Preparation and characterization of nanoliposomes entrapping medium-chain fatty acids and vitamin C by lyophilization

Int J Mol Sci. 2013 Sep 30;14(10):19763-73. doi: 10.3390/ijms141019763.

Abstract

The complex nanoliposomes encapsulating both a hydrophilic drug vitamin C (vit C) and hydrophobic drug medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) was prepared by combining double emulsion method with dynamic high pressure microfluidization. The complex nanoliposomes was further freeze-dried under -86 °C for 48 h with sucrose at the sucrose/lipids ratio of 2:1(w/w) in order to enhance its stability. The freeze-dried complex nanoliposomes under the suitable conditions exhibited high entrapment efficiency of MCFAs (44.26 ± 3.34)%, relatively high entrapment efficiency of vit C (62.25 ± 3.43)%, low average size diameter (110.4 ± 7.28) nm and good storage stability at 4 °C for 60 days with slight changes in mean particle diameter and drug entrapment efficiencies. The results of transmission electron microscopy of freeze-dried complex nanoliposomes also showed that the freeze-dried samples with sucrose were stable without great increase in their particle sizes and without destroying their spherical shape. The results indicated that sucrose presented well protection effects in MCFAs-vit C complex nanoliposomes, suggesting the possibility of further usage in commercial liposomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ascorbic Acid / chemistry*
  • Drug Storage
  • Fatty Acids / chemistry*
  • Freeze Drying / methods
  • Liposomes / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • Liposomes
  • Ascorbic Acid