Freeze-dried targeted mannosylated selenium-loaded nanoliposomes: development and evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Selenium is an essential trace element with therapeutic potential.
• Targeted delivery systems are needed to enhance selenium efficacy and reduce side effects.
• Liposomes offer a versatile platform for drug encapsulation and delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize freeze-dried mannosylated liposomes for targeted selenium delivery.
• To evaluate the stability and release profile of selenium-loaded mannosylated liposomes.
• To assess the potential of these liposomes for delivering selenium to immune cells.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of unilamellar nanoliposomes using dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, distearoylphosphatidylglycerol, and cholesterol.
• Mannosylation of selenium-loaded nanoliposomes using mannosamine.
• Lyophilization for enhanced stability.
• Characterization of size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency.
• In vitro release studies under different pH conditions.

Main Results:

• Optimized mannosylated liposomes (Man-Lip-Se) achieved a size of 158 ± 28.9 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 77.27 ± 2.34%.
• Freeze-dried Man-Lip-Se demonstrated excellent stability in acidic environments, with minimal selenium release (<8% in 1 hour).
• Sustained in vitro selenium release (70-75% over 24 hours) was observed in PBS pH 6.8.

Conclusions:

• Stable, freeze-dried mannosylated liposomes were successfully formulated for selenium delivery.
• The developed liposomes exhibit controlled release and stability in simulated gastric conditions.
• These findings suggest potential for targeted selenium delivery to the immune system.