In vitro enhancement of anticancer activity of paclitaxel by a Cremophor free cyclodextrin-based nanosponge formulation

A severe limitation for cancer therapy is the poor water solubility of many important therapeutic anticancer drugs. The development of novel delivery systems is therefore currently ongoing. We propose the use of β-cyclodextrin based nanosponges to deliver paclitaxel as an alternative to classical formulation in Cremophor EL. They are solid nanoparticles with mean diameter lower than 500?nm and spherical shape. Nanosponges show a safe profile being non-hemolytic and non cytotoxic. Nanosponges dissolved and encapsulated paclitaxel up to 2?mg/ml. The paclitaxel-loaded nanosponges formed a water stable colloidal system avoiding the recrystallization of paclitaxel. The in vitro release studies showed an almost complete release in 2?h without initial burst effect. Our study demonstrates that delivery of paclitaxel via nanosponges increased the amount of paclitaxel entering cancer cells and lowers paclitaxel IC50, therefore enhancing its pharmacological effect. β-Cyclodextrin based nanosponges can therefore be considered an alternative system to solubilize and deliver the paclitaxel.     

Inclusion Complex of Paclitaxel in Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

Introduction Paclitaxel (as Taxol) is a kind of diterpenoid natural product[1] extracted from Chinese yew. It has been reported to have high anti-tumor effects, such as the activity against oophorama, mammary cancer, encephaloma, cervical carcinoma, and non- small-cell lung carcinoma[2-5]. One of the major problems of paclitaxel applied to therapy is its extremely low solubility in water[6]. In addition, paclitaxel is administered as a slow infusion in a vehicle consisting of Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil ). However, Cremophor has been observed to cause severe, occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions in animals and humans[7].Therefore, paclitaxel therapy includes a prophylactic regimen of antihistamines and corticosteroids[8] , along with a prolonged infusion time to reduce the severity and incidence of hypersensitivity reactions. Because of the reasons mentioned above, currently its preparation needs to be improved further[9].     

Adsorption properties of phenolic resin-based mesoporous carbons obtained by using mixed templates of Pluronic F127 and Brij 58 or Brij 78 polymers

Phenolic resin-based mesoporous carbons were synthesized by using mixed templates of Pluronic F127 and Brij 58 or Brij 78. For the purpose of comparison three samples of nanoporous carbons were prepared by using single templates of Pluronic F127, Brij 58 and Brij 78 polymers, respectively. Adsorption properties of the aforementioned carbons were studied by nitrogen adsorption at ?196?°C. The resulting carbons featured high specific surface areas ranging from 641 m²/g for the sample obtained in the presence of Brij 58 polymer to 825 m²/g for the carbon prepared by using a mixed template containing 23% of Pluronic F127 and 77% of Brij 58 and from 588 m²/g for the sample obtained in the presence of Brij 78 polymer to 813 m²/g for the carbon prepared by using Pluronic F127 only. It was shown that the width of mesopores increases with increasing amount of Brij 58 or Brij 78 in the mixture of one of these polymers with Pluronic F127, suggesting that Brij polymers act also as micelle expanders.     

Identification of isocephalomannine in the presence of cephalomannine isomers and alkali metal ion adducts in a paclitaxel active pharmaceutical ingredient using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

A strategy is developed for the identification of isocephalomannine in the presence of alkali metal ion adducts and other cephalomannine isomers in a paclitaxel active pharmaceutical ingredient. Intact molecular ion analyses and a sub-structural study have been performed for the differentiation of isocephalomannine (2-debenzoylpaclitaxel-2-pentenoate) from cephalomannine and 7-epi-cephalomannine. A comparative study of the cephalomannine isomers was carried out using molecular ions (MS) and fragmentation patterns (MS/MS) for sub-structural analysis. An attempt has been made to identify isocephalomannine in Cremophor(R) EL formulations.     

