Liposomes as drug carriers in cancer chemotherapy

A Lock‐and‐Kill Anticancer Photoactivated Chemotherapy Agent †

Photosubstitutionally active ruthenium complexes show high potential as prodrugs for the photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) treatment of tumors. One of the problems in PACT is that the localization of the ruthenium compound is hard to trace. Here, a ruthenium PACT prodrug, [Ru(3)(biq)(STF-31)](PF₆ )₂ (where 3 = 3-(([2,2':6',2″-ter- pyridin]-4'-yloxy)propyl-4-(pyren-1-yl)butanoate) and biq = 2,2'-biquinoline), has been prepared, in which a pyrene tracker is attached via an ester bond. The proximity between the fluorophore and the ruthenium center leads to fluorescence quenching. Upon intracellular hydrolysis of the ester linkage, however, the fluorescence of the pyrene moiety is recovered, thus demonstrating prodrug cellular uptake. Further light irradiation of this molecule liberates by photosubstitution STF-31, a known cytotoxic nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitor, as well as singlet oxygen via excitation of the free pyrene chromophore. The dark and light cytotoxicity of the prodrug, embedded in liposomes, as well as the appearance of blue emission upon uptake, were evaluated in A375 human skin melanoma cells. The cytotoxicity of the liposome-embedded prodrug was indeed increased by light irradiation. This work realizes an in vitro proof-of-concept of the lock-and-kill principle, which may ultimately be used to design strategies aimed at knowing where and when light irradiation should be realized in vivo.

Red Blood Cell Extracellular Vesicle-Based Drug Delivery: Challenges and Opportunities

Recently, red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles (RBCEVs) have attracted attention for clinical applications because of their safety and biocompatibility. RBCEVs can escape macrophages through the binding of CD47 to inhibitory receptor signal regulatory protein α. Furthermore, genetic materials such as siRNA, miRNA, mRNA, or single-stranded RNA can be encapsulated within RBCEVs and then released into target cells for precise treatment. However, their side effects, half-lives, target cell specificity, and limited large-scale production under good manufacturing practice remain challenging. In this review, we summarized the biogenesis and composition of RBCEVs, discussed the advantages and disadvantages of RBCEVs for drug delivery compared with synthetic nanovesicles and non-red blood cell-derived EVs, and provided perspectives for overcoming current limitations to the use of RBCEVs for clinical applications.

The drug delivery field at the inflection point: Time to fight its way out of the egg

The world is becoming a better place, in part, by breakthrough findings by scientists. In the drug delivery field, many breakthrough formulations have been achieved helping patients deal with various diseases effectively. The recent progress, however, has been slowing down, and many important drug delivery problems have not been resolved. They can be overcome by understanding the causes and finding the remedies. For the last three decades, the field has been overwhelmed by nanotechnology, nanomedicine, and many nano-sized drug delivery systems. Disappointing outcomes of nano-sized formulations (nanoformulations) in clinical studies indicate that our overall approach of nanomedicine needs serious reevaluation. The limited advantages of nanoformulations were drastically exaggerated, and the assumptions used in nanomedicine and nanoformulations turned out to be inapplicable to clinical applications. The drug delivery field is at the strategic inflection point, and we all have to face the reality by absorbing the inconvenient truth and fight our way out of the egg to break the ill-conceived illusion of nanomedicine. Scientists are proud of their independent thinking and their work that can change the world, but the current climate does not allow them to be true scientists. The future of the drug delivery field depends on how effectively we can find talented young scientists with motivation, cultivate them with resources, provide them with an environment for the free exchange of ideas, and nurture them with purpose, passion, and the conviction of doing meaningful science.

Influence of Size and Shape on the Anatomical Distribution of Endotoxin-Free Gold Nanoparticles

The transport and the delivery of drugs through nanocarriers is a great challenge of pharmacology. Since the production of liposomes to reduce the toxicity of doxorubicin in patients, a plethora of nanomaterials have been produced and characterized. Although it is widely known that elementary properties of nanomaterials influence their in vivo kinetics, such interaction is often poorly investigated in many preclinical studies. The present study aims to evaluate the actual effect of size and shape on the biodistribution of a set of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) after intravenous administration in mice. To this goal, quantitative data achieved by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and observational results emerging from histochemistry (autometallography and enhanced dark-field hyperspectral microscopy) were combined. Since the immune system plays a role in bionano-interaction we used healthy immune-competent mice. To keep the immune surveillance on the physiological levels we synthesized endotoxin-free GNPs to be tested in specific pathogen-free animals. Our study mainly reveals that (a) the size and the shape greatly influence the kinetics of accumulation and excretion of GNPs in filter organs; (b) spherical and star-like GNPs showed the same percentage of accumulation, but a different localization in liver; (c) only star-like GNPs are able to accumulate in lung; (d) changes in the geometry did not improve the passage of the blood brain barrier. Overall, this study can be considered as a reliable starting point to drive the synthesis and the functionalization of potential candidates for theranostic purposes in many fields of research.

