SGLT2 Inhibitors and Curcumin Co-loaded Liposomal Formulations as Synergistic Delivery Systems for Heart Failure...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) presents a significant therapeutic challenge.
• Novel synergistic strategies are needed for effective HF management.
• Liposomal co-delivery systems offer potential for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate and characterize liposomal systems co-loaded with SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin-DAPA, empagliflozin-EMPA) and curcumin (Cur) for heart failure (HF).
• To enhance liposomal stability and achieve sustained drug release using oleanolic acid (OA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coating.
• To evaluate the physico-chemical properties and in vitro performance of the developed liposomal formulations.

Main Methods:

• Liposomal formulation with co-encapsulation of DAPA, EMPA, and Cur.
• Incorporation of oleanolic acid (OA) into the lipid bilayer for stability.
• Surface coating of liposomes with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).
• Characterization using particle size analysis, zeta potential, STEM, XRD, DSC, and in vitro release studies.

Main Results:

• Liposomes exhibited optimal particle size (~170 nm), low PDI, and negative zeta potential.
• High encapsulation efficiencies (up to 97%) and spherical morphology were achieved.
• XRD and DSC confirmed successful API incorporation and amorphization.
• PVP coating improved thermal stability, and trehalose acted as an effective cryoprotectant.
• In vitro studies showed sustained and delayed drug release, particularly for OA-containing and PVP-coated formulations.

Conclusions:

• PVP-coated, OA-stabilized liposomes co-loaded with SGLT2 inhibitors and curcumin represent a promising biocompatible platform.
• These multifunctional liposomes are suitable for targeted heart failure therapy.
• The developed system offers a novel approach for synergistic treatment of heart failure.