Formation of water-in-oil (W/O) nano-emulsions in a water/mixed non-ionic surfactant/oil systems prepared by a low-energy emulsification method

W/O nano-emulsion formation by a low-energy emulsification method is described for the first time. The nano-emulsions have been formed in water/mixed Cremophor EL:Cremophor WO7 surfactant/isopropyl myristate systems at Cremophor EL:Cremophor WO7 ratios between 1:2 and 1:9, by slow addition of isopropyl myristate to surfactant/water mixtures. Phase behaviour studies have showed that the compositions giving rise to W/O nano-emulsions belong to multiphase regions, one of the phases being a lamellar liquid crystalline phase. The droplet size of the nano-emulsions at a fixed oil concentration of 85% and mixed surfactants/water ratio of 70/30 ranged from 60 to 160 nm as Cremophor EL:Cremophor WO7 ratio increased from 1:8 to 1:2. These nano-emulsions showed high kinetic stability. No phase separation was observed during 5 months in nano-emulsions of the water/Cremophor EL:Cremophor WO7 1:8/isopropyl myristate system with 85% oil concentration, although droplet size experienced an increase with time.     

Photodynamic activities of silicon phthalocyanines against achromic M6 melanoma cells and healthy human melanocytes and keratinocytes

Dichlorosilicon phthalocyanine (Cl2SiPc) and bis(tri-n-hexylsiloxy) silicon phthalocyanine (HexSiPc) have been evaluated in vitro as potential photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) against the human amelanotic melanoma cell line M6. Each photosensitizer is dissolved in a solvent-PBS mixture, or entrapped in egg-yolk lecithin liposomes or in Cremophor EL micelles. The cells are incubated for 1 h with the sensitizer and then irradiated for 20 min, 1 h or 2 h (lambda > 480 nm, 10 mW cm-2). The photocytotoxic effect is dependent on the photosensitizer concentration and the light dose. Higher phototoxicity is observed after an irradiation of 2 h: treatment with a solution of photosensitizer (2 x 10(-9) M) leads to 10% (HexSiPc in egg-yolk lecithin liposomes) or 20% (Cl2SiPc in DMF-PBS solution) cell viability. After 1 h incubation and 20 min of light exposure, the photodynamic effect is connected with the type of delivery system used. For HexSiPc, lower cell viability is found when this photosensitizer is entrapped in egg-yolk lecithin instead of solvent-PBS or for Cremophor EL micelles with Cl2SiPc. Liposome-delivered HexSiPc leads to lipid damage in M6 cells, illustrated by an increase of thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARs), but the change is not significant with Cremophor EL. The same is observed for the antioxidative defences after photodynamic stress. The cells irradiated with HexSiPc entrapped in liposomes display an increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a decrease of glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and catalase (Cat) activities.     

Physicochemical characterization of nanotemplate engineered solid lipid nanoparticles

As the physicochemical characteristics of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) play a critical role in their success, it is important to understand how the materials and process used in their preparation affect these properties. In this study, two stearyl alcohol-based formulations were prepared using nanotemplate engineering technology and characterized. Both formulations were of a small particle size (<100 nm), ellipsoidal shape, and low polydispersity. (1)H NMR spectroscopy confirmed that the SLNs have the expected solid core structure and PEGylated surface. Analysis of the bulk materials indicated that a number of complex interactions are present among the SLN components, including a eutectic between stearyl alcohol and Brij 78. The decreased crystallinity resulting from these interactions may allow for enhanced drug loading. Physiological stability was identified and confirmed as a potential problem due to the low melting point of the eutectic. However, it is expected that with appropriate formulation modifications nanotemplate engineered SLNs will possess the properties necessary for a successful drug delivery system.     