Biomimetic strategies for targeted nanoparticle delivery

Nanoparticle‐based drug delivery and imaging platforms have become increasingly popular over the past several decades. Among different design parameters that can affect their performance, the incorporation of targeting functionality onto nanoparticle surfaces has been a widely studied subject. Targeted formulations have the ability to improve efficacy and function by positively modulating tissue localization. Many methods exist for creating targeted nanoformulations, including the use of custom biomolecules such as antibodies or aptamers. More recently, a great amount of focus has been placed on biomimetic targeting strategies that leverage targeting interactions found directly in nature. Such strategies, which have been painstakingly selected over time by the process of evolution to maximize functionality, oftentimes enable scientists to forgo the specialized discovery processes associated with many traditional ligands and help to accelerate development of novel nanoparticle formulations. In this review, we categorize and discuss in‐depth recent works in this growing field of bioinspired research.

Retinoic acid liposome-hydrogel: preparation, penetration through mouse skin and induction of F9 mouse teratocarcinoma stem cells differentiation

Retinoic acid (RA), a metabolite of retinol, is one of the most biologically active forms of retinoid and plays vital roles in embryonic development and in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. Knowing that liposomes simulate cell membranes and that hydrogel is an ideal delivery vehicle for topical medicine, liposome-hydrogel is a novel preparation that has synergistic advantages over each component separately. Our objective was to investigate the characteristics of RA liposome-hydrogel. For quality control of the RA-loaded liposomes, we measured their morphology, particle size, Zeta-potential, and entrapment efficiency. Then we determined the viscosity of RA liposome-hydrogel. Next, the diffusion through mouse skin was explored, followed by investigation of the mRNA expression levels of Ker18, REX1, and α-FP using Q-PCR. The results showed that RA liposome-hydrogel penetrates the mouse skin effectively. The permeation rates were: Qn (%) of RA liposome-hydrogel < Qn(%) of RA-loaded liposome < Qn (%) of RA. The mRNA expression levels were dose-dependent and the effective dose decreased between vehicles due to their different release rates. F9 mouse teratocarcinoma stem cells were an ideal model to explore the mechanism of RA liposome-hydrogel in stem cell differentiation.

Effect of the moist-heat sterilization on fabricated nanoscale solid lipid particles containing rasagiline mesylate

BACKGROUND

Nanoscale solid lipid particles of rasagiline mesylate (RM) were fabricated by microemulsion technique. The nanoscale particle must be sterile for intravenous administration, and several approaches are available for sterilization. However, the selection of sterilization technique for the fabricated RM loaded nanoscale solid lipid particles mainly depends on the nature of the drug that needs to be encapsulated and release pattern of the polymer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We have preferred moist heat sterilization, as it is the most convenient and the composition of the carrier and incorporated drug should remain unchanged and the incorporated drug should not leak out of the drug carrier. The physical and chemical stability of RM loaded nanoscale solid lipid particles investigated during sterilization and to determine the average mean particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential (ZP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), entrapment efficiency (EE), and drug content after autoclaving.

RESULT

There were no significant changes in the average mean particle size, polydispersity index, ZP, TEM, EE, and drug content of RM loaded nanoscale solid lipid particles after autoclaving (121°C for 20 min [15 lbs]).

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that the moist heat sterilization by autoclaving is the most suitable method for nanoscale solid lipid formulations.

Therapeutic liposomal dry powder inhalation aerosols for targeted lung delivery

Therapeutic liposomal powders (i.e., lipospheres and proliposomes) for dry powder inhalation aerosol delivery, formulated with phospholipids similar to endogenous lung surfactant, offer unique opportunities in pulmonary nanomedicine while offering controlled release and enhanced stability. Many pulmonary diseases such as lung cancer, tuberculosis (TB), cystic fibrosis (CF), bacterial and fungal lung infections, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could greatly benefit from this type of pulmonary nanomedicine approach that can be delivered in a targeted manner by dry powder inhalers (DPIs). These delivery systems may require smaller doses for efficacy, exhibit reduced toxicity, fewer side effects, controlled drug release over a prolonged time period, and increased formulation stability as inhaled powders. This state-of-the-art review presents these novel aspects in depth.

