Stabilization of liposomes with silicone layer improves their elastomechanical properties while not compromising...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Liposomes are promising drug delivery systems, but their low stability limits clinical applications.
• Existing stabilization methods can negatively impact liposome toxicity and biocompatibility.
• Improved elastomechanical properties are crucial for nanocarrier stability and cellular uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for stabilizing liposomes using an internal silicone network.
• To evaluate the impact of silicone stabilization on liposome elastomechanical properties.
• To assess the in vitro biocompatibility and toxicity of silicone-stabilized liposomes.

Main Methods:

• Silicone-stabilized liposomes were prepared via base-catalyzed polycondensation of 1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4H) within liposomal bilayers.
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to measure elastomechanical properties, applying the Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov (DMT) model.
• In vitro biological evaluations included assessing toxicity in blood cells and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells.

Main Results:

• Silicone stabilization significantly improved the elastomechanical properties of liposomes, as confirmed by AFM.
• The elastic modulus of silicone-stabilized liposomes was determined and compared to pristine liposomes.
• In vitro studies showed no toxicity to blood cells and no induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells.

Conclusions:

• Silicone network formation within liposomal bilayers effectively enhances elastomechanical properties.
• Silicone-stabilized liposomes maintain the biocompatibility of pristine liposomes.
• This method offers a promising strategy for developing stable and biocompatible liposomal drug delivery systems.