Enzyme‐Responsive LipoCEST Agents: Assessment of MMP‐2 Activity by Measuring the Intra‐liposomal Water 1H NMR Shift

Mobile proton‐containing solutes can be detected by MRI by the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) method. CEST sensitivity is dramatically enhanced by using, as exchanging protons, the water molecules confined inside liposomes, shifted by a paramagnetic shift reagent. The chemical shift of the intraliposomal water resonance (δ^IL) is affected by the overall shape of the supramolecular system. δ^IL of a spherical LipoCEST acts as a sensitive reporter of the distribution of streptavidin proteins anchored at the liposome surface by biotinylated phospholipids. This finding prompted the design of a MMP‐2 responsive LipoCEST agent as the streptavidin moieties can be released from the liposome surfaces when a properly tailored enzyme‐cleavable peptide is inserted on the phospholipids before the terminal biotin residues. δ^IL reports on the overall changes in the supramolecular architecture associated to the cleavage carried out by MMP‐2.     

Influence of some physical properties of 5-fluorouracil on encapsulation efficiency in liposomes

The aim of this study is to encapsulate two drugs: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with the hydrophobic properties and 1-β-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C) with the amphiphilic properties into liposomes prepared by the modified reverse-phase evaporation method (mREV) from L-α-phosphatidylcholine dipalmitoyl (DPPC). We studied the thermotropic phase behavior of liposome entrapped 5-FU and Ara-C. It is known that the stability of liposomes depends not only on the method of chemical gradient loading, the use of membrane stabilizer such as sterols, but also on the phase transition temperature (T _c) of phospholipids, which undergoes an alteration after encapsulation of drugs to liposomes. The competition of these two drugs entrapped in liposomes was analyzed by the use of two spectroscopies: ¹H NMR and UV on the basis of the analysis of the signals of each drug in the liposome—drug system. The percent of encapsulation in DPPC/Ara-C/5-FU liposome obtained by the use of UV spectroscopy amounted 93.84 and 96.05% for 5-FU and Ara-C, respectively. Phase transition temperature T _c of liposomes containing Ara-C did not significantly change while for the liposomes containing 5-FU it increased in comparison with T _c of the reference liposomes formed from DPPC.     

Structural and Relaxometric Characterization of Peptide Aggregates Containing Gadolinium Complexes as Potential Selective Contrast Agents in MRI

The structural and relaxometric characterization of a novel class of supramolecular aggregates, as potential tumor‐specific contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is reported. The aggregates are based on a new monomer with an upsilon shape (MonY) that contains, in the same molecule, all three fundamental tasks that are required: 1) a hydrophobic moiety that allows the formation of supramolecular aggregates; 2) the bioactive CCK8 peptide for target recognition; and 3) a chelating agent able to give stable gadolinium complexes. As indicated by dynamic light scattering and small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements, MonY and its gadolinium complex MonY(Gd) aggregate in aqueous solution to give ellipsoidal micelles with a ratio between the micellar axes of ≈1.7 and an aggregation number N_agg of ≈30. There are no differences in the aggregation behavior of MonY and MonY(Gd), which indicates that the presence of metal ions, and therefore the reduction of the net charge, does not influence the aggregation behavior. When MonY or MonY(Gd) are blended with dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine (DOPC), the aggregation behavior is dictated by the tendency of DOPC to give liposomes. Only when the amount of MonY or MonY(Gd) is higher than 20 % is the coexistence of liposomes and micelles observed. The thickness d of the bilayer is estimated by SANS to be ≈35–40 Å, whereas cryogenic transmission electron microscopy images show that the diameter of the liposomes ranges from ≈50 to 150 nm. Self‐assembling micelles of MonY(Gd) present high relaxivity values (r_1p=15.03 mM ^?1 s^?1) for each gadolinium complex in the aggregate. Liposomes containing MonY(Gd) inserted in the DOPC bilayer at a molar ratio of 20:80 present slightly lower relaxivity values (r_1p=12.7 mM ^?1 s^?1), independently of their internal or external position in the liposome.     

pH sensitivities of egg phosphatidylcholine liposomes and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine liposomes triggered by poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid-co-octadecylacrylate)

Egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes bearing pH-sensitive polymers and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) liposomes including the same polymers were prepared by a sonication method. As pH-sensitive polymers, copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide, methacrylic acid, and octadecylacrylate were used. The liposomes were stable in neutral pH ranges in terms of release. But the release became marked at pH 5.5, and it was accelerated as pH further decreased. For example, the degree of release from egg PC liposomes (polymer/lipid ratio is 3:10, w/w) for 120 s increased from 2% to 63% as pH decreased from 7.5 to 4.5. Under the same condition, the degree of release from DOPE liposomes increased from 4% to 80%. These results indicate that DOPE liposome is more pH-sensitive than egg PC liposome.     