Steroid-coupled liposomes for targeted delivery to tumor

The steroidal receptors play a key role in protein synthesis and maintain the homeostasis in normal and diseased state, including tumorigenesis at the target tissues when overactivated. Thus steroidal receptors may act as potential targets for selective delivery of different therapeutic agents as they are overexpressed by a number of endocrinal tumors. The selective delivery of these agents may be a better treatment strategy for endocrinal cancer as it may also result in cytosolic and nuclear delivery of cytotoxic agents. In this review, the targeting potential of steroidal receptors for the drug or bioactive(s) delivery is discussed. The ligands that have been proven to be effective for specific steroidal receptors can be used as vectors for carrying the drug or drug-delivery system to the desired site of drug action in an optimum concentration. This strategy will not only minimize the undesired side effects associated with nonspecific delivery of drug, but will also maximize the drug utilization. Ligand-conjugated liposomes as a carrier of bioactives prevent passive diffusion of the encapsulated drug to normal cells, increase the time of circulation and reduce the undesirable side effects of a drug.

In-vitro cytotoxicity, in-vivo biodistribution and anti-tumour effect of PEGylated liposomal topotecan

In attempt to increase the accumulation of topotecan in tumours and improve its anti-cancer activity, PEGylated liposome (H-PEG) containing topotecan was prepared. The in-vitro cytotoxicity, in-vivo biodistribution pattern and anti-tumour effect of H-PEG were studied systemically. Compared with free topotecan or conventional liposome (H-Lip), H-PEG improved the cytotoxic effect of topotecan against human ovarian carcinoma A2780 and human colon carcinoma HCT-8 cells. The IC50 value (concentration leading to 50% cell-killing) of H-PEG decreased 5 fold (P&lt;0.01) and 9 fold (P&lt;0.01) against A2780 and HCT-8 cells compared with H-Lip, respectively. The results of biodistribution studies in sarcoma S180 tumour-bearing mice showed that liposomal encapsulation increased the concentration of total topotecan and the ratio of lactone form in plasma. H-PEG resulted in a 70-fold and 3.7-fold increase in AUC0→24h compared with free topotecan and H-Lip, respectively. Moreover, H-PEG increased the accumulation of topotecan in tumours and the relative tumour uptake ratio compared with free topotecan was 5.2, and higher than that of H-Lip. The anti-cancer effect studies in murine heptocarcinoma H22 tumour-bearing mice showed that H-PEG improved the therapeutic efficiency of topotecan and decreased the toxicity of topotecan to a certain extent compared with H-Lip. These results indicated that PEG-modified liposome might be an efficient carrier of topotecan.

Novel nanomedicine-based MRI contrast agents for gynecological malignancies

Gynecological cancers result in significant morbidity and mortality in women despite advances in treatment and diagnosis. This is due to detection of the disease in the late stages following metastatic spread in which treatment options become limited and may not result in positive outcomes. In addition, traditional contrast agents are not very effective in detecting primary metastatic tumors and cells due to a lack of specificity and sensitivity of the diagnostic tools, which limits their effectiveness. Recently, the field of nanomedicine-based contrast agents offers a great opportunity to develop highly sophisticated devices that can overcome many traditional hurdles of contrast agents including solubility, cell-specific targeting, toxicities, and immunological responses. These nanomedicine-based contrast agents including liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, multifunctional magnetic polymeric nanohybrids, fullerenes, and nanotubes represent improvements over their traditional counterparts, which can significantly advance the field of molecular imaging.

Evaluation of multi-target and single-target liposomal drugs for the treatment of gastric cancer

We studied the effects of multi- and single-target liposomal drugs on human gastric cancer cell AGS both in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxic effect of dihydrotanshinone I was significantly enhanced by treatment with octreotide-polyethylene glycol(PEG)-liposome, Arg-Gly-Asp(RGD)-PEG-liposome, and RGD/octreotide-PEG-liposome encapsulated with 0.5 mug/ml of dihydrotanshinone I to AGS cell for 24 h, compared to control. Furthermore, the AGS cell survival rate for multi-target versus single target liposomal drugs was significantly suppressed. Microscopic examination revealed that significant cell death occurred in the multi- and single-target liposomal encapsulated drug groups. Significant suppression of tumor growth in AGS cell xenograft nude mice given octreotide-PEG-liposome, RGD/octreotide-PEG-liposome encapsulated drug, versus those given a free drug was noted after 13 d of experimentation with the multi-targeted liposome: up to 60.75% and 41.2% reduction of tumor volume as compared to dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) control and the free drug groups respectively. The treated animals showed no gross signs of toxicity. The results have potential clinical application.