Peptoads, a group of amphiphilic long-chain triamides

Eleven triamides bearing long alkyl chains have been synthesized to produce a new class of amphiphilic compounds (dubbed "peptoad"). The properties of these molecules have been investigated by X-ray analysis, solubility studies, light and electron microscopy, surface tensiometry, light scattering, drug dissolution, and molecular dynamics. In the solid state, the peptoads assemble in layers with both intra- and interlayer hydrogen bonding coupled to side-by-side proximity of the hydrocarbon chains. Peptoads with a terminal primary amide and a total of three amide NH sites are water-insoluble owing presumably to attractive forces in the solid state. However, peptoads with terminal -CONMe(2) groups and two internal amide NH sites are water-soluble at room temperature. This solubility is critically dependent upon the chain length. For example, a C(7)-chained peptoad is 1600 times more soluble than its C(9) analogue. High concentrations (6-8 M) of C(7) peptoads in water are clear and do not gel. Light microscopy shows long fibers floating in an isotropic liquid. Water-soluble peptoads are highly surface-active, lowering water's surface tension as effectively as a soap with a much longer chain. Surface tension plots show a "critical aggregation concentration", but it is believed from light scattering and molecular dynamics that the aggregates grow continuously as more peptoad is added to the water. In answer to the inevitable (but valid) question, "What possible good are they?", it can be pointed out that a peptoad solubilizes a water-insoluble drug, paclitaxel (Taxol), as efficiently as does Cremophor EL, a commercial excipient widely used with paclitaxel and other nonpolar drugs. Peptoads, being small molecules and consisting of hydrolyzable amide groups, are likely biodegradable and less prone to the hypersensitivity and neurotoxicity found with Cremophor EL.     

Effect of Delivery System on the Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of bis(Di-lsobutyl Octadecylsiloxy)Silicon 2,3-Naphthalocyanine (isoBOSINC), a Photosensitizer for Tumor Therapy

Abstract— Bis(di-isobutyl octadecylsiloxy)silicon 2,3-naphthalocy-anine (isoBOSINC) is a representative of a group of naphthalocyanine derivatives with spectral and photophysical properties that make them attractive candidates for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Tissue distributions were studied in tumor-bearing rats as a function of delivery system and time following administration. The tumor model was an N-(4-[5-nitro-2-furyl]-2-thiazolyl) formamide (FANFT)-induced urothelial cell carcinoma transplanted into one hind leg of male Fischer 344 rats; isoBOSINC was delivered to the rats by intravenous injection of 0.50 mg/kg of body weight as a suspension either in 10% Tween 80 in saline (Tween) or 10% (Cremophor® EL + propylene glycol) in saline (Cremophor). The isoBOSINC was isolated from several tissues and organs, as well as tumors and peritumoral muscles and skin. Quantitation was by a high-performance liquid chromatographic technique with detection that utilizes the native fluorescence of the naphthalocyanine derivative. Independent of the delivery system, the dye was retained in tumors at higher concentrations than in normal tissues, except for spleen and liver. The isoBOSINC retention in tumors was high and was vehicle dependent. For Tween, the maximal ratio of dye in tumor versus peritumoral muscle occurred 12 h after injection; for Cremophor, the maximal ratio occurred later, 336 h postinjection. When the drug was delivered in Tween, isoBOSINC in serum showed two compartment kinetics: half-lives of about 2 and 11 h were found for the distribution and the elimination phases, respectively. When Cremophor was the vehicle, the elimination half-life was about 20 h, and one compartment kinetics was observed. The latter findings may explain the generally higher levels of the dye attained by the tissues at later times with Cremophor as the vehicle. An interesting exception wasthat after 7 and 14 days postinjection in Tween, the levels of dye found in testes were six- to seven-fold higher than those found after Cremophor delivery. Levels of dye were very low or not detectable in the brain. Optimal parameters for PDT of tumors with this novel photosensitizer are clearly time- and vehicle-dependent, and future PDT studies will need to incorporate these modulators.     