A reusable liposome array and its application to assay of growth-hormone-related peptides

We describe a reusable liposome array based on the formation of cleavable disulfide cross-links between liposomes and the surface of a glass slip. The N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)-propionate (SPDP)-modified liposomes encapsulating a pH-sensitive fluorescence dye were immobilized on a 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MTS)-modified glass slip through the formation of disulfide bonds. The regeneration of a used slip was performed by the lysis of immobilized liposomes with Triton X-100 and the cleavage of disulfide bonds by reduction with TCEP, followed by immobilization of SPDP-modified liposomes. The regeneration steps did not affect the fluorescence intensity of re-immobilized liposomes. The liposome array was applied to simultaneous quantification of growth hormone related peptides, i.e., GHRF and somatostatin, in a mixture. After optimizing the assay condition, the method allowed quantification of GHRF and somatostatin in concentration ranges from 0.5 × 10⁻⁹ to 0.5 × 10⁻⁷ g/mL with detection limits of 2 × 10⁻¹⁰ and 3 × 10⁻¹⁰ g/mL, respectively.     

Development of a thermal neutron-sensitive liposome for a novel drug delivery system aiming for radio-chemo-concurrent cancer therapy

A thermal neutron-sensitive liposome has been developed focusing on irradiation site-specific-controlled release of a medicine. We recommended a ¹⁰B-borocaptate dimer as a detonator of liposome in expectation of effects of low-energy heavy ions produced by ¹⁰B(n, α)⁷Li reaction. As a result, an X-ray-sensitive liposome incorporating the detonator was vulnerable enough to release an anticancer agent, carboplatin, at a dose/dose–rate near clinical use. These results reveal, moreover, that the liposomes are also applicable to a heavy-ion beam.     

Effect of glycol chitosan on functional and structural properties of anionic liposomes

The possibility of using glycol chitosan to obtain stabilized liposome containers for doxorubicin delivery is demonstrated. The dissociation constants of the liposome complexes with glycol chitosan (3.4 × 10^–4 and 1.10 × 10^–5 depending on the aggregation state of the liposomes) are determined. It is shown that the formation of liposome complexes with glycol chitosan has a significant prolongation effect on the release of doxorubicin from the liposomes at pH 7.4.     

Monitoring of membrane collapse and enzymatic reaction with single giant liposomes embedded in agarose gel

Giant liposomes are often used as models for studies on cell membranes. We embedded giant liposomes in agarose gel to fix them for assays. Giant liposomes of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine were embedded in 1% (w/v) agarose gel with a low melting temperature: While only 20–25% of giant liposomes survived embedment, their size distribution was unaffected. Using a confocal laser scanning microscope, we monitored dynamic changes in individual agarose gel-embedded giant liposomes induced by the addition of a surfactant (Triton X-100). The permeation and collapse could be clearly discriminated from each other. Invaginated buds on liposome membranes could also be captured as intermediate structures. Additionally, an enzymatic (β-glucosidase) reaction encapsulated within the target liposome was triggered by the external addition of a non-fluorescent substrate and successfully monitored. These results suggest that embedment in agarose gel is useful for the simple fixation of giant liposomes for biochemical and biophysical assays.     

Characterization of heat-induced interaction of neutral liposome with lipid membrane of Streptomyces griseus cell

The interaction between the neutral 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) liposomes and cell membrane of Streptomyces griseus induced by the heat treatment at specific temperature was investigated, focusing on the internalization of the neutral POPC liposomes with S. griseus cells. In an attempt to clarify the modes of liposome internalization, various kinds of inhibitors of endocytotic pathways were used to treat S. griseus cells. The efficiency of the heat treatment on liposome–cell membrane interactions was finally characterized based on the hydrophobic, electrostatic interactions and hydration effect. In fact, the internalization of the neutral liposomes into these cells was found to show higher rate and greater amount at higher temperatures. The kinetic study showed that the maximum amount of the internalized liposomes was, respectively, 469 × 10⁵ and 643 × 10⁵ liposomes/cell at 37 and 41 °C. The internalization of the neutral liposomes induced by the heat treatment was characterized, implying that the endocytosis occurred. The interactions involving the internalization, adsorption, and fusion of these liposomes with S. griseus cells were mainly contributed by the hydrophobic interaction and the unstable hydrogen bonds caused by the loss of water of surface hydration of cell membrane rather than the electrostatic interaction under the specific heat condition.     

