Quantitative Analysis of Phospholipids Using Nanostructured Laser Desorption Ionization Targets

Since its introduction as an ionization technique in mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) has been applied to a wide range of applications. Quantitative small molecule analysis by MALDI, however, is limited due to the presence of intense signals from the matrix coupled with non-homogeneous surfaces. The surface used in nano-structured laser desorption ionization (NALDI) eliminates the need for a matrix and the resulting interferences, and allows for quantitative analysis of small molecules. This study was designed to analyze and quantitate phospholipid components of liposomes. Here we have developed an assay to quantitate the DPPC and DC_8,9PC in liposomes by NALDI following various treatments. To test our method we chose to analyze a liposome system composed of DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and DC_8,9PC (1,2-bis(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), as DC_8,9PC is known to undergo cross-linking upon treatment with UV (254 nm) and this reaction converts the monomer into a polymer. First, calibration curves for pure lipids (DPPC and DC_8,9PC) were created using DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) as an internal standard. The calibration curve for both DPPC and DC_8,9PC showed an R² of 0.992, obtained using the intensity ratio of analyte and internal standard. Next, DPPC:DC_8,9PC liposomes were treated with UV radiation (254 nm). Following this treatment, lipids were extracted from the liposomes and analyzed. The analysis of the lipids before and after UV exposure confirmed a decrease in the signal of DC_8,9PC of about 90%. In contrast, there was no reduction in DPPC signal.     

脂质体载药性能与卵磷脂的关系

探讨了卵磷脂对脂质体载药性能的影响。用逆相蒸发法制备阿糖胞苷脂质体,通过测定脂质体的包封率、平均粒径和药物渗漏量,考察了蛋黄卵磷脂、大豆卵磷脂及猪脑卵磷脂对脂质体载药性能的影响。实验结果表明,在n(PC)∶n(CHOL)=1∶1的条件下,蛋黄卵磷脂脂质体的平均粒径为2.59μm,包封率为(17.02±0.21)%,在37℃经40 h温育后,平均粒径增加0.53μm,药物渗漏量为(0.18±0.01)mg/h。平均粒径和包封率均高于大豆卵磷脂脂质体及猪脑卵磷脂脂质体,平均粒径增加值低于大豆卵磷脂脂质体及猪脑卵磷脂脂质体,渗漏速度高于猪脑卵磷脂脂质体,但低于大豆卵磷脂脂质体。对比实验证明,蛋黄卵磷脂脂质体的载药性能较好。     

Manufacturing of 3D-Printed Microfluidic Devices for the Synthesis of Drug-Loaded Liposomal Formulations

Microfluidic technique has emerged as a promising tool for the production of stable and monodispersed nanoparticles (NPs). In particular, this work focuses on liposome production by microfluidics and on factors involved in determining liposome characteristics. Traditional fabrication techniques for microfluidic devices suffer from several disadvantages, such as multistep processing and expensive facilities. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has been revolutionary for microfluidic device production, boasting facile and low-cost fabrication. In this study, microfluidic devices with innovative micromixing patterns were developed using fused deposition modelling (FDM) and liquid crystal display (LCD) printers. To date, this work is the first to study liposome production using LCD-printed microfluidic devices. The current study deals with 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) liposomes with cholesterol (2:1) prepared using commercial and 3D-printed microfluidic devices. We evaluated the effect of microfluidic parameters, chip manufacturing, material, and channel design on liposomal formulation by analysing the size, PDI, and ζ-potential. Curcumin exhibits potent anticancer activity and it has been reported that curcumin-loaded liposomes formulated by microfluidics show enhanced encapsulation efficiency when compared with other reported systems. In this work, curcumal liposomes were produced using the developed microfluidic devices and particle sizing, ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release studies were performed at 37 °C.     

