Multifunctional Liposomes Research Articles

Enhanced small interfering RNA delivery into cells by exploiting the additive effect between photo-sensitive peptides and targeting ligands.

To enhance the targeting delivery efficiency of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to tumour cells, a novel multifunctional liposome (PSP/NGR-L) comodified with photo-sensitive cell-penetrating peptides (PSP) and asparagine-glycine-arginine peptide (NGR) was constructed and investigated. PSP was conjugated to 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-maleimide(polyethylene glycol)-2000 (DSPE-PEG2000 -MAL) to generate DSPE-PEG2000 -PSP and used to form PSP/NGR-L, the features of the liposomes were determined. HT-1080 and MCF-7 cells were used for cellular uptake tests, and the cellular uptake pathways were identified. Intracellular trafficking and endosomal escape were also evaluated. In-vitro siRNA transfection evaluations were carried out in HT-1080 cells. The encapsulation efficiencies of liposomes were about 80%, and the mean particle sizes were around 100 nm. The targeting specificity of PSP/NGR-L was significantly enhanced via NGR navigation and ultraviolet (UV) light illumination. The internalization of PSP/NGR-L in HT-1080 cells was mediated by more than one cellular uptake mechanisms. The constructed nanocarrier could escape from the endosome to produce its effects in the cellular cytoplasm with the help of UV illumination. PSP/NGR-L could down-regulate expression of c-myc and augmented cell apoptosis in HT-1080 cells. The application of combined PSP and NGR modifications may be a new approach for the selectively targeted delivery of siRNA to cancer cells.

Multifunctional liposomes constituting microneedles induced robust systemic and mucosal immunoresponses against the loaded antigens via oral mucosal vaccination

To develop effective, convenient and stable mucosal vaccines, mannose-PEG-cholesterol (MPC)/lipid A-liposomes (MLLs) entrapping model antigen bovine serum albumin (BSA) were prepared by the procedure of emulsification–lyophilization and used to constitute microneedles, forming the proMLL-filled microneedle arrays (proMMAs). The proMMAs were rather stable and hard enough to pierce porcine skin and, upon rehydration, dissolved rapidly recovering the MLLs without size and entrapment change. The proMMAs given to mice via oral mucosal (o.m.) route, rather than routine intradermal administration, elicited robust systemic and mucosal immunoresponses against the loaded antigens as evidenced by high levels of BSA-specific IgG in the sera and IgA in the salivary, intestinal and vaginal secretions of mice. Enhanced levels of IgG2a and IFN-γ in treated mice revealed that proMMAs induced a mixed Th1/Th2 immunoresponse. Moreover, a significant increase in CD8+ T cells confirmed that strong cellular immunity had also been established by the immunization of the proMMAs. Thus, the proMMAs can be immunized via o.m. route to set up an effective multiple defense against pathogen invasion and may be an effective vaccine adjuvant-delivery system (VADS) applicable in the controlled temperature chain.

Multi-functional liposomes showing radiofrequency-triggered release and magnetic resonance imaging for tumor multi-mechanism therapy.

Recently, nanoplatforms with multiple functions, such as tumor-targeting drug carriers, MRI, optical imaging, thermal therapy etc., have become popular in the field of cancer research. The present study reports a novel multi-functional liposome for cancer theranostics. A dual targeted drug delivery with radiofrequency-triggered drug release and imaging based on the magnetic field influence was used advantageously for tumor multi-mechanism therapy. In this system, the surface of fullerene (C60) was decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles, and PEGylation formed a hybrid nanosystem (C60-Fe3O4-PEG2000). Thermosensitive liposomes (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, DPPC) with DSPE-PEG2000-folate wrapped up the hybrid nanosystem and docetaxel (DTX), which were designed to combine features of biological and physical (magnetic) drug targeting for fullerene radiofrequency-triggered drug release. The magnetic liposomes not only served as powerful tumor diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, but also as powerful agents for photothermal ablation of tumors. Furthermore, a remarkable thermal therapy combined chemotherapy multi-functional liposome nanoplatform converted radiofrequency energy into thermal energy to release drugs from thermosensitive liposomes, which was also observed during both in vitro and in vivo treatment. The multi-functional liposomes also could selectively kill cancer cells in highly localized regions via their excellent active tumor targeting and magnetic targeted abilities.

Evaluation of multifunctional liposomes in human blood serum by light scattering.

