethanol injection (MDEI) process involving hot lipidic ethanolic solution injected into a hot aqueous buffer.
• Ethanol removal via rotary evaporation under reduced pressure.
• Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy for vesicle morphology analysis.

Main Results:

• Liposome size was effectively controlled by the ethanol to hydroalcoholic solution ratio.
• MDEI yielded 10- to 30-fold higher lipid concentrations than conventional methods.
• Predominantly unilamellar liposomes were produced at ethanol ratios of 33% and 50% (v/v).

Conclusions:

• The MDEI process provides superior control over liposome vesicle diameter.
• MDEI is an effective alternative for manufacturing liposomes with higher lipid concentrations.
• The MDEI process is suitable for producing unilamellar liposomes for potential applications.