Development of liposomal formulations of the eggplant glycoalkaloids solasonine and solamargine

Abstract

The eggplant glycoalkaloids solasonine and solamargine are efficient biomacromolecules against skin diseases but are water-insoluble which results in inefficient treatment due to inadequate transdermal delivery. To address this problem, several liposomal formulations were prepared and evaluated for parameters including lecithin type, hydration temperature, and pH. The optimal formula with high physical and chemical stability included the lecithin Phospholipon 80H hydrated with 10 mM NaCl (pH 5.5). Solasonine - solamargine loaded liposomes were tested for their physical and chemical stability and drug leakage over a three-month period. Furthermore, the drug release profile of the loaded liposomes was evaluated with different release media. The glycoalkaloids and their liposomal formulations were assessed for their biological activity in culture using HaCaT and SCC-25 cell lines. This work resulted in a biologically effective liposomal formulation that was stable (size <220 nm, PDI <0.25, encapsulation efficiency >80%) for at least three months.