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Updated: May 12, 2026
Microfluidic Production of Lysolipid-Containing Temperature-Sensitive Liposomes
Published on: March 3, 2020
Ethanol treatment a Non-extrusion method for asymmetric liposome size optimization
Amir Abbas Mokhtarieh1, Seyed Javad Davarpanah, Myung Kyu Lee
1Bionanotechnology Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-806, Republic of Korea. amokhtarieh@yahoo.com.
Background:
siRNA is a new tool for treatment of diseases such as cancer. However, it cannot be used directly due to rapid degradation in body fluid and blood stream; therefore, vectors are necessary for protection of siRNA against RNases and also for its precise delivery to the target cells. Since viral vector causes cancer and immune response in the host, liposomes are more preferable vectors. Liposome size is an important factor for longer circulation time. Extrusion minimizes the liposome size; however, it leads to less liposome encapsulation. Moreover, it changes structure of asymmetric liposomes.
Findings:
Here, ethanol treatment is introduced as a method of liposome size optimization that significantly decreases the liposome size without any effect on liposome encapsulation and its asymmetric structure formulation. For this, after liposome formation while there is some ether in solution, ethanol was added to fresh liposomes (25 and 30 percent of total liposomes volume) and liposomes were incubated at room temperature with mild agitation for 20 minutes. Finally, the extra ethanol and ether were removed by dialysis.
Conclusion:
Utilizing this method the liposome size was successfully decreased about 100 nm. The size of optimized liposomes (200 nm) is quite suitable for in vivo target delivery.
Insights
Ethanol treatment optimizes liposome size for enhanced siRNA delivery. This method reduces liposome size to 200 nm without affecting encapsulation or structure, improving their suitability for in vivo applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Small interfering RNA (siRNA) holds promise for treating diseases like cancer.
- Direct siRNA administration is hindered by rapid degradation in biological fluids.
- Liposomes are preferred non-viral vectors for siRNA delivery due to safety and efficacy concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for optimizing liposome size for improved siRNA delivery.
- To address limitations of current size reduction techniques like extrusion.
Main Methods:
- Liposomes were formed, followed by the addition of ethanol (25-30% v/v) to fresh liposomes.
- Incubation at room temperature with mild agitation for 20 minutes.
- Removal of excess ethanol and ether via dialysis.
Main Results:
- Ethanol treatment significantly decreased liposome size by approximately 100 nm.
- The optimized liposome size was reduced to around 200 nm.
- This method preserved liposome encapsulation efficiency and asymmetric structure.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol treatment is an effective method for liposome size optimization.
- The resulting 200 nm liposomes are suitable for in vivo target delivery of siRNA.
- This technique offers an alternative to extrusion for achieving smaller liposome sizes.
