Journal of Liposome Research 2011-09-01

Preparation and characterization of galactose-modified liposomes by a nonaqueous enzymatic reaction.

Bo-hong Guo, Yi Cheng, Lv-ping Lin, De-hui Lin, Wei Wu

Index: J. Liposome Res. 21(3) , 255-60, (2011)

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Abstract

In this study, NOH (NOH = N-octadecyl-4-[(D-galactopyranosyl)oxy]-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxy hexanamide) was enzymatically synthesized as a targeting molecule and incorporated into liposomes to prepare a liposome surface modified with galactose. Glycyrrhetinic-acid-loaded liposome (GA-LP) and glycyrrhetinic-acid-loaded liposome surface modified with galactose (NOH-GA-LP) were prepared by the ethanol-injection method. NOH-GA-LP was characterized by morphology, particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, release in vitro, and stability. The size of spherical particles was in the range of 179-211 nm. Spherical particles exhibit a positive electrical charge (38.7 mV) and possess high encapsulation efficiency (91.3%) and show sustained release (72% over 48 hours) in vitro. This novel approach for the liposome surface modified with galactose by enzymatic synthesis is expected to provide potential application as a drug carrier for active targeted delivery to hepatocytes.