Direct Coagulation Casting of Alumina Suspension via Controlled Release of High Valence Counterions from Thermo‐sensitive Liposomes

Thermo‐sensitive liposomes were prepared using reverse phase evaporation method using natural lipid egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) and cholesterol (CH). Inorganic salts containing high valence counterions (HVCI) are encapsulated by the liposomes. The phase transition temperature of the liposome is at 38°C with 50 wt% addition of cholesterol. The encapsulation rate of liposomes reaches 85% for high valence anion (SO₄^2?) and 55% for high valence cation (Ca²⁺). The liposomes are introduced into ceramic colloidal forming and dispersed in the suspension for identical charge with alumina particles at room temperature. The release of HCVI from the liposomes can coagulate the alumina suspension after heating at 38°C for 3 h, but the de‐moldable time is ~ 6–7 h. Dense ceramic products with relative density of above 98% and uniform microstructure can be prepared by this method without burnout process.     

脱氧氟尿苷脂质体的制备

目的建立脱氧氟尿苷(DFUR)脂质体的制备工艺。方法采用逆向蒸发法制备DFUR脂质体,并以包封率为参考指标,进行正交试验优化该脂质体的配方。以优化的配方制备脂质体,观察其微观形态,测定粒径、包封率及稳定性,并进行体外释药实验。结果制备DFUR脂质体的最佳配方为:卵磷脂/胆固醇(摩尔比)为2∶1,有机相/水相(体积比)为5∶1,DFUR浓度为2mg/ml,磷酸盐缓冲液pH值为7.0。以此配方制备,脂质体包封率可达52.15%。3批DFUR混悬液,粒径小于220nm的粒子比率均在70%以上,显微镜下观察可见,脂质体呈球形或椭圆形,粒径范围在0.15μm～1.00μm之间。4℃保存49d,脂质体的稳定性良好。其累积释放率远低于原料药浓度。结论已建立了DFUR脂质体的制备工艺,该工艺操作简便可靠,所需设备简单,稳定性较好,可用于包埋水溶性药物。     

Nanoliposomes for encapsulation and delivery of the potential antitumoral methyl 6-methoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate

A potential antitumoral fluorescent indole derivative, methyl 6-methoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate, was evaluated for the in vitro cell growth inhibition on three human tumor cell lines, MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), A375-C5 (melanoma), and NCI-H460 (non-small cell lung cancer), after a continuous exposure of 48 h, exhibiting very low GI50 values for all the cell lines tested (0.25 to 0.33 μM). This compound was encapsulated in different nanosized liposome formulations, containing egg lecithin (Egg-PC), dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG), DSPC, cholesterol, dihexadecyl phosphate, and DSPE-PEG. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed that nanoliposomes with the encapsulated compound are generally monodisperse and with hydrodynamic diameters lower than 120 nm, good stability and zeta potential values lower than -18 mV. Dialysis experiments allowed to monitor compound diffusion through the lipid membrane, from DPPC/DPPG donor liposomes to NBD-labelled lipid/DPPC/DPPG acceptor liposomes.     

Effect of Nanoencapsulated Vitamin B1 Derivative on Inhibition of Both Mycelial Growth and Spore Germination of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani

Nanoencapsulation of thiamine dilauryl sulfate (TDS), a vitamin B1 derivative, was proved to effectively inhibit the spore germination of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani (F. oxysporum), as well as mycelial growth. The average diameter of nanoparticles was measured as 136 nm by being encapsulated with an edible encapsulant, lecithin, whose encapsulation efficiency was about 55% in containing 200 ppm of TDS concentration: the 100 ppm TDS nanoparticle solution showed a mycelial growth inhibition rate of 59%. These results were about similar or even better than the cases of treating 100 ppm of dazomet, a positive antifungal control (64%). Moreover, kinetic analysis of inhibiting spore germination were estimated as 6.6% reduction of spore germination rates after 24 h treatment, which were 3.3% similar to the case of treating 100 ppm of a positive control (dazomet) for the same treatment time. It was also found that TDS itself could work as an antifungal agent by inhibiting both mycelial growth and spore germination, even though its efficacy was lower than those of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles especially played a more efficient role in limiting the spore germination, due to their easy penetration into hard cell membranes and long resident time on the surface of the spore shell walls. In this work, it was first demonstrated that the nanoparticle of TDS not a harmful chemical can control the growth of F. oxysporum by using a lower dosage than commercial herbicides, as well as the inhibiting mechanism of the TDS. However, field trials of the TDS nanoparticles encapsulated with lecithin should be further studied to be effectively used for field applications.     

