Studies on surface coating of phospholipid vesicles with a non-ionic polymer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Liposomes are versatile drug delivery systems.
• Polymer coatings can enhance liposome stability and functionality.
• Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic polymer with potential for liposome modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the adsorption of unmodified and hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (HM-HEC) onto liposomes.
• To evaluate the impact of HM-HEC coating on liposome size, size distribution, and stability.
• To confirm the successfulness of the liposome coating process.

Main Methods:

• Adsorption of HEC and HM-HEC onto phospholipid vesicles (liposomes).
• Analysis of liposome size and size distribution.
• Rheo-SALS measurements for coating verification.
• Zeta potential, UV-analysis, and HPTLC for stability assessment.

Main Results:

• Unmodified HEC did not increase liposome particle size.
• HM-HEC adsorbed onto both fluid (egg-PC) and gel (DPPC) phase liposomes.
• Rheo-SALS confirmed successful liposome coating with HM-HEC.
• Coating with HM-HEC enhanced chemical stability and prevented liposome aggregation.

Conclusions:

• Non-ionic hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (HM-HEC) is suitable for creating polymer-coated liposomes.
• HM-HEC coating improves the stability and prevents aggregation of liposomes.
• These polymer-coated liposomes possess a neutral surface charge, indicating potential for enhanced drug delivery.