Lipid-bilayer-coated nanogels allow for sustained release and enhanced internalization

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Nanoparticle drug delivery systems face challenges in sustained drug release due to increased surface area and burst release.
• Achieving controlled and prolonged therapeutic agent release from nanocarriers remains a significant hurdle in drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel gel-liposomal formulation for sustained drug release.
• To investigate the potential of incorporating organogel into lipid bilayers for enhanced drug delivery.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the developed formulation in improving cellular uptake and cytotoxicity.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of 12-hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA) organogel into lipid bilayers to create gel-liposomes.
• Characterization of lipid-bilayer-coated nanogels (LBCNs) for particle size (approx. 200 nm) and core-shell structure.
• Assessment of paclitaxel entrapment efficiency (up to 80%) and drug release profiles for both hydrophobic and water-soluble drugs.

Main Results:

• Developed LBCNs with a sustained release profile for various drugs.
• Demonstrated significantly enhanced cellular uptake of liposomes upon organogel incorporation.
• Observed improved cytotoxicity of chemotherapy agents against cancer cells using the gel-liposomal formulation.

Conclusions:

• Formulating organogel within lipid bilayers creates effective gel-liposomes for drug delivery.
• The developed gel-liposomes facilitate sustained drug release and improved cellular internalization.
• This approach enhances the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy agents by increasing cytotoxicity.