Determination of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in pharmaceutical vehicles by high-performance liquid chromatography

A procedure for the determination of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) in the presence of its degradation products in pharmaceutical vehicles by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described. The method compares favorably with a standard gas-liquid chromatographic procedure used for the analysis of delta 9-THC in sesame oil USP. The HPLC method is suitable for quantitating delta 9-THC in the presence of several pharmaceutical vehicles and excipients including: sesame oil USP, polyvinylpyrrolidone, Emulphor EL620 and Cremophor EL. Extractions are not required and samples require little preparation. Only the addition of an internal standard in an appropriate solvent is necessary before injection. The procedure has been applied to stability studies of delta 9-THC in various pharmaceutical vehicles.     

Self aggregation of binary mixtures of sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers in aqueous solution

The mixed micelles of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) with Brij35 and Brij 97 were studied separately by fluorescence measurement using pyrene as fluorescent probe. In the range of 0–1.0 mole fraction (X) of added SDS to Brij solutions, the cmc value of the mixed micelles varies from 0.085 to 8 mmol with Brij 35 and 0.04 to 8 mmol with Brij 97. The aggregation number also changes. A measure of the stability of mixed micelles is also presented. The interaction parameter ₁₂ and the chain–chain contribution parameter (B₁) are extracted from the analysis of the results. This parameter B₁ is related to the standard free energy change associated with the introduction of one ionic species into a nonionic micelle coupled with the release of one nonionic species from the micelle. The clouding behaviour of Brij 97 in the presence of SDS was investigated and the associated thermodynamic parameters of clouding were generated and discussed.     

PROPERTIES OF CREMOPHOR EL MICELLES PROBED BY FLUORESCENCE

Using 1-anilino,8-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) as a probe, we examined properties of micelles of Cremophor EL, an amphipathic agent which can solubilize hydrophobic photosensitizing agents and promote their distribution to plasma lipoprotein. In aqueous solution, Cremophor micelles persisted for several hours after dilution below the critical micellar concentration (CMC). After equilibrium was reached, we found a CMC of 0.009% (wt/vol). Fluorescence data suggest that the micellar environment of ANS binding has a dielectric constant of approximately 27. Cremophor also reverses examples of multi-drug resistance associated with impaired accumulation of anti-tumor agents, e.g. daunorubicin. Although the latter drug is relatively hydrophilic, fluorescence spectroscopy and anisotropy studies indicate an association with Cremophor. Moreover, resistance reversal occurred only at Cremophor concentrations above the CMC.     

Formulation design, preparation and physicochemical characterizations of solid lipid nanoparticles containing a hydrophobic drug: effects of process variables

This study aimed to prepare solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of a hydrophobic drug, tretinoin, by emulsification-ultrasonication method. Solubility of tretinoin in the solid lipids was examined. Effects of process variables were investigated on particle size, polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading (L) of the SLNs. Shape and surface morphology of the SLNs were investigated by cryogenic field emission scanning electron microscopy (cryo-FESEM). Complete encapsulation of drug in the nanoparticles was checked by cross-polarized light microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crystallinity of the formulation was analyzed by DSC and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). In addition, drug release and stability studies were also performed. The results indicated that 10mg tretinoin was soluble in 0.45±0.07 g Precirol? ATO5 and 0.36±0.06 g Compritol? 888ATO, respectively. Process variables exhibited significant influence in producing SLNs. SLNs with <120 nm size, <0.2 PI, >I30I mV ZP, >75% EE, and ～0.8% L can be produced following the appropriate formulation conditions. Cryo-FESEM study showed spherical particles with smooth surface. Cross-polarized light microscopy study revealed that drug crystals in the external aqueous phase were absent when the SLNs were prepared at ≤0.05% drug concentration. DSC and PXRD studies indicated complete drug encapsulation within the nanoparticle matrix as amorphous form. The drug release study demonstrated sustained/prolonged drug release from the SLNs. Furthermore, tretinoin-loaded SLNs were stable for 3 months at 4°C. Hence, the developed SLNs can be used as drug carrier for sustained/prolonged drug release and/or to improve oral absorption/bioavailability.     

