Effect of preparation techniques on the properties of curcumin liposomes: Characterization of size, release and cytotoxicity on a squamous oral carcinoma cell line

Abstract

Curcumin, a chemopreventive agent, was incorporated into liposomes using different preparation techniques and characterized for parameters such as drug loading efficiency, size, in vitro release and in vitro cytotoxicity on a squamous carcinoma cell line. Liposomes were prepared with different methods – thin layer evaporation, ethanol injection and sonication methods, respectively, obtaining, multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) and small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs). The preparation techniques influenced the size, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release and cytotoxicity profiles. Encapsulation efficiency increased with decrease in drug to lipid ratio in the following rank order – MLVs > SUVs > ethanol injection vesicles. In vitro release and in vitro cytotoxicity were a function of the size of vesicle, which varied depending on the preparation technique. Based on these results, it can be concluded that different liposomal formulations can be employed to achieve unique in vivo needs in cancer chemotherapy.