Effects of Surface Charges on the Retention of Placenta-loaded Liposome Formulations Administered by Intramuscular Route

We aimed to optimize the formulation of porcine placental extract (PPE)-loaded liposomes for intramuscular administration and to investigate the effect of surface charges on the muscular retention in mice. PPE-loaded liposomes were formulated to have neutral, anionic, or cationic surface charges. The in vitro release profiles were studied by spectrofluorometry. In vivo distribution patterns at mice were studied using molecular imaging technology. Among the three types of liposomes, 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-based cationic liposomes showed the most prolonged in vitro release profile. Consistent with the in vitro results, the in vivo distribution study revealed that the cationic liposomes were retained at the site of administration for the longest period. Our results suggest the potential of cationic PPE-loaded liposomes for sustained release of the components after intramuscular administration.