Lyophilized Drug-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Formulated with Beeswax and Theobroma Oil

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have the potential to enhance the systemic availability of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or reduce its toxicity through uptake of the SLNs from the gastrointestinal tract or controlled release of the API, respectively. In both aspects, the responses of the lipid matrix to external challenges is crucial. Here, we evaluate the effects of lyophilization on key responses of 1:1 beeswax–theobroma oil matrix SLNs using three model drugs: amphotericin B (AMB), paracetamol (PAR), and sulfasalazine (SSZ). Fresh SLNs were stable with sizes ranging between 206.5–236.9 nm. Lyophilization and storage for 24 months (4–8 °C) caused a 1.6- and 1.5-fold increase in size, respectively, in all three SLNs. Zeta potential was >60 mV in fresh, stored, and lyophilized SLNs, indicating good colloidal stability. Drug release was not significantly affected by lyophilization up to 8 h. Drug release percentages at end time were 11.8 ± 0.4, 65.9 ± 0.04, and 31.4 ± 1.95% from fresh AMB-SLNs, PAR-SLNs, and SSZ-SLNs, respectively, and 11.4 ± 0.4, 76.04 ± 0.21, and 31.6 ± 0.33% from lyophilized SLNs, respectively. Thus, rate of release is dependent on API solubility (AMB < SSZ < PAR). Drug release from each matrix followed the Higuchi model and was not affected by lyophilization. The above SLNs show potential for use in delivering hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs.     

Effect of delivery system on the pharmacokinetic and phototherapeutic properties of bis(methyloxyethyleneoxy)silicon-phthalocyanine in tumor-bearing mice

A Si(IV)-phthalocyanine bearing two methoxyethyleneglycol axial ligands bound to the central metal ion (SiPc) has been prepared by chemical synthesis and analyzed for its phototherapeutic activity after administration in a Cremophor or liposome formulation to C57B1/6 mice bearing a subcutaneously transplanted Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). The maximum drug accumulation in the tumor is found at 24 h after intraperitoneal injection, independent of the delivery system. However, the tumor concentration of SiPc in the Cremophor formulation is about two-fold higher, while the drug concentration in liver and skin shows similar trends with the two delivery systems. The drug accumulation and retention in the brain is much larger when using Cremophor emulsion. Photodynamic therapy (672 nm, 370 mW m⁻², 360 J cm⁻²) at 24 h after the injection of Cremophor emulsion- or DPPC liposome-formulated SiPc causes a very efficient and similar response for the LLC (8 versus 22 mm mean tumor diameter for the control groups at 21 days after phototreatment). These very promising effects, obtained both at higher and lower tumor drug concentrations, clearly demonstrate the potential phototherapeutical activity of the newly synthesized SiPc.     

Enhanced method performance due to a shorter chromatographic run-time in a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for paclitaxel

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) is often performed in a high-throughput environment. Unfortunately, with atmospheric pressure ionization (API) techniques, shorter run-times or reduced sample clean-up often result in ion or matrix suppression, which can lead to erroneous results. The present work on the analysis of paclitaxel compares ion suppression, sensitivity and linearity of a high-throughput LC-MS-MS method (0.8 min run-time, method B) to a method with increased separation (2.0 min run-time, method A). An atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) interface was used for both methods. The high-sample-throughput method uses an increased amount of organic solvent in the mobile phase (isocratic, 85% versus 70% of methanol) and a higher flow-rate (600 microl/min versus 400 micro/min). As a result, internal standard (docetaxel) and target analyte (paclitaxel) co-elute, close to, although separated from the solvent front. Ion suppression of both methods was evaluated by comparing pure standard to plasma and plasma containing a vehicle. Sensitivity and linearity were compared by injecting matrix matched calibration samples with both methods. Ion suppression by the vehicle Cremophor EL led to poor data quality for the standard method (A), while for the short method (B), ion suppression was compensated for by the co-eluting internal standard. The short method showed similar linearity but increased sensitivity by at least a factor five. This work provides a strategy to compensate for ion suppression without the use of labeled internal standards. In addition, a better sensitivity and a shorter run-time are noted.     