Sequestration of amitriptyline by liposomes

We study the uptake of amitriptyline, which is a common cause of overdose-related fatalities, in aqueous solutions by 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) liposomes and liposomes composed of a mixture of DMPC and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac(1-glycerol)] (DOPG) lipids. The effect of drug concentration, liposomal charge, pH, salt, and protein presence on the drug uptake is investigated using two different methodologies, a precipitation and a centrifugation method. Furthermore, the time scale of the drug uptake is studied through qualitative observations at high pH and through conductivity measurements at neutral pH and found to be <5 s. The results of the quantitative studies show that the fractional drug uptake decreases with increasing drug concentration, and for a given concentration it increases with the pH and decreases in the presence of salt. We find that a larger amount of drug is sequestered by negatively charged liposomes (those containing DOPG) than liposomes with no net charge (DMPC). We speculate that the mechanism of drug uptake is due to both electrostatic interactions as well as hydrophobic effects. The fractional uptake by DMPC:DOPG in a 70:30 ratio is as high as 95% in water and about 90% in physiological buffer. The fractional uptake is also measured in presence of 2% (w/w) bovine serum albumin (BSA), which is approximately the protein concentration in the intercellular fluid. In presence of protein the fractional uptakes by 70:30 DMPC:DOPG liposomes and 50:50 DMPC:DOPG liposomes are 82 and 90%, respectively, at 125 muM drug amitriptyline. In the absence of liposomes, 67% of the drug is taken up by the protein in a 2% (w/w) BSA, 125 muM amitriptyline solution. Thus, addition of 50:50 DMPC:DOPG liposomes reduces the free drug concentration by a factor of about 3.5, making them attractive candidates for drug detoxification.

Non-phospholipid vesicles for pulmonary glucocorticoid delivery

In the formulation of inhaled drugs for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), considerable attention has been devoted to new aerosol morphologies which can either enhance the local effect and/or increase the penetration through the mucus, secreted in bronchial inflammatory diseases. In diseases characterized by bronchial hypersecretion, lipophilic substances, such as corticosteroids, can be remarkably impeded in reaching their receptors, which are localized within the cytoplasm of bronchial epithelial cells. Vesicles consisting of one or more surfactant bilayers enclosing aqueous spaces, are of particular interest because they offer several advantages with regard to chemical stability, lower cost and availability of materials compared to conventional liposomes. With the purpose of carrying out research leading to an innovative formulation for lung delivery capable of permeating the mucous layer, beclomethasone dipropionate, clinically used for the treatment of asthma and COPD, was entrapped in non-phospholipid vesicles. The composition providing the highest entrapment efficiency was chosen. The vesicles obtained after jet nebulization were characterized by means of freeze-fracture microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The efficiency of this new drug delivery system was evaluated in vitro with simulated mucus by means of diffusion experiments (three compartment cell apparatus), using 0.1% mucin gel-like dispersion as a barrier to drug permeation.

Delivery of liposomes in dry powder form: aerodynamic dispersion properties

OBJECTIVE

In our previous study, we reported a novel approach of delivering liposomes in dry powder form that relies on spontaneous formation of liposomes upon dispersion of micronised phospholipid(s) based powders in an aqueous environment, thereby creating reservoirs for the encapsulation of drugs [J. Pharm. Sci. 91 (2002) 482]. In this paper, we demonstrate the in vitro generation of aerosols from these novel powders.

METHODOLOGY

Various formulations comprising different phospholipid(s) exhibiting different physico-chemical properties were prepared. Aerosol was generated using a deagglomeration rig wherein the powder was entrained at a flow rate of 60 l/min and high turbulence was generated using air-jets. Two antimicrobial agents (ciprofloxacin and CM3, a novel peptide) and a bronchodilator, salbutamol sulfate, were used as model drugs to examine the powder dispersion properties.

RESULTS

The deagglomeration rig used in this study was able to disperse 87-95% of the total loaded powder into the cascade impactor. Amongst the various formulations comprising different phospholipid(s), DMPG and (DMPC+DMPG) based formulations exhibited excellent aerodynamic dispersion properties. Fine particle fractions (FPF) of more than 50% were achieved for these formulations for three model drugs. Encapsulation of the model drugs in the FPF, obtained upon dispersion of these novel powders, is also discussed in this paper. An encapsulation of approximately 35, 40 and 25% was achieved in the FPF for ciprofloxacin, CM3 peptide and salbutamol sulfate, respectively.