To overcome the limited functionality of "stealth" lipids based on linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains, hyperbranched polyether-based lipids that bear multiple hydroxyl groups for further chemical modification may be a suitable replacement. This study focuses on the development and characterization of "stealth" liposomes modified with a novel hyperbranched polyglycerol lipid (cholesterol-PEG30-hbPG23). An emphasis was placed on the stability of these liposomes in comparison to those containing a linear PEG derivative (cholesterol-PEG44) directly in human blood serum, characterized via dynamic light scattering (DLS). Polymer lipid contents were varied between 0 and 30 mol %, resulting in liposomes with sizes between 150 and 80 nm in radius, depending on the composition. DLS analysis showed no aggregation inducing interactions between serum components and liposomes containing 10-30 mol % of the hyperbranched lipid. In contrast, liposomes functionalized with comparable amounts of linear PEG exhibited aggregate formation in the size range of 170-330 nm under similar conditions. In addition to DLS, cryo-transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed for all liposome samples to prove the formation of unilamellar vesicles. These results demonstrate the outstanding potential of the introduction of hyperbranched polyglycerol into liposomes to stabilize the assemblies against aggregation while providing additional functionalization sites.

Multifunctional liposomes reduce brain β-amyloid burden and ameliorate memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease mouse models.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation and deposition of plaques of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide in the brain. Given its pivotal role, new therapies targeting Aβ are in demand. We rationally designed liposomes targeting the brain and promoting the disaggregation of Aβ assemblies and evaluated their efficiency in reducing the Aβ burden in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. Liposomes were bifunctionalized with a peptide derived from the apolipoprotein-E receptor-binding domain for blood-brain barrier targeting and with phosphatidic acid for Aβ binding. Bifunctionalized liposomes display the unique ability to hinder the formation of, and disaggregate, Aβ assemblies in vitro (EM experiments). Administration of bifunctionalized liposomes to APP/presenilin 1 transgenic mice (aged 10 months) for 3 weeks (three injections per week) decreased total brain-insoluble Aβ1-42 (-33%), assessed by ELISA, and the number and total area of plaques (-34%) detected histologically. Also, brain Aβ oligomers were reduced (-70.5%), as assessed by SDS-PAGE. Plaque reduction was confirmed in APP23 transgenic mice (aged 15 months) either histologically or by PET imaging with [(11)C]Pittsburgh compound B (PIB). The reduction of brain Aβ was associated with its increase in liver (+18%) and spleen (+20%). Notably, the novel-object recognition test showed that the treatment ameliorated mouse impaired memory. Finally, liposomes reached the brain in an intact form, as determined by confocal microscopy experiments with fluorescently labeled liposomes. These data suggest that bifunctionalized liposomes destabilize brain Aβ aggregates and promote peptide removal across the blood-brain barrier and its peripheral clearance. This all-in-one multitask therapeutic device can be considered as a candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Liposomal drug delivery: a versatile platform for challenging clinical applications.

Liposomes are lipid based vesicular systems that offer novel platform for versatile drug delivery to target cell. Liposomes were first reported by Bangham and his co-workers in 1964 (1). Since then, liposomes have undergone extensive research with the prime aim to optimize encapsulation, stability, circulation time and target specific drug delivery. Manipulation of a liposome's lipid bilayer and surface decoration with selective ligands has transformed conventional liposomes into adaptable and multifunctional liposomes. Development of liposomes with target specificity provide the prospect of safe and effective therapy for challenging clinical applications. Bioresponsive liposomes offer the opportunity to release payload in response to tissue specific microenvironment. Incorporation of novel natural and synthetic materials has extended their application from stable formulations to controlled release targeted drug delivery systems. Integration and optimization of multiple features into one system revolutionized research in the field of cancer, gene therapy, immunotherapy and infectious diseases. After 50 years since the first publication, this review is aimed to highlight next generation of liposomes, their preparation methods and progress in clinical applications.

Design of multifunctional magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles/mitoxantrone-loaded liposomes for both magnetic resonance imaging and targeted cancer therapy.

