Preparation and in vitro studies of polysaccharide modified compound liposomes loaded with paclitaxel and doxorubicin

The objectives of this study were to prepare polysaccharide modified compound liposomes loaded with paclitaxel(PTX)and doxorubicin(DOX)and characterize their phyisicochemical properties, stability and in vitro release profiles. Both PTX-DOX-Lipo and N-lauryl-O-glycol chitosan(LGC)modified liposomes(PTX-DOX-Lipo-LGC)were successfully prepared, and the morphology of the liposomes was observed by transmission electron microscope(TEM), and particle size and zeta potential were analyzed by dynamic light scattering(DLS). pH and osmotic pressure were also determined. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency, stability and in vitro release were assayed using high-performance liquid phase. Both PTX-DOX-Lipo and PTX-DOX-Lipo-LGC exhibited spherical shape with smooth surface. The average diameter was about 150 nm. pH value and osmotic pressure were in the range of 5. 3-6. 1 and 820-870 mOsm/kg, respectively. Both PTX and DOX could be encapsulated in liposomes with high encapsulation efficiency(greater than 90%). Compared with PTX-DOX-Lipo, PTX-DOX-Lipo-LGC exhibited lower leakage, higher stability in serum and more sustained release profiles. Moreover, a quicker release rate was observed in pH 5. 8 PBS compared with pH 7. 4 PBS. PTX-DOX-Lipo-LGC with high drug loading, good stability and sustained drug release profiles has a wide prospect in future clinical application.