Characterization of hydrophobized pullulan with various hydrophobicities

In this study, we prepared self-assembling nanospheres of hydrophobized pullulan. Pullulan acetate (PA), as hydrophobized pullulan, was synthesized by the acetylation of pullulan. PA derivatives were synthesized by changing the degree of acetylation. PA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The particle size distribution of the PA was determined using photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and the number-average particle size was found to depend upon the degree of acetylation of PA. Morphology by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the PA nanospheres were spherical in shape. The fluorescence probe technique was used to study the self-association behavior of hydrophobized pullulans in water using pyrene as a hydrophobic probe. The critical association concentration (CAC) values were determined from the fluorescence excitation spectra, CAC values were dependent upon the degree of acetylation. Drug release studies using clonazepam (CNZ) as a hydrophobic model drug showed that the increased drug contents and increased degree of acetylation resulted in a slower release rate of drug from the nanospheres.

In vitro evaluation of nebulization properties, antimicrobial activity, and regional airway surface liquid concentration of liposomal polymyxin B sulfate

PURPOSE

To manipulate the activity of polymyxin B sulfate (PXB sulfate) by encapsulation in liposomes derived from appropriately selected surfactants that exhibit optimum entrapment and aerosol delivery of encapsulated PXB sulfate.

METHODS

A combination of phospholipid (DMPG) and nonionic surfactants (Span 20 + Tween 80) was selected to encapsulate PXB sulfate. The nebulization properties were evaluated by nebulizing the liposomal dispersions with Pari LC Star nebulizers. The in vitro antibacterial activities of the original and nebulized liposomal formulations were evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) strains by broth microdilution. and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were compared with those of free PXB sulfate and colistin methanesulfonate. Measurements of the aerosol properties during nebulization were used as input for a mathematical model of airway surface liquid in the lung of an average adult, to estimate the airway surface liquid concentration of the deposited liposomal PXB sulfate.

RESULTS

The selected combination of surfactants showed maximum nebulization efficiency without compromising liposomal integrity during nebulization. PXB sulfate was added at a concentration of 10 mg/ml, and a molar ratio of PXB sulfate to dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) (sodium salt) of 1:5 was required to achieve 100% entrapment of PXB sulfate and no leakage on nebulization. Another formulation comprising half the concentrations of the optimized non-ionic surfactants and DMPG was prepared to achieve a balance between the toxicity and efficacy after nebulization of encapsulated PXB sulfate. The in vitro antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa indicated that the activity of PXB sulfate could be manipulated by appropriate concentrations of the selected surfactants to achieve activity equivalent to that of colistin methanesulfonate, which is known to be less toxic than unencapsulated PXB sulfate. The estimated airway surface liquid concentrations of the deposited liposomal PXB sulfate reveal that the MIC of the nebulized liposomal PXB sulfate can be achieved over most of the tracheobronchial region, using a jet nebulizer with a volume fill of 2.5 ml or more.

CONCLUSION

It was established from this study that the encapsulation of PXB sulfate in liposomes reduces its activity against P. aeruginosa strains. Concentrations of PXB sulfate deposited in the tracheobroncial region, predicted using a mathematical model, were above the measured MICs except in the case of very high mucus production rate and low mucus velocities.

Adriamycin loaded pullulan acetate/sulfonamide conjugate nanoparticles responding to tumor pH: pH-dependent cell interaction, internalization and cytotoxicity in vitro

The cytotoxicity of adriamycin (ADR)-loaded and pH-sensitive nanoparticles made of pullulan acetate (PA) and sulfonamide (sulfadimethoxine; SDM) (PA/SDM) conjugate to a breast tumor cell line (MCF-7) was investigated to test the feasibility of the nanoparticles in targeting acidic tumor extracellular pH (pH(e)). At pH 6.8, ADR loaded PA/SDM nanoparticles showed cytotoxicity in the cell culture experiment, comparable to that of free ADR at the same ADR concentrations, while the relative cytotoxicity at pH 7.4 was low at the tested concentration range. This pronounced cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles at low pH was attributed to the accelerated release of ADR triggered by pH, enhanced interaction with cells, and internalization. At pH 6.8 and 6.4, the PA/SDM nanoparticles aggressively bounded to MCF-7 cells, probably due to interactions of the cells with hydrophobized nanoparticle surfaces caused by SDM deionization. A confocal laser microscopic study revealed intracellular localization of the drug-loaded nanoparticles. Based on these findings, the pH-sensitive nanoparticles deserve further investigation with an in vivo animal model as a targeted carrier of pH(e).