Association of Acenaphthoporphyrins with Liposomes for the Photodynamic Treatment of Leishmaniasis

Acenaphthoporphyrins are potential photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy, but their hydrophobicity limits their potential. Liposomes have been widely investigated as delivery vehicles that can transport hydrophobic drugs in biological systems. Here we study the association of acenaphthoporphyrins with liposomes made up of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC), and to liposomes made up of a mixture of DMPC, cholesterol (Chol) and distearoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DSPG) in a 2:1:0.8 molar ratio to evaluate how liposome composition affects association constants. In liposomes consisting only of DMPC, the smaller monoacenaphthoporphyrin had the largest association constant of 5.5 × 10⁴ m ⁻¹ while the larger adj-diacenaphthoporphyrin and opp-diacenaphthoporphyrin (ODP) had smaller association constants at 1.8 × 10⁴ and 1.5 × 10⁴ m ⁻¹, respectively. The addition of liposomal Chol and DSPG has little effect on the magnitudes of the association constants. Polarization studies show that the acenaphthoporphyrins are driven far into the lipid bilayer to minimize polar–nonpolar interactions. Confocal microscopy confirms that the DMPC liposomes transport the porphyrins into promastigotes of Leishmania tarentolae. The compounds associated with DMPC:Chol:DSPG liposomes are effective in vitro against axenic and intracellular amastigotes of the pathogenic Leishmania panamensis. The effectiveness of the compounds is enhanced upon exposure of cultures to visible light.     

Universal liposomes: preparation and usage for the detection of mRNA

Dye-encapsulating liposomes can serve as signaling reagents in biosensors and biochemical assays in place of enzymes or fluorophores. Detailed here is the use and preparation of streptavidin-coupled liposomes which offer a universal approach to biotinylated target detection. The universal approach provides two advantages, i.e. only one type of liposome is necessary despite varying target and probe sequences and the hybridization event can take place in the absence of potential steric hindrance occurring from liposomes directly conjugated to probes. One objective of this work was to optimize the one-step conjugation of SRB-encapsulating liposomes to streptavidin using EDC. Liposome, EDC, streptavidin concentrations, and reaction times were varied. The optimal coupling conditions were found to be an EDC:carboxylated lipid:streptavidin molar ratio of 600:120:1 and a reaction time of 15 min. The second goal was to utilize these liposomes in sandwich hybridization microtiter plate-based assays using biotinylated reported probes as biorecognition elements. The assay was optimized in terms of probe spacer length, probe concentration, liposome concentration, and streptavidin coverage. Subsequently, the optimized protocol was applied to the detection of DNA and RNA sequences. A detection limit of 1.7 pmol L⁻¹ and an assay range spanning four orders of magnitude (5 pmol L⁻¹−50 nmol L⁻¹) with a coefficient of variation ≤5.8% was found for synthetic DNA. For synthetic RNA the LOQ was half that of synthetic DNA. A comparison was made to alkaline phosphatase-conjugated streptavidin for detection which yielded a limit of quantitation approximately 80 times higher than that for liposomes in the same system. Thus, liposomes and the optimized sandwich hybridization method are well suited for detecting single-stranded nucleic acid sequences and compares favorably to other sandwich hybridization schemes recently described in the literature. The assay was then used successfully for the clear detection of mRNA amplified by nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) isolated from as little as one Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst. The detection of mRNA from oocysts isolated from various water sample types using immunomagnetic separation was also assessed. Finally, to prove the wider applicability and sensitivity of this universal method, RNA amplified from the atxA gene of Bacillus anthracis was detected when the input to the preceding NASBA reaction was as low as 1.2 pg. This highly sensitive liposome-based microtiter plate assay is therefore a platform technology allowing for high throughput and wide availability for routine clinical and environmental laboratory applications.     

