Effects of β-Sitosteryl Sulfate on the Properties of DPPC Liposomes

The effect of β-sitosteryl sulfate (PSO₄) on the liposomal size, stability, fluidity, and dispersibility of DPPC liposomes prepared by vortex mixing, bath-sonication, and probe-sonication has been studied. PSO₄ significantly decreases the particle size of the multilamellar liposomes (MLVs). The sizes of the vortexmixed and the bath-sonicated liposomes vary as a function of PSO₄ concentration. On the other hand, PSO₄ has only little effect on the particle sizes of probe sonicated liposomes. In some cases, the liposomal stability at higher PSO₄ concentrations depends on the preparation method. PSO₄ improves the dispersibility of the DPPC liposomes and enhances their hydration. It also increases the fluidity of the liposomes prepared by each method. Our results suggest that liposomes consisting of DPPC and PSO₄ can be suitable as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient for the effective delivery of the active components into the body.