Self-assembled nanoparticles of hydrophobically-modified polysaccharide bearing vitamin H as a targeted anti-cancer drug delivery system

Vitamin H (biotin) was incorporated into a hydrophobically modified polysaccharide, pullulan acetate (PA), in order to improve the cancer-targeting activity and internalization of self-assembled nanoparticles. The biotinylated pullulan acetate (BPA) nanoparticles were prepared by a diafiltration method and the mean diameter was approximately 100 nm. Three samples of biotinylated pullulan acetate (BPA), comprising 7 (BPA 1), 20 (BPA 2), and 39 (BPA 3) vitamin H groups per 100 anhydroglucose units of PA, were synthesized. The critical aggregation concentrations (CAC) of the BPA nanoparticles in distilled water were 3.1 x 10(-3), 4.3 x 10(-3) and 6.8 x 10(-3) mg/ml for BPA 1, BPA 2, and BPA 3, respectively. Adriamycin (ADR) was loaded into the BPA nanoparticles as a model drug. The loading efficiencies and ADR content in the BPA nanoparticles decreased with increasing vitamin H content due to a lower hydrophobicity. The RITC-labeled BPA nanoparticles exhibited very strong adsorption to the HepG2 cells, while the RITC-labeled PA nanoparticles did not show any significant interaction. The degree of the interaction increased with increasing vitamin H content. Confocal laser microscopy also revealed that internalization of the BPA nanoparticles into the cancer cells depended on the vitamin H content.

A facile method of delivery of liposomes by nebulization

In this study, we have demonstrated a facile approach to the aerosol delivery of liposomes by nebulization. The approach involves mere dispersion of the physical mixture of phospholipid(s) and drug in saline, which results in spontaneous formation of liposomes thereby creating reservoirs for the encapsulation of drugs. Various phospholipids exhibiting different physico-chemical properties were investigated here. Two antimicrobial agents (ciprofloxacin and CM3, a novel peptide) and a bronchodilator, salbutamol sulfate, were used as model drugs to examine the nebulization properties. Nebulization properties were found to be dependent upon the nature of the phospholipids and drug. Among various phospholipids investigated, dimyristoyl phosphatidyl glycerol (DMPG), a combination of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) plus DMPG (i.e., EPC+DMPG) and dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) plus DMPG (DMPC+DMPG) (molar ratios 1:1) showed encouraging results in terms of higher nebulization efficiency and lower leakage of drug after nebulization. The generated aerosols were characterized by an Andersen cascade impactor operated at 28.3 l/min. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) values of the aerosol droplets obtained by nebulization of all the preparations containing DMPG reveal that these preparations are suitable for aerosol delivery by nebulization. This facile approach is expected to overcome problems associated with stability upon storage and high production costs.

Nebulization of niosomal all-trans-retinoic acid: an inexpensive alternative to conventional liposomes

In this study we have demonstrated the potential of encapsulating all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in niosomes and delivering it as an inhaled aerosol. Niosomes may provide a means to reduce the toxicity of ATRA and alter the pharmacokinetics in a manner similar to liposomes. In addition, the low cost of the surfactants used for preparing niosomes and their greater stability compared with liposomes makes them an attractive alternative. Various nonionic surfactants were used to achieve optimum encapsulation and nebulization efficiencies, and the best formulations were obtained with combinations of (Span 20 + Tween 80) and (Span 60 + Tween 80) using an ATRA concentration of 1 mg/ml. The aerosol produced with the selected niosomal formulations upon nebulization in PARI LC STAR nebulizers driven by a Pulmo-Aide compressor was subsequently analyzed for the determination of size distribution and entrapment efficiencies on each stage of an Anderson cascade impactor operated in a manner that avoids spurious sizing due to droplet evaporation. Mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMADs) of 3.7+/-0.3 and 3.58+/-0.03 microm, geometric standard deviation (GSD) values of 1.59+/-0.17 and 1.51+/-0.01 and entrapment efficiencies well above 50% were obtained for the optimized formulations. The results are very encouraging and offer an alternative approach to the respiratory delivery of ATRA by aerosolization.

Use of cis-bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum (II), a liposomal cisplatin analogue, in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine clinical response and toxic effects of cis-bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum (II) (L-NDDP) administered i.v. at escalating doses to cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

ANIMALS

18 cats with oral SCC.

PROCEDURE

Cats that failed to respond to conventional treatment or had nonresectable tumors were included. Data included a CBC, serum biochemical analyses, urinalysis, cytologic examination of a fine-needle aspirate of enlarged lymph nodes, and thoracic and oral radiographs for clinical staging. A starting dose (75 to 100 mg/m2 of L-NDDP) was administered i.v.. At 21-day intervals, subsequent doses increased by the rate of 5 or 10 mg/m2. Response was evaluated every 21 days by tumor measurement and thoracic radiography. Quality of life was assessed by owners, using a performance status questionnaire.