Interaction of Liposomal Formulations of Meta-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (Temoporfin) with Serum Proteins: Protein Binding and Liposome Destruction

mTHPC is a non polar photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy. To improve its solubility and pharmacokinetic properties, liposomes were proposed as drug carriers. Binding of liposomal mTHPC to serum proteins and stability of drug carriers in serum are of major importance for PDT efficacy; however, neither was reported before. We studied drug binding to human serum proteins using size‐exclusion chromatography. Liposomes destruction in human serum was measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Inclusion of mTHPC into conventional (Foslip^®) and PEGylated (Fospeg^®) liposomes does not affect equilibrium serum protein binding compared with solvent‐based mTHPC. At short incubation times the redistribution of mTHPC from Foslip^® and Fospeg^® proceeds by both drug release and liposomes destruction. At longer incubation times, the drug redistributes only by release. The release of mTHPC from PEGylated vesicles is delayed compared with conventional liposomes, alongside with greatly decreased liposomes destruction. Thus, for long‐circulation times the pharmacokinetic behavior of Fospeg^® could be influenced by a combination of protein‐ and liposome‐bound drug. The study highlights the modes of interaction of photosensitizer‐loaded nanovesicles in serum to predict optimal drug delivery and behavior in vivo in preclinical models, as well as the novel application of NTA to assess the destruction of liposomes.     

Optimization of DNA-tagged liposomes for use in microtiter plate analyses

Dye-encapsulating unilamellar DNA oligonucleotide-tagged liposomes were prepared and characterized for use as signal-enhancing reagents in a microtiter plate sandwich-hybridization analyses of single-stranded RNA or DNA sequences. The liposomes were synthesized using the reversed-phase evaporation method and tagged with DNA oligonucleotides by adding cholesteryl-modified DNA reporter probes to the initial lipid mixture. Liposomes were prepared using probe coverages of 0.0013–0.103 mol% of the total lipid input, several hydrophobic and poly(ethylene glycol)-based spacers between the cholesteryl anchor and the probe, and liposome diameters ranging from 200 nm to 335 nm. Their signal enhancement functionality was compared by using them in microtiter plate sandwich-hybridization assays for the detection of single-stranded DNA sequences. In these assays, an optimal reporter probe concentration of 0.103 mol%, a liposome diameter of 274 nm, and a phospholipid concentration of 0.3 mM were found. The length between the cholesteryl anchor and the probe was optimal when a spacer composed of TEG+(CH₂O)₃ was used. Under optimal conditions, a detection limit of 0.5 nM for a truncated synthetic DNA sequence was found with a coefficient of variation of 4.4%. A 500-fold lower limit of detection using fluorescence was found using lysed dye-encapsulating liposomes versus a single fluorescein-labeled probe. Finally, when this method was applied to the detection of atxA RNA extracted from E.coli SG12036-pIu121 and amplified using NASBA, a minimum extracted concentration of RNA of 1.1×10⁻⁷ μg/μL was found.     

Stable polymeric nanoballoons: lyophilization and rehydration of cross-linked liposomes

The cross-linking of supramolecular assemblies of hydrated lipids is an effective method to stabilize these assemblies to disruption by surfactants or aqueous alcohol. The heterobifunctional lipids, Acryl/DenPC(16,18) and Sorb/DenPC(18,21), are examples of a new class of polymerizable lipid designed for the creation of cross-linked lipid structures. The robust nature of cross-linked liposomes was demonstrated by lyophilization of the liposomes followed by their essentially complete redispersion in water. The resulting liposomes were compared to the original sample by quasi-elastic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. There was no major change in the size or structure of the cross-linked liposomes after rehydration of the freeze-dried powder of liposomes. Moreover, the rehydrated cross-linked liposomes continued to be resistant to surfactant solubilization. Neutral cross-linked liposomes were predominantly redispersed after freeze-drying with the aid of bath sonication. The small amount of residual liposome aggregation observed with neutral liposomes could be prevented by incorporating a surface charge into the liposome or attaching hydrophilic polymers, for example, poly(ethylene glycol), onto the liposome.     

毛细管电泳应用于测定牛血清白蛋白与脂质体的相互作用

建立了一种用毛细管电泳法检测牛血清白蛋白(BSA)与脂质体相互作用的分析方法。氧化指数的测定实验结果表明经过冷冻干燥的脂质体稳定性更好;毛细管电泳表征脂质体的电荷性质实验结果表明脂质体在pH 5.0～8.0的条件下呈电中性。在pH 7.0的条件下,以各种浓度的脂质体混悬液为电泳缓冲液,以0.8%二甲亚砜(DMSO)为内标,随着缓冲液中脂质体质量浓度从0增加到2.4 mg/mL,BSA的有效淌度从-2.232×10-4 cm2·V－1·s－1变化到-3.046×10-4 cm2·V－1·s－1;结合Scatchard分析,测得BSA与脂质体的结合常数为2.522×103(g/mL)－1。该方法简单、快速,为研究蛋白质与脂质体的相互作用提供了新的技术手段。     

Magnolol Encapsulated by Liposome in Inhibiting Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation

Magnolol, a pure compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis, encapsulated by liposome was investigated for inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation leading to restenosis by Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA). 1,2‐Diacyl‐Sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (EPC) and 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐Sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DPPC) liposomes were utilized to encapsulate the magnolol in this study. The inhibitory efficiency of the liposome encapsulated magnolol on cell viability was higher than the pure magnolol. EPC liposome was found to have higher efficiency in inhibiting VSMCs than DPPC. The diameters of EPC and DPPC liposome which encapsulated magnolol became larger than pure EPC and DPPC liposomes. The photos from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were demonstrated that the EPC and DPPC liposomes could be interfered by magnolol to form a homogeneous liposome. Addition of cholesterol to EPC and DPPC liposome could reduce the liposome diameter.     

