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

Abstract

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.