RESULTS

On average, cats received 2 treatments. Toxicoses included an intermittent, acute anaphylactoid-parasympathomimetic reaction, lethargy or sedation (< or = 24 hours), inappetence or signs of depression (< or = 72 hours), mild to moderate increase in hepatic enzyme activity, and melena. Pulmonary, renal, or hematopoietic abnormalities were not evident. Performance status surveys indicated normal behavior and grooming or decreased activity and self-care (19/20 assessments), ate well with or without assistance (15/20), and did not lose weight (15/20). Median survival time was 59.8 days (mean, 54.1 days).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

L-NDDP was ineffective for treatment of cats with oral SCC. None of the cats had a complete or partial remission. Acute toxicoses and poor therapeutic response limit therapeutic usefulness of L-NDDP in cats, unless dosage, frequency, and administration procedures can be improved.

Screening the Biointeractions of Submicron Sized Particles Intended for Site-Specific Delivery Using Surface Plasmon Resonance

In recent years considerable interest has developed in the exploitation of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems for a number of potential therapeutic applications. This has led colloid scientists to develop a variety of methods of biomedical surface engineering to tailor nanoparticles for particular delivery routes. However, in order to test the efficacy of such delivery avenues, an in vivo model is often required. Here we show how surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can be used to monitor specific interactions between colloidal particles and model surfaces where the colloid interface has been modified to minimize biointeractions or to promote selective interactions. Such procedures suggest that SPR may be used as an initial screening tool to ascertain the performance of such therapeutic systems in vitro before the need for in vivo experimentation. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Altered metabolism of all-trans-retinoic acid in liposome-encapsulated form

Treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) induces complete remission in many acute promyelocytic leukemia patients. However, plasma drug levels progressively decrease following prolonged treatment with oral ATRA. This decrease is due, at least in part, to the induced cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolism of ATRA. To investigate if incorporation of ATRA in liposomes could alter its metabolism, we compared the cellular metabolism of liposomal-ATRA (L-ATRA) with free drug. Microsomes isolated from the rat liver metabolized L-ATRA to a significantly lower extent than they did free-ATRA. Similarly, in F9 cells, L-ATRA was metabolized at a slower rate than the free drug. These results suggest that L-ATRA may have important clinical implications in terms of slowing down the rate of ATRA metabolism and producing long-term remission in APL patients.

Drug retention and stability of solid lipid nanoparticles containing azidothymidine palmitate after autoclaving, storage and lyophilization

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared using trilaurine (TL) as the SLN core and phospholipid (PL) as coating. Neutral and negatively charged PLs were used to produce neutral and negatively charged SLNs. An ester prodrug of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (Zidovudine, AZT), AZT palmitate (AZT-P), was synthesized and incorporated in the SLNs. The stability of SLN formulations containing AZT-P was studied at different temperatures. Drug retention and mean particle diameter of SLNs were determined after autoclaving, during temperature stability testing, and after lyophilization (with or without cryoprotective sugars) and reconstitution. There were no significant changes in the mean diameter and the zeta potential (zeta) of SLNs after autoclaving (121 degrees C for 20 min). The amount of incorporated AZT-P was, however, slightly reduced due to the formation of hydrosoluble AZT. Autoclaved SLNs were stable for a period of 10 weeks at 20 degrees C but an increase in particle size and loss of AZT-P were observed at 4 and 37 degrees C. Trehalose was an effective cryoprotectant for preventing SLN aggregation during lyophilization and subsequent reconstitution. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed that lyophilized preparations contained approximately 1% water. Using appropriate trehalose to lipid ratios, AZT-P retention in the SLNs was 100% after reconstitution. Our results demonstrate that SLNs containing AZT-P can be autoclaved, lyophilized and reconstituted without significant changes in SLN diameter and zeta potential or in the quantity of incorporated prodrug.

Activity of liposomal nystatin against disseminated Aspergillus fumigatus infection in neutropenic mice

The purpose of this study was to examine the activity of liposomal nystatin against a disseminated Aspergillus fumigatus infection in neutropenic mice. Mice were made neutropenic with 5-fluorouracil and were administered the antifungal drug intravenously for 5 consecutive days beginning 24 h following infection. Liposomal nystatin, at doses as low as 2 mg/kg of body weight/day, protected neutropenic mice against Aspergillus-induced death in a statistically significant manner at the 50-day time point compared to either the no-treatment, the saline, or the empty-liposome group. This protection was approximately the same as that for free nystatin, a positive control. Histopathological results showed that liposomal nystatin cleared the lungs, spleen, pancreas, kidney, and liver of Aspergillus and that there was no organ damage at the day 5 time point, which was after only three doses of liposomal nystatin. Based on these results in mice, it is probable that liposomal nystatin will be effective against Aspergillus infection in humans.