An innovative study on dyeing silk fabrics by modified phospholipid liposomes

Modified phospholipids from the commercial soybean lecithin were prepared via acetylation of the acetone insoluble fraction phosphatidylethanolamine. N‐Acetyl‐phosphatidylethanolamine was used to prepare liposomes for encapsulating anionic dyes (acid and reactive dyes) to be used in dyeing silk fabric. Size measurements of the liposomes showed that the maximum vesicle size was 36.61 nm for empty liposomes in comparison with 39.08 and 39.75 nm for acid dyes and 51.78 and 59.20 nm for reactive dyes. The efficiency of the micro‐encapsulated dyes to dye silk fabric has been investigated and compared with the conventional dyeing process using different parameters. It was confirmed that the acetylated acetone insoluble fraction liposome shows better encapsulation of the reactive dyes and achieves more dye uptake than the acid dyes. It was also found that fastness properties of dyed silk with micro‐encapsulated anionic dyes did not change significantly more than the conventional dyeing method. Reuse of the micro‐encapsulated dyebath produces low water pollution as the effluent is virtually colourless. As a result, the process is also economic and eco‐friendly.     

Liposomal Delivery of Newly Identified Prophage Lysins in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Model

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic bacterium that presents resistance to several antibiotics, thus, representing a major threat to human and animal health. Phage-derived products, namely lysins, or peptidoglycan-hydrolyzing enzymes, can be an effective weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Whereas in Gram-positive bacteria, lysis from without is facilitated by the exposed peptidoglycan layer, this is not possible in the outer membrane-protected peptidoglycan of Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we suggest the encapsulation of lysins in liposomes as a delivery system against Gram-negative bacteria, using the model of P. aeruginosa. Bioinformatic analysis allowed for the identification of 38 distinct complete prophages within 66 P. aeruginosa genomes (16 of which newly sequenced) and led to the identification of 19 lysins of diverse sequence and function, 5 of which proceeded to wet lab analysis. The four purifiable lysins showed hydrolytic activity against Gram-positive bacterial lawns and, on zymogram assays, constituted of autoclaved P. aeruginosa cells. Additionally, lysins Pa7 and Pa119 combined with an outer membrane permeabilizer showed activity against P. aeruginosa cells. These two lysins were successfully encapsulated in DPPC:DOPE:CHEMS (molar ratio 4:4:2) liposomes with an average encapsulation efficiency of 33.33% and 32.30%, respectively. The application of the encapsulated lysins to the model P. aeruginosa led to a reduction in cell viability and resulted in cell lysis as observed in MTT cell viability assays and electron microscopy. In sum, we report here that prophages may be important sources of new enzybiotics, with prophage lysins showing high diversity and activity. In addition, these enzybiotics following their incorporation in liposomes were able to potentiate their antibacterial effect against the Gram-negative bacteria P. aeruginosa, used as the model.     

Potentiating antilymphoma efficacy of chemotherapy using a liposome for integration of CD20 targeting,ultra-violet irradiation polymerizing,and controlled drug delivery

Unlike most malignancies, chemotherapy but not surgery plays the most important role in treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Currently, liposomes have been widely used to encapsulate chemotherapeutic drugs in treating solid tumors. However, higher in vivo stability owns a much more important position for excellent antitumor efficacy in treating hematological malignancies. In this study, we finely fabricated a rituximab Fab fragment-decorated liposome based on 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC), which can form intermolecular cross-linking through the diacetylenic group by ultra-violet (UV) irradiation. Our experimental results demonstrated that after the UV irradiation, the liposomes exhibit better serum stability and slower drug release with a decreased mean diameter of approximately 285 nm. The cellular uptake of adriamycin (ADR) by this Fab-navigated liposome was about four times of free drugs. Cytotoxicity assays against CD20⁺ lymphoma cells showed that the half maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ADR-loaded immunoliposome was only one fourth of free ADR at the same condition. In vivo studies were evaluated in lymphoma-bearing SCID mice. With the high serum stability, finely regulated structure, active targeting strategy via antigen-antibody reaction and passive targeting strategy via enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, our liposome exhibits durable and potent antitumor activities both in the disseminated and localized human NHL xeno-transplant models.     

