Encapsulation efficiency determination methods for the analysis of different antigenic peptides within...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are increasing, with limited treatment options beyond palliation.
• Developing selective immune autoreaction treatments is challenging.
• Phosphatidylserine-liposomes (PS-Liposomes) loaded with autoantigenic peptides show promise for AIDs treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare methods for quantifying free and total autoantigenic peptides within PS-Liposomes.
• To optimize encapsulation efficiency (EE) determination for liposomal therapeutic formulations.
• To establish reliable quantification methods for diverse peptides in liposomal carriers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized peptides of varying lengths and properties as models within PS-Liposome formulations.
• Investigated different liposome lysis techniques for antigen quantification.
• Compared centrifugal filters and ultracentrifugation for free antigen determination.
• Employed reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (RP-HPLC-UV) for peptide identification and quantification.

Main Results:

• Evaluated multiple methods for free and total antigen quantification in PS-Liposomes.
• Compared direct and indirect EE determination results for PS-Liposome formulations.
• Identified optimal conditions for quantifying different autoantigenic peptides.

Conclusions:

• Established and compared methods for accurate autoantigenic peptide quantification in PS-Liposomes.
• Optimized EE determination is critical for effective liposomal drug delivery in AIDs.
• The study provides a framework for selecting appropriate quantification methods based on peptide characteristics.