Templating multiple length scales by combining phase separation, self-assembly and photopatterning in porous films

Patternable nanoporous silica thin films with pore sizes on multiple length scales are fabricated using preformed block copolymer/homopolymer blend films as templates. Previous work by Tirumala et al. [V.R. Tirumala, R.A. Pai, S. Agarwal, J.J. Testa, G. Bhatnagar, A.H. Romang, C. Chandler, B.P. Gorman, R.L. Jones, E.K. Lin, J.J. Watkins, Adv. Mater. 18 (8) (2008) 1603] has demonstrated that hydrogen bonding between an amphiphilic copolymer and a homopolymer leads to significant enhancements in the long range order of the template self assembly. However if the copolymer template is simply changed from Pluronic F127 to Brij78, a well ordered template is no longer always obtained; the blend phase separates with apparent selective partitioning of the photoacid generator (PAG) at the interface of the polymer phases. UV exposure selectively generates a photoacid, which is utilized to catalyze tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) condensation. The large disparity in diffusivity of the photoacid between the glassy poly(hydroxystyrene) (PHOSt) and rubbery Brij78 phases results in selective templating of the Brij mesostructure and limited reaction into the PHOSt. Calcination yields relatively monodisperse mesopores from the Brij phase and macropores from the PHOSt phase. Simple variations in processing parameters allow the macropore morphology to be tuned to create high surface area materials with structures on the order of 1 nm, 100 nm and microms from self assembly, phase separation and lithographic patterning respectively.     

Photoacoustic Imaging Quantifies Drug Release from Nanocarriers via Redox Chemistry of Dye-Labeled Cargo

We report a new approach to monitor drug release from nanocarriers via a paclitaxel–methylene blue conjugate (PTX-MB) with redox activity. This construct is in a photoacoustically silent reduced state inside poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (PTX-MB@PLGA NPs). During release, PTX-MB is spontaneously oxidized to produce a concentration-dependent photoacoustic signal. An in vitro drug-release study showed an initial burst release (25 %) between 0–24 h and a sustained release between 24–120 h with a cumulative release of 40.6 % and a 670-fold increase in photoacoustic signal. An in vivo murine drug release showed a photoacoustic signal enhancement of up to 649 % after 10 hours. PTX-MB@PLGA NPs showed an IC₅₀ of 78 μg mL⁻¹ and 44.7±4.8 % decrease of tumor burden in an orthotopic model of colon cancer via luciferase-positive CT26 cells.     

Modulation of interaction of polycations with negative unilamellar lipid vesicles