Cysteine-Encapsulated Liposome for Investigating Biomolecular Interactions at Lipid Membranes

The development of a strategy to investigate interfacial phenomena at lipid membranes is practically useful because most essential biomolecular interactions occur at cell membranes. In this study, a colorimetric method based on cysteine-encapsulated liposomes was examined using gold nanoparticles as a probe to provide a platform to report an enzymatic activity at lipid membranes. The cysteine-encapsulated liposomes were prepared with varying ratios of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and cholesterol through the hydration of lipid films and extrusions in the presence of cysteine. The size, composition, and stability of resulting liposomes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectrophotometry. The results showed that the increased cholesterol content improved the stability of liposomes, and the liposomes were formulated with 60 mol % cholesterol for the subsequent experiments. Triton X-100 was tested to disrupt the lipid membranes to release the encapsulated cysteine from the liposomes. Cysteine can induce the aggregation of gold nanoparticles accompanying a color change, and the colorimetric response of gold nanoparticles to the released cysteine was investigated in various media. Except in buffer solutions at around pH 5, the cysteine-encapsulated liposomes showed the color change of gold nanoparticles only after being incubated with Triton X-100. Finally, the cysteine-encapsulated liposomal platform was tested to report the enzymatic activity of phospholipase A₂ that hydrolyzes phospholipids in the membrane. The hydrolysis of phospholipids triggered the release of cysteine from the liposomes, and the released cysteine was successfully detected by monitoring the distinct red-to-blue color change of gold nanoparticles. The presence of phospholipase A₂ was also confirmed by the appearance of a peak around 690 nm in the UV-vis spectra, which is caused by the cysteine-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles. The results demonstrated that the cysteine-encapsulated liposome has the potential to be used to investigate biological interactions occurring at lipid membranes.     

Preparation of liposomes entrapping essential oil from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz by modified RESS technique

A modified technique of rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS) was applied to incorporate essential oil extracted from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz into liposomes. In the modified RESS process, both the liposomal materials and the essential oil were dissolved in the mixture of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂)/ethanol and then the solution was sprayed into an aqueous medium through a coaxial nozzle to form liposomes suspension. The encapsulation performance of liposomes could be controlled by changing expansion processing conditions such as pressure, temperature of SC-CO₂ and the amount of ethanol. The entrapment efficiency, drug loading and average particle size of liposomes were found to be 82.18%, 5.18% and 173 nm, respectively, under the optimum conditions of at a pressure of 30 MPa, a temperature of 338 K and a ethanol mole fraction in SC-CO₂ [(x(CH₃CH₂OH)] of 15%. The formed liposomes appeared as double-layered colloidal spheres with a uniform and narrow particle size distribution. The physicochemical properties of liposomes including entrapment efficiency, dissolution rate and stability were complied with the provisions of Chinese pharmacopoeia. All these results indicate that the modified RESS technique is an innovative way for self-assembly of liposomes incorporation of multi-components extracted from Chinese traditional medicines in the SC-CO₂.     

The Effects of Biopolymer Encapsulation on Total Lipids and Cholesterol in Egg Yolk during in Vitro Human Digestion

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of biopolymer encapsulation on the digestion of total lipids and cholesterol in egg yolk using an in vitro human digestion model. Egg yolks were encapsulated with 1% cellulose, pectin, or chitosan. The samples were then passed through an in vitro human digestion model that simulated the composition of mouth saliva, stomach acid, and the intestinal juice of the small intestine by using a dialysis tubing system. The change in digestion of total lipids was monitored by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The digestion rate of total lipids and cholesterol in all egg yolk samples dramatically increased after in vitro human digestion. The digestion rate of total lipids and cholesterol in egg yolks encapsulated with chitosan or pectin was reduced compared to the digestion rate of total lipids and cholesterol in other egg yolk samples. Egg yolks encapsulated with pectin or chitosan had lower free fatty acid content, and lipid oxidation values than samples without biopolymer encapsulation. Moreover, the lipase activity decreased, after in vitro digestion, in egg yolks encapsulated with biopolymers. These results improve our understanding of the effects of digestion on total lipids and cholesterol in egg yolk within the gastrointestinal tract.     

