Preparation and analysis of the properties of paclitaxel nanoliposomes

Abstract

In this study, the nanoliposomal formulations containing 90 mg paclitaxel were made from 4 g of phospholipids, 2 g of polyoxylglycerids, and 0.6 g of cholesterol. They were prepared using thin film hydration method in combination with the effervescent dispersion technique. The particle size reduction was achieved by high pressure homogenization (HPH). The properties of the nanodispersions had been investigated regarding size analysis, zeta potential measurement, drug payload, morphology, stability, and in vitro dissolution. The paclitaxel nanoliposomes had the size of 171.4±3.9 nm with a unimodal narrow distribution and the polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.07±0.02. The TEM images of paclitaxel nanoliposomes demonstrated the formation of small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) or large unilamellar vesicles (LUV). The encapsulation efficiency of paclitaxel was nearly 100%. The paclitaxel-loaded nanoliposomes had a good in vitro release compared with coarse paclitaxel suspensions. The zeta potential was from -1 mV to -4 mV, suggesting a steric stabilization. The paclitaxel nanoliposomes were physically and chemically stable at least 90 days at 4-8°C. The results confirmed that nanoliposomes improved the solubility and the chemical stability of paclitaxel considerably.