Chitosan-coated liposomes as delivery systems for improving the stability and oral bioavailability of acteoside

Abstract

The stability and bioavailability of acteoside were improved by encapsulating it with liposomes and chitosan. The liposomes were characterized through transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and their particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), in vitro release, storage stability and oral bioavailability were tested. Results showed that the particles were nanosized and spherical. The average diameter, zeta potential, EE and relative bioavailability (Frel) of the acteoside liposome (Ac-Lip) were 78.49 ± 1.44 nm, −4.93 ± 0.79 mV, 81.06 ± 3.48% and 217.62%, respectively. These parameters increased to 92.77 ± 2.99 nm, +19.65 ± 0.90 mV, 88.10 ± 5.36% and 442.84%, respectively, after the surface of Ac-Lip was coated with 2 mg/mL of chitosan (CS-Ac-Lip). In contrast to Ac-Lip, the CS-Ac-Lip showed a reduced in vivo release rate and enhanced storage stability. The chitosan coating increased the diameter, zeta potential, EE, in vivo release time, stability and bioavailability of the Ac-Lip, and the chitosan–liposome is a promising delivery system for transporting acteoside or other bioactive components.