Tumor-targeting multifunctional liposomes simultaneously loaded with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and anticancer drug, mitoxantrone (Mit), were developed for targeted cancer therapy and ultrasensitive MRI. The gonadorelin-functionalized MION/Mit-loaded liposome (Mit-GML) showed significantly increased uptake in luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone (LHRH) receptor overexpressing MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) breast cancer cells over a gonadorelin-free MION/Mit-loaded liposome (Mit-ML) control, as well as in an LHRH receptor low-expressing Sloan-Kettering HER2 3+ Ovarian Cancer (SK-OV-3) cell control, thereby leading to high cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 human breast tumor cell line. The Mit-GML formulation was more effective and less toxic than equimolar doses of free Mit or Mit-ML in the treatment of LHRH receptors overexpressing MCF-7 breast cancer xenografts in mice. Furthermore, the Mit-GML demonstrated much higher T2 enhancement than did Mit-ML controls in vivo. Collectively, the study indicates that the integrated diagnostic and therapeutic design of Mit-GML nanomedicine potentially allows for the image-guided, target-specific treatment of cancer.

CRGD-conjugated magnetic-fluorescent liposomes for targeted dual-modality imaging of bone metastasis from prostate cancer

We reported the development of multifunctional liposomes as a dual-modality probe to facilitate targeted magnetic resonance and fluorescent imaging of bone metastasis from advanced cancer. Multifunctional liposomes consisted of liposomes as a carrier, hydrophobic CdSe QDs in phospholipid bilayer, hydrophilic iron oxide nanoparticles in interior vesicle, lipid-PEG derivative on the surface and cRGDyk peptide conjugated to distal ends of lipid-PEG derivative. Excellent stability, effective detection signal, low toxicity, high resistance to phagocytosis by macrophages and good specificity to tumor of multifunctional liposomes were confirmed by in vitro characterization. The in vivo results demonstrated that multifunctional liposomes accumulated mainly in tumor and liver, indicating that targeted dual-modality imaging was achieved, and the results from two kinds of modalities were consistent and complementary. These findings provide a helpful strategy for detection of bone metastases in a more effective manner for initiation of appropriate therapy.

Multifunctional liposomes for nasal delivery of the anti-Alzheimer drug tacrine hydrochloride

The purpose of this study was the development of multifunctional liposomes for nasal administration of tacrine hydrochloride. Liposomes were prepared using traditional excipients (cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine), partly enriched with α-tocopherol and/or Omega3 fatty acids. This approach was chosen in order to obtain at the same time two positive results: an enhanced drug permeation through nasal mucosa and a concomitant neuroprotective effect. Several liposome formulations were prepared using the Reverse Phase Evaporation technique followed by membrane filter extrusion. In particular, liposome capacity to enhance drug permeation was evaluated by means of membrane permeation and cellular uptake studies. Furthermore, liposome effect on neuronal viability and intracellular ROS production was evaluated as well as their cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress. All liposome formulations showed a mean diameter in the range of 175 nm to 219 nm with polydispersity index lower than 0.22, a lightly negative zeta potential and excellent encapsulation efficiency. Moreover, along with good mucoadhesive properties, multifunctional liposomes showed a markedly increase in tacrine permeability, which can be related to liposome fusion with cellular membrane, a hypothesis, which was also supported by cellular uptake studies. Finally, the addition of α-tocopherol without Omega3 fatty acids, was found to increase the neuroprotective activity and antioxidant properties of liposomes.

Efficacy of multi-functional liposomes containing daunorubicin and emetine for treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia

Despite recent advances in chemotherapy against acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), the disease still has high mortality, particularly for patients who tolerate extensive chemotherapy poorly. Nano-formulations have potential to minimise the adverse effects of chemotherapy. We present here a liposomal formulation encapsulating both the anthracycline daunorubicin (DNR) and emetine (Eme) for enhanced cytotoxic effect against AML cells. Eme could be loaded into the PEGylated liposomes together with DNR by the acid precipitation principle, with a loading efficiency of Eme at about 50% of that of DNR. The liposome surface was modified with folate to enhance drug loading into cells, giving higher cytotoxic activity. Both intracellular drug loading and cytotoxic activity could be further increased by anti-folate treatment of AML cells with methotrexate (MTX). The combination of DNR and Eme also increased drug loading in MTX-treated cells compared to DNR alone. Liposomes with both DNR and Eme were particularly efficient against AMLs with deficient p53. In conclusion, we have produced a multi-functional liposomal anti-leukaemic drug formulation designed to overcome some of the problems in anthracycline chemotherapy: (1) Combination of DNR and Eme to diminish drug resistance. (2) Using PEGylated stealth liposomes to minimise adverse side-effects. (3) Molecules on the liposomal surface target proteins on AML-cells ensure selectivity, which was enhanced by priming the leukaemia cells with MTX.