Interactions of small unilamellar negative vesicles composed of diphosphatidylglycerol (cardiolipin, CL²⁻), 20 mol%, and phosphatidylcholine (egg yolk lecithin, EL), 80 mol%, with various cationic polymers (CP) derived from poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP) were studied in water and water–salt solutions by means of photon correlation spectroscopy, microelectrophoresis, conductometry, and fluorescence techniques. The linear charge density and hydrophilic lipophilic balance of CPs were varied by quaternization of PVP with various amounts of different alkyl bromides (ethyl-(2), heptyl-(7), dodecyl-(12), cetyl-(16)). Substantial differences were observed in the behavior of exhaustingly N-ethylated PVP (CP2) and PVP N-ethylated to 50 mol% (CP2(50)) or 30 mol% (CP2(30)). All of them adsorb to the CL²⁻/EL vesicle membrane, neutralizing the surface negative charge and causing aggregation of the vesicles. However, CP2, a polycation with a maximum linear charge density, strongly enhances transfer of the negative lipid ions from the inner to outer bilayer leaflet, while CP2(50) and CP2(30) do not. Adsorbed CP2 does not disturb integrity of the vesicle membrane and can be completely removed from the surface of aggregated vesicles by adding a simple salt (NaCl) or a negative linear polyelectrolyte (polyacrylic acid (PAA) sodium salt). Such removal is followed by release of the original vesicles. In contrast to that, adsorbed CP2(50) or CP2(30) produce some leak through the lipid bilayer and cannot be completely desorbed either by increasing ionic strength or adding an excess of PAA. The probable reason of these differences is discussed. PVP partially N-alkylated with dodecyl or cetyl bromides (3 mol%) and then completely N-ethylated (CP2,12 and CP2,16), also having a maximum linear charge density, adsorbs to the negative vesicle surface as a result of both electrostatic binding and hydrophobic interaction. Bulky hydrocarbon pendant groups incorporate into the inner bilayer compartment. Similarly to CP2(50) and CP2(30), CP2,12 and CP2,16 cannot be removed from the surface either by adding the simple salt, or an excess of PAA. However, in contrast to CP2(50) and CP2(30), the polycations with the bulky hydrocarbon pendant groups do not cause any leak through the vesicle membrane. Finally, we have succeeded to prepare the ternary vesicles also composed of 20 mol% of CL²⁻, but partially replacing EL for polyoxyethylene 20 cetyl ether (Brij 58) (up to 30 mol%). The CL²⁻/EL/Brij vesicle carries a hydrophilic corona formed by polyoxyethylene chains exposed into water, while hydrophobic cetyl radicals are incorporated in the lipid bilayer. The CL²⁻/EL/Brij vesicles adsorb all studied CPs similar to the binary CL²⁻/EL vesicles. This means that polyoxyethylene corona is permeable for polycationic species restricting neither electrostatic binding nor incorporation of bulky hydrocarbon groups of CP2,16 into the membrane. However, the corona effectively stabilizes the CP-vesicle complexes against aggregation when the membrane surface is neutralized.     

PHOTODYNAMIC ACTIVITIES and SKIN PHOTOSENSITIVITY OF THE bis(DIMETHYLTHEXYLSILOXY)SILICON 2,3-NAPHTHALOCYANINE IN MICE

The photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity of the bis(dimethylthexylsiloxy)silicon 2,3-na-phthalocyanine (SiNc 8 ) was evaluated against the EMT-6 tumor implanted intradermally in BALB/c mice. The SiNc 8 was formulated in aqueous emulsions based on Cremophor EL or Solutol HS 15. The formulation was shown to affect plasma clearance and overall pharmacokinetics. Compared to Cremophor, Solutol promoted rapid plasma clearance and high liver retention of the dye, combined with a slight increase of dye tumor concentrations. The PDT action spectrum for tumor response of SiNc 8 in Cremophor (190 mW cm², 200 J cm², 24 h postinjection [p.i.] of 1 (jimol kg¹) showed a maximum at 780 nm, which corresponds to the absorption maximum of the monomelic dye as well as the in vivo maximum change in the “diffuse optical density” produced by the dye. The extent of tumor necrosis increased with augmented dye and light doses. Regardless of the formulation, at 1 h p.i. of 0.1 μmol kg^?! SiNc 8 , PDT efficiency (190 mW cm'², 400 J cm²) was high but accompanied by severe damage to normal tissues, at 24 h PDT resulted in complete tumor regression in 80% of the animals without adverse effects to adjacent tissues, while at 72 h p.i. PDT induced no tumor response with Cremophor and only a partial response with Solutol. At the latter time point, plasma dye clearance was nearly complete while tumor tissue levels remained high, suggesting that tumor response correlates with plasma rather than tumor dye levels. Skin sensitivity of SKhl mice to solar-simulated radiation was lower with SiNc 8 as compared to Photofrin®. Our data suggest the potential of SiNc 8 as a far-red absorbing photosensitizer in clinical PDT.