Preparation and Characterization of Bovine Serum Albumin-loaded Cationic Liposomes: Effect of Hydration Phase

Although liposomes have been applied as drug delivery systems in various fields, the usage was limited due to the low encapsulation efficiency compared to other carrier systems. Here, cationic liposomes were prepared by mixing 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammoniopropane (DOTAP) as a cationic lipid, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) and cholesterol (CH), and the liposomes were hydrated by varying the aqueous phases such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 5% dextrose, and 10% sucrose in order to improve the encapsulation efficiency of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The particle size and zeta potential were determined by dynamic light scattering method and in vitro release patterns were investigated by spectrophotometry. Particle size and zeta potential of liposomes were varied depending on the ratio of DOTAP/DOPE/CH in range of 270-350 nm and 0.8-9.7 mV, respectively. Moreover, the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) improved the encapsulation efficiency from 37% to 43% as well as reduced particle sizes of liposomes while the liposomes were hydrated in PBS. When the liposomes were hydrated with 10% sucrose, the encapsulation efficiency of BSA was higher than any other groups. Whereas PBS was used as hydration solution, lower encapsulation efficiency was obtained compared with other groups. More than 60% of BSA was released from the liposomes hydrated with 10% sucrose; thereafter another 20% of BSA was released. Therefore, release pattern of BSA from cationic liposomes was extended release in this study. From the results, cationic liposomes dispersed in 10% sucrose would be potential carrier with high encapsulation efficiency.