Multifunctional nanoliposomes with curcumin–lipid derivative and brain targeting functionality with potential applications for Alzheimer disease

With the objective to formulate multifunctional nanosized liposomes to target amyloid deposits in Alzheimer Disease (AD) brains, a lipid–PEG–curcumin derivative was synthesized and characterized. Multifunctional liposomes incorporating the curcumin derivative and additionally decorated with a Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) transport mediator (anti-Transferin antibody) were prepared and characterized. The fluorescence intensity of curcumin derivative was found to increase notably when the curcumin moiety was in the form of a diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) salt. Both curcumin-derivative liposomes and curcumin-derivative Anti-TrF liposomes showed a high affinity for the amyloid deposits, on post-mortem brains samples of AD patients. The ability of both liposomes to delay Aβ1-42 peptide aggregation was confirmed by Thioflavin assay. However, the decoration of the curcumin-derivative liposomes with the Anti-TrF improved significantly the intake by the BBB cellular model. Results verify that the attachment of an antibody on the curcumin-liposome surface does not block deposit staining or prevention of Aβ aggregation, while the presence of the curcumin–PEG–lipid conjugate does not reduce their brain-targeting capability substantially, proving the potential of such multifunctional NLs for application in Alzheimer disease treatment and diagnosis.

Multifunctional liposomes loaded with paclitaxel and artemether for treatment of invasive brain glioma

Invasive brain glioma is the most lethal type of cancer and is highly infiltrating. This leads to an extremely poor prognosis and makes complete surgical removal of the tumor virtually impossible. Non-penetration of therapeutic drugs across the blood–brain barrier (BBB), brain cancer stem cells (CSCs), and brain cancer vasculogenic mimicry (VM) results in relapse after surgical and radio therapy. We developed a functional targeting chemotherapy for transporting drugs across the BBB, destroying VM channels, and eliminating CSCs and cancer cells in the brain. The studies were undertaken on brain glioma cells in vitro and in brain glioma-bearing rats. Using paclitaxel as the anticancer drug and artemether as the regulator of apoptosis and inhibitor of VM channels, a kind of functional targeting paclitaxel plus artemether liposomes was developed by modifying two new functional materials: a mannose-vitamin E derivative conjugate (MAN-TPGS1000) and a dequalinium-lipid derivative conjugate (DQA-PEG2000-DSPE). The transport mechanism across the BBB was associated with receptor-mediated endocytosis by MAN-TPGS1000 conjugate via glucose transporters and adsorptive-mediated endocytosis by DQA-PEG2000-DSPE conjugate via electric charge-based interactions. The efficacy was related to the destruction of VM channels by regulating VM indicators, as well as the induction of apoptosis in brain cancer cells and CSCs by activating apoptotic enzymes and pro-apoptotic proteins and inhibiting anti-apoptotic proteins. These data suggest that the chemotherapy using functional targeting paclitaxel plus artemether liposomes could provide a new strategy for treating invasive brain glioma.

Targeted Multimodal Liposomes for Nano-delivery and Imaging: An Avenger for Drug Resistance and Cancer

Understanding the cellular target structure and thereby proposing the best delivery system to achieve sustained release of drugs has always been a significant area of focus in biomedical research for translational benefits. Specific targeting of the receptors expressed on the target cell represents an effective strategy for increasing the pharmacological efficacy of the administered drug. Liposomes offer enhanced conveyance as a potential carrier of biomacromolecules such as anti-cancer proteins, drugs and siRNA for targeting tumour cell death. Commonly used liposomal constructs for various therapies are Doxil, Myocet, DepoCyt and Abraxanes. However, recent strategy of using multifunctional liposomes for the sustained release of drugs with increased plasma residence time and monoclonal antibody-based targeting of tumours coupled with imaging modalities have attracted enormous scientific attention. The ability of liposomes coated with specific ligands such as Apo-E derived RGD R9 and Tat peptide, to reverse the conceptualisation of drug resistance and cross the blood brain barrier, provides promising future for their use as an efficient drug delivery system. By outlining the recent advancements and innovations in the established concept of liposomal drug delivery, this review will focus on the multifunctional liposomes as an emerging novel lipid based drug delivery system.

