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Lyophilized liposomes: a new method for long-term vesicular storage.
P M Shulkin1, S E Seltzer, M A Davis
1Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
Journal of Microencapsulation
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Lyophilization enables long-term, room-temperature storage of radiopaque liposomes, maintaining their structure and biodistribution for CT imaging applications. This method offers a convenient alternative to freezing, preserving liposome integrity.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Radiopaque liposomes are promising CT contrast agents.
- Current storage methods limit their practical application.
- A stable, room-temperature storage solution is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a room-temperature storage technique for radiopaque liposomes.
- To compare the stability and properties of liposomes stored using different methods.
- To assess the suitability of stored liposomes as CT contrast agents.
Main Methods:
- Multilamellar vesicles were prepared using egg lecithin, cholesterol, stearylamine, and diatrizoate.
- Vesicles were stored frozen (FRO), lyophilized at room temperature (LYO-RT), or thawed and stored at room temperature (RT).
- Size, structure, and biodistribution were assessed over six months.
Main Results:
- Lyophilization (LYO-RT) preserved vesicle membranes without apparent damage.
- RT storage led to significant aggregation within one month.
- LYO-RT and FRO vesicles showed minimal particle size changes and comparable biodistribution after six months.
Conclusions:
- Lyophilization is a successful and convenient method for long-term storage of radiopaque liposomes at room temperature.
- This technique enhances the potential for radiopaque liposomes as CT contrast agents.
- LYO-RT liposomes demonstrated ease of resuspension and maintained structural integrity.