In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Lactoferrin-Conjugated Liposomes as a Novel Carrier to Improve the Brain Delivery

In this study, lactoferrin-conjugated PEGylated liposomes (PL), a potential drug carrier for brain delivery, was loaded with radioisotope complex, ^99mTc labeled N,N-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-N′,N′-diethylethylenediamine (^99mTc-BMEDA) for in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The hydrophilicity of liposomes was enhanced by PEGylation which was not an ideal brain delivery system for crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB). With the modification of a brain-targeting ligand, lactoferrin (Lf), the PEGylated liposome (PL) might become a potential brain delivery vehicle. In order to test the hypothesis in vitro and in vivo, ^99mTc-BMEDA was loaded into the liposomes as a reporter with or without Lf-conjugation. The mouse brain endothelia cell line, bEnd.3 cells, was cultured to investigate the potential uptake of liposomes in vitro. The in vivo uptake by the mouse brain of the liposomes was detected by tissue biodistribution study. The results indicated that Lf-conjugated PEGylated liposome showed more than three times better uptake efficiency in vitro and two-fold higher of brain uptake in vivo than PEGlyated liposome. With the success of loading the potential Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) imaging probe, ^99mTc-BMEDA, Lf-PL might serve as a promising brain delivery system for loading diagnostics or therapeutics of various brain disorders.     

Effect of pH and ionic strength on phospholipid nanomechanics and on deposition process onto hydrophilic surfaces measured by AFM

The effect of ion-binding on a zwitterionic phospholipid such as 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) has been studied by measuring the zeta potential value of the unilamellar liposomes present in solution while varying the pH and the ionic strength in independent experiments. We have experimentally confirmed that DMPC binds cations, resulting in an increase of the zeta potential value. The liposome surface charge has been proved to have a strong effect on the supported bilayer formation on hydrophilic, negatively charged surfaces such as mica and silicon oxide as atomic force microscopy images reveal. Furthermore, thanks to force spectroscopy measurements we have proved that ion-binding also affects the nanomechanical response of the system, since it increases the force that has to be exerted on the membrane in order to puncture it. Last but not least, the nanomechanics of the bilayer does not depend on the substrate, thus implying that membrane properties are not influenced by the supporting material.     

Retention of Eucalyptol,a Natural Volatile Insecticide,in Delivery Systems Based on Hydroxypropyl‐β‐Cyclodextrin and Liposomes

Eucalyptol (Euc) is a natural monoterpene with insecticide effects. Being highly volatile and sensitive to ambient conditions, its encapsulation would enlarge its application. Euc‐loaded conventional liposomes (CL), cyclodextrin/drug inclusion complex, and drug‐in‐cyclodextrin‐in‐liposomes (DCL) are prepared to protect Euc from degradation, reduce its evaporation, and provide its controlled release. The liposomal suspension is freeze‐dried using hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) as cryoprotectant. The liposomes are characterized before and after freeze‐drying. The effect of Euc on the fluidity of liposomal membrane is also examined. A release study of Euc from delivery systems, in powder and reconstituted forms, is performed by multiple head extraction at 60 °C after 6 months of storage at 4 °C. CL and DCL suspensions are homogeneous, show nanometric vesicles size, spherical shape, and negative surface charge before and after freeze‐drying. Moreover, HP‐β‐CD does not affect the fluidity of liposomes. CL formulations present a weak encapsulation for Euc. The loading capacity of eucalyptol in DCL is 38 times higher than that in CL formulation. In addition, freeze‐dried DCL and HP‐β‐CD/Euc inclusion complex show a higher retention of eucalyptol than CL delivery system. Both carrier systems HP‐β‐CD/Euc and Euc‐loaded DCL decrease Euc evaporation and improve its retention. Practical Applications: Eucalyptol is a natural insecticide. It is highly volatile and poorly soluble in water. To enlarge its application, its encapsulation in three delivery systems (conventional liposomes, cyclodextrin/drug inclusion complex, combined system composed of cyclodextrin inclusion complex and liposome) is studied. In this paper it is proved that cyclodextrin/eucalyptol inclusion complex and eucalyptol‐in‐cyclodextrin‐in‐liposome are effective delivery systems for encalyptol encapsulation, retention, and release.     