Research Spotlight: Multifunctional Liposomes for MRI and image-guided Drug Delivery

Liposomes are a class of nanovesicles that have been explored extensively in the biomedical arena for early diagnosis and treatment of disease. In recent years, several liposomal drug formulations have been clinically approved in oncology. In a modular approach, the properties of liposomes can be tailored for combined molecular MRI, therapy and image-guided delivery of therapeutic drugs. Over the last year, extensive research has been performed in the authors laboratory on paramagnetic liposomes as innovative imaging probes for the detection of specific molecular or cellular targets and image-guided drug delivery using multifunctional, temperature-sensitive liposomes. A number of key achievements by the authors group will be highlighted in this research spotlight.

Current trends in the use of liposomes for tumor targeting.

The use of liposomes for drug delivery began early in the history of pharmaceutical nanocarriers. These nanosized, lipid bilayered vesicles have become popular as drug delivery systems owing to their efficiency, biocompatibility, nonimmunogenicity, enhanced solubility of chemotherapeutic agents and their ability to encapsulate a wide array of drugs. Passive and ligand-mediated active targeting promote tumor specificity with diminished adverse off-target effects. The current field of liposomes focuses on both clinical and diagnostic applications. Recent efforts have concentrated on the development of multifunctional liposomes that target cells and cellular organelles with a single delivery system. This review discusses the recent advances in liposome research in tumor targeting.

Nanocomposite liposomes containing quantum dots and anticancer drugs for bioimaging and therapeutic delivery: a comparison of cationic, PEGylated and deformable liposomes

Multifunctional liposomes loaded with quantum dots (QDs) and anticancer drugs were prepared for simultaneous bioimaging and drug delivery. Different formulations, including cationic, PEGylated and deformable liposomes, were compared for their theranostic efficiency. We had evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of these liposomes. The developed liposomes were examined using experimental platforms of cytotoxicity, cell migration, cellular uptake, in vivo melanoma imaging and drug accumulation in tumors. The average size of various nanocomposite liposomes was found to be 92–134 nm. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of QDs within liposomal bilayers. The incorporation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Span 20 into the liposomes greatly increased the fluidity of the bilayers. The liposomes provided sustained release of camptothecin and irinotecan. The cytotoxicity and cell migration assay demonstrated superior activity of cationic liposomes compared with other carriers. Cationic liposomes also showed a significant fluorescence signal in melanoma cells after internalization. The liposomes were intratumorally administered to a melanoma-bearing mouse. Cationic liposomes showed the brightest fluorescence in tumors, followed by classical liposomes. This signal could last for up to 24 h for cationic nanosystems. Intratumoral accumulation of camptothecin from free control was 35 nmol g−1; it could be increased to 50 nmol g−1 after loading with cationic liposomes. However, encapsulation of irinotecan into liposomes did not further increase intratumoral drug accumulation. Cationic liposomes were preferable to other liposomes as nanocarriers in both bioimaging and therapeutic approaches.

PSA-responsive and PSMA-mediated multifunctional liposomes for targeted therapy of prostate cancer

In the hormone-refractory stage of prostate cancer (PC), the expression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) often remains highly active. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that these two proteins are attractive targets for specific delivery of functional molecules to advanced PC, not merely as potential sensitive markers for PC detection. In this study, we constructed a dual-modified liposome that incorporated PSA-responsive and PSMA-mediated liposomes and potentially offers double selectivity for PC. The folate moiety binds quickly to PSMA-positive tumors, and the PSA-responsive moiety is cleaved by PSA that was enriched in tumor tissues. The activated liposomes (folate and cell-penetrating peptides dual-modifications) are subsequently taken up by the tumor cells via polyarginine's penetrating effects and receptor-mediated endocytosis. To corroborate these assumptions, a series of experiments were conducted, including PSA-responsive peptide hydrolysis kinetics, cellular uptake, internalization mechanism and escape from endosomes in PC-3 and/or 22Rv1 cells, biodistribution and antitumor activity of siRNA-loaded liposomes after systemic administration, gene silencing and cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. The results reveal that multivalent interactions play a key role in enhancing PC cell recognition and uptake while reducing nonspecific uptake. The dual-modified liposomes carrying small interfering RNA (