Abstract
In this work, a lipophilic ophthalmic drug, lutein, has been entrapped in liposomes, using a supercritical assisted process. Effects of pressure, temperature, and drug to lipid ratio variation were studied on mean diameters and lutein encapsulation efficiency. Liposomes with diameters between 153 ± 38 and 267 ± 56 nm were produced, and lutein encapsulation efficiencies between 86.5 ± 0.4% and 97.8 ± 1.2% were obtained. A Scanning Electron Microscope confirmed spherical shape and mean dimensions of vesicles. The variation of temperature for the production of liposomes showed a significant impact on lutein retention time in the double lipidic layer. Lutein drug release from liposomes produced at 35 °C ended in almost 4.5 days; whereas, liposomes produced at 40 °C showed a faster lutein release in 3 days; then, vesicles obtained at 45 °C released their lutein content in only 2 days. Drug release raw data were well-fitted using Weibull model (R2 up to 99%).
Highlights
Drug delivery systems have been developed in different shapes and configurations to achieve one main goal: drug protection until reaching target cells [1]
Despite the fact that SuperLip process has already been employed for the encapsulation of drugs for ocular delivery [35], the effect of process conditions on the post-production drug release administration has never been investigated. Another goal of this study is to propose the modelling of the raw data obtained from drug release, which has not been yet investigated on liposomes produced using SuperLip process
The innovation proposed was not focused on the supercritical technique for the production of liposomes, which has been demonstrated many times under different pharmaceutical applications, but it aimed at producing liposomes whose drug release could be regulated, in order to find specific therapeutic necessities of the human body
Summary
Drug delivery systems have been developed in different shapes and configurations to achieve one main goal: drug protection until reaching target cells [1]. Liposomes have been clearly recognized as the most used non-toxic drug carriers, since they are biocompatible with cell barriers and have the ability to fuse with them [6] Due to their high biocompatibility and enhanced bioavailability of the loaded drugs, liposomes are considered the main key for the development and administration of a large number of drugs, such as antibiotics, proteins, dyes and markers, dietary supplements, and chromophores molecules; last but not least, liposomes are nowadays largely employed for the administration of vaccines, included the ones against COVID-19 disease [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