Liposomal vaccines

Liposomes have been used therapeutically to deliver drugs to certain anatomical sites. The use of liposomes to deliver antigens, although not a new concept, has received less attention. At least two vaccines of nearly identical liposome base composition to our vaccines have been tested in humans. A malaria vaccine study showed that the liposomal preparation is quite safe: reaction profiles of volunteers receiving the vaccine demonstrated little reactivity and virtually no pyrogenicity (14). The concentration of MPLA in the vaccine was substantially higher (nearly 50,000 times) than the pyrogenic dose of free lipid A. The same vaccine, but different antigen (gp120, an HIV protein), was tested in volunteers and had the same lack of toxicity (27). In both studies, antibodies and cytotoxic cells specific for the respective antigens were produced. We have several subunit vaccines under development for infectious diseases (gram negative sepsis, fungal infections, protozoan infections), metabolic disorders (hypercholesterolemia, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration), and neoplastic diseases (multi-drug resistant cancer, primary and metastatic tumors, and angiogenic hyperproliferative disorders). In each case, one or more antigens were identified that might be useful in immunologic control of biologic proliferation (i.e., pathogen or tumor growth, rise in serum cholesterol, growth of blood vessels). We anticipate that at least one of these vaccines will be ready for testing in humans in the next calendar year.

Autoclaving of liposomes

The attempt was made to study liposome stability and oxidation under the autoclaving conditions. It was shown that after the preliminary air removal from a liposome sample there was no lipid oxidation (malonaldehyde bis(dimethyl acetate) was used as a control) and liposome content leakage during autoclaving. Liposomes with entrapped Intal remain completely intact after autoclaving for 15 min at 120 degrees C.

A rapid method for the separation and analysis of leaked and liposomal entrapped phosphoramide mustard in plasma

Pharmacokinetic studies of liposomal drugs should include simultaneous determination of leaked and entrapped drug in biological specimens. Due to the limited stability of many liposomal preparations in biological samples, a rapid analytical procedure is often necessary. Phosphoramide mustard (PM), a key cytotoxic metabolite of a widely used alkylating drug cyclophosphamide, has recently been entrapped into a liposomal formulation and the preparation has been found to be rather unstable in plasma. We have, therefore, developed a rapid method for the separation of liposome-associated PM from the unassociated drug and a method for their quantitation in plasma. This method involves the use of size exclusion mini-gel column and requires minutes to process. Due to the use of internal standards, this method tolerates low recovery and requires the collection of a single fraction of each of liposome-associated PM and the unassociated drug. The recovery of liposomal PM from the first fraction of the gel column was found to be 82.4 +/- 7.9% (SD, n = 8), whereas that of liposome-unassociated PM from the major fraction was 16.8 +/- 2.8% (SD, n = 8). However, the low recovery problem of liposome-unassociated PM was circumvented by adding the internal standard [alpha, beta-2H8] PM prior to separation, thus compensating for the loss of liposome-unassociated PM due to incomplete collection. Two types of standard curve were constructed for quantitation of liposome-associated PM and unassociated PM and the linearity for both was excellent. Assay validation indicated that within-run RSD values at 213 ng, 426 ng and 1065 ng for liposomal PM were 4.2, 4.3 and 3.0%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Liposomal entrapment of suramin

The liposomal entrapment of suramin and similar compounds in phospholipid vesicles was examined. For dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes, entrapment percentages ranged from 25 to 65% with 3-25 mM phospholipid for aqueous solutions containing 0.07 mM of suramin. Incorporation of 30-50 mol % cholesterol (CHL) into DPPC liposomes reduced the percentage suramin entrapment. Addition of positively-charged stearylamine (5 mol %) to DPPC/CHL liposomes increased the entrapment from 2.3% to 30.3%. Entrapment was not affected by the incorporation of negatively-charged phosphatidylglycerol into DPPC/CHL liposomes. When the amount of suramin was increased from 0.07 to 0.7 mM, the entrapment percentage decreased from 37% to 11% when DPPC was held constant at 6 mM. The entrapment of 0.07 mM Evans blue, a molecule similar in structure to suramin, was 51.6% in DPPC liposomes for 6 mM phospholipid. The entrapment percentage, however, decreased by about 50% when incorporated into 7:3 (DPPC/CHL) liposomes. The liposomal entrapment of disodium 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid (5.5%) and sodium 3-amino-2,7-naphthalene-disulfonic acid (1.2%) was very low compared to that of suramin or Evans blue. Differential scanning calorimetry studies of suramin and an aqueous dispersion of DPPC showed an apparent interaction between them. These observations suggest that a significant portion of the entrapped suramin results from binding of suramin to the surface of or intercalation into the liposomal bilayer. Surface binding or intercalation into the phospholipid bilayer may be attributed to both ionic and hydrophobic interactions. The ionic interaction would arise from the suramin sulfonate groups associating with the cationic choline portion of the phospholipid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)