Photo-responsive liposomes decorated with hydrophobically modified poly(vinyl alcohol)–coumarin conjugate

Photo-responsive liposome was developed by modifying the surface of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (egg PC) liposomes with hydrophobically modified poly(vinyl alcohol)–epoxypropoxy coumarin conjugate (HmPVA-EPC). Decanoyl chloride (DC) was used as a hydrophobic pendant for the hydrophobic modification of PVA. The fluorescence quenching of liposomes was more than 65% when the ratio of lipid/HmPVA-EPC was 1:0.01–1:0.1, but the value was less than 35% in the ratio range of 1:0.2–1:1. Under UV irradiation (λ = 254 nm), egg PC liposomes of which lipid/HmPVA-EPC ratio was 1:0.1 readily release their content for 60 min possibly due to the photo-dimerization of EPC residues.     

Comparison of DOPA and DPPA liposome templates for the synthesis of calcium phosphate nanoshells

The aim of this paper is to synthesise calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoshells by controlling their particle size and shape using negatively charged liposomes (1,2 dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphate sodium salt (DOPA) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate sodium salt (DPPA)) as a template. The morphology, particle size, size distribution and zeta potential properties of DOPA and DPPA liposome templates were determined. The results showed that both DOPA and DPPA formed spherical nanoshell structures to be used as templates for the synthesis of CaP nanoshells. By using the DOPA template, spherical CaPs structures with a mean particle size of 197.5 ± 5.8 nm were successfully formed. In contrast, needle or irregularly shaped CaP particles were observed when using the DPPA template.     

Inhibitory Effect of a Glutamine Antagonist on Proliferation and Migration of VSMCs via Simultaneous Attenuation of Glycolysis and Oxidative Phosphorylation

Excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. Glycolysis and glutaminolysis are increased in rapidly proliferating VSMCs to support their increased energy requirements and biomass production. Thus, it is essential to develop new pharmacological tools that regulate metabolic reprogramming in VSMCs for treatment of atherosclerosis. The effects of 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON), a glutamine antagonist, have been broadly investigated in highly proliferative cells; however, it is unclear whether DON inhibits proliferation of VSMCs and neointima formation. Here, we investigated the effects of DON on neointima formation in vivo as well as proliferation and migration of VSMCs in vitro. DON simultaneously inhibited FBS- or PDGF-stimulated glycolysis and glutaminolysis as well as mammalian target of rapamycin complex I activity in growth factor-stimulated VSMCs, and thereby suppressed their proliferation and migration. Furthermore, a DON-derived prodrug, named JHU-083, significantly attenuated carotid artery ligation-induced neointima formation in mice. Our results suggest that treatment with a glutamine antagonist is a promising approach to prevent progression of atherosclerosis and restenosis.     

Effect of quaternized chitosan on the fusion efficiency and cytocompatibility of liposomes

Liposomes of cholesterol and 1, 2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were prepared, followed by entrapping and/or coating with O-(2-hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride (O-HTCC). The appearance of liposome was examined using transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the loading of O-HTCC to the liposome was confirmed by infrared spectroscope. The zeta potential of liposome was measured. The antimicrobial activity of liposome against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538 P) was evaluated based on the MIC and MBC values. The results showed that the antimicrobial activity of O-HTCC loading liposome was higher than that of pure O-HTCC. The cytotoxicity of O-HTCC and O-HTCC-loading liposome was determined using L929 fibroblasts in vitro via MTT test and morphology of L-929 cells. The results showed that cytotoxicity was not observed when concentration of O-HTCC was below 100 μg/ml. By labeling with Dil, the fusion of liposome with the cell membrane of L929 was observed, and the efficiency of fusion was improved by the loading of O-HTCC.