Melittin liposomes surface modified with poloxamer 188: in vitro characterization and in vivo evaluation

Pharmazie. 2011 May;66(5):362-7.

Abstract

Melittin liposomes surface modified with poloxamer 188 were developed, and the effect of poloxamer 188 was investigated with regard to anti-cancer effect and vascular stimulation. Melittin liposomes surface modified with poloxamer 188 at different concentrations (0%, 2%, and 5%) were prepared using the adsorption method, followed by in vitro characterization, including entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, particle size, and morphology. Subsequently, the influence of repeated freeze-thawing on the liposomes was investigated, and the effect of poloxamer 188 on the repeated freeze-thawing process was explored. Vascular stimulation effects of MLT, and MLT liposome that surface coated with or without poloxamer were all studied. Pharmacokinetics of the different MLT preparations were determined and the anticancer activity of the MLT formulations was investigated. The particle size of the liposomes gradually increased with increasing poloxamer 188 content, while the entrapment efficiency did not change significantly. After the first freeze-thaw cycle, size and PDI were both markedly reduced, entrapment efficiency rose, and there was no significant change of zeta potential. The vascular irritation caused by MLT could be reduced to an extent by encapsulation in liposome, but not completely eliminated, while liposomes coated with poloxamer 188 can effectively abolish the phenomenon. Melittin liposomes with surface modified by poloxamer exhibit enhanced bioavailability, effective anticancer activity, and reduced side effects compared with melittin solution. Poloxamer plays an important role in melittin liposomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Drug Carriers
  • Drug Compounding
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Liposomes / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Melitten / administration & dosage
  • Melitten / chemistry*
  • Melitten / pharmacology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Particle Size
  • Poloxamer / chemistry*
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry*
  • Vasculitis / chemically induced
  • Veins / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Liposomes
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Poloxamer
  • Melitten