Development of a liposome-based immunochromatographic strip assay for the detection of Salmonella

Salmonella species are ubiquitous human pathogens which pose a dangerous threat to the elderly and children worldwide. In this study, to develop a more efficient assay procedure for the rapid detection of Salmonella Typhimurium, an immunochromatographic strip assay was developed using immunoliposome (anti-Salmonella IgG-tagged) encapsulated with sulforhodamine B (SRB). The detection sensitivity of the developed immunochromatographic assay was compared with a commercial immunochromatographic test strip using colloidal gold nanoparticles. The liposomes were prepared through a reverse-phase evaporation method by using a lipid and phospholipid mixture and SRB, a fluorescence dye, which was encapsulated in the phospholipid bilayer. Furthermore, the outer surface of the SRB-encapsulated liposome was conjugated with antibody (affinity-purified polyclonal goat anti-Salmonella IgG) to form an immunoliposome (size, 223 nm), used as the analytical reagent in the developed immunoassay. For this strip assay, a plastic-backed nitrocellulose strip was immobilized with two antibody zones. The lower zone of the strip referred to Salmonella antigen capture zone (test line), while the other zone served as a positive control (control line). The lower zone was coated with affinity-purified polyclonal goat anti-Salmonella IgG, while the upper zone was coated with rabbit anti-goat IgG. During capillary migration of the wicking solution (diluted liposome and Salmonella culture, each 50 μl), Salmonella was captured with surface-bound immunoliposomes at the antigen capture zone, while the unbound liposomes migrated upward and bound to another zone. The color density of the antigen capture zone was directly proportional to the amount of S. Typhimurium in the test sample. As a result, the detection limit of the immunochromatographic strip assay developed in this study against S. Typhimurium was found to be 10² CFU/ml, which was significantly higher than the detection limit (10⁷ CFU/ml) of the commercial immunochromatographic test strip assay.     

The enhancement of immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine A on human T-cells using fusogenic liposomes

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize neutral, positively charged, negatively charged and fusogenic liposomes of different sizes that contain cyclosporine A (CyA) and to evaluate their immunosuppressive activity on human T-cells. Neutral liposomes containing CyA were prepared from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and cholesterol using the solvent evaporation method. To prepare positively charged, negatively charged and fusogenic liposomes containing CyA; stearylamine (SA), dicetylphosphate (DCP) and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) were added to the neutral liposome formulation, respectively. To reduce the size of liposomes containing CyA, extrusion through polycarbonate filters (1000, 400 and 100 nm) was used. The liposomes were characterized by their size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency. The in vitro immunosuppressive effects of an aqueous solution of CyA and different liposomes containing CyA were determined on human T-cells by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. The mean diameter of the various multilamellar vesicle (MLV) liposomes containing CyA was between 1.76 and 2.49 μm. The encapsulation efficiency for the different MLV and extruded liposomes containing CyA ranged from 73% to 90%. In vitro immunosuppressive evaluation by T-cell culture showed that fusogenic liposomes have the best inhibitory effects on T-cell proliferation compared to the other liposomes. Reducing the size of the liposomes did not affect the in vitro immunosuppressive activity. The average IC₅₀ for the aqueous solution of CyA and the neutral, positively charged, negatively charged and fusogenic liposomes containing CyA was 4.98 × 10⁻², 7.38, 1.43, 3.84 × 10⁻³ and 7.93 × 10⁻⁵ mM, respectively. The results of this study indicate that fusogenic liposomes have the strongest immunosuppressive activity and could be considered as a suitable delivery system for CyA.     

Towards the self-assembly of polyrotaxanes

The self-assembly of a number of rotaxanes, pseudorotaxanes, and a pseudopolyrotaxane based on the π-electron deficient cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene)^d̊ and threads and dumbbell components composed of π-electron rich hydroquinone rings incorporated symmetrically within polyether chains terminated in the case of the rotaxanes by adamantoyl stoppers.