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Complexation-triggerable liposome mixed with silk protein and chitosan.
1a Department of Medical Biomaterials Engineering, College of Biomedical Science and Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology , Kangwon National University , 192-1, Hyoja 2 dong, Chuncheon 200701 , Kangwon-do , Korea.
Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition
|June 11, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed complexation-triggerable liposomes using silk fibroin and chitosan. These novel liposomes show pH-sensitive drug release, offering potential for targeted delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Liposomes are widely used for drug delivery but often lack targeted release mechanisms.
- Modifying liposome surfaces can enhance stability and introduce triggerable release properties.
- Silk fibroin and chitosan are biocompatible polymers with potential for surface functionalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize complexation-triggerable liposomes by modifying egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) liposomes with hydrophobicized silk fibroin (HmSF) and hydrophobicized chitosan (HmCh).
- To determine the optimal ratio of HmSF to HmCh for maximum complexation and efficient liposome formation.
- To investigate the pH-sensitive release characteristics of the modified liposomes.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification of EPC liposomes with HmSF and HmCh at varying ratios.
- Characterization of liposome complexation using diameter measurements.
- Assessment of liposome integrity and formation via fluorescence quenching of encapsulated calcein.
- Morphological analysis using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
- Evaluation of pH-triggered drug release profiles at different pH values.
Main Results:
- Optimal complexation was achieved at a HmSF:HmCh ratio of 14:1.
- A surface modifier to EPC ratio of 1:15 resulted in 68% fluorescence quenching, indicating efficient liposome formation.
- Higher surface modifier concentrations (1:5 ratio) led to inefficient liposome formation (32% quenching).
- TEM revealed multi-lamellar vesicles with increased mean diameter, attributed to insoluble complexes on the liposomal surface.
- The modified liposomes demonstrated pH-sensitive release, particularly at pH 5.5 and 6.0.
Conclusions:
- Complexation-triggerable liposomes can be successfully prepared using HmSF and HmCh on EPC liposomes.
- The ratio of surface modifiers and EPC is critical for efficient liposome formation and function.
- The developed liposomes exhibit pH-sensitive release, suggesting their potential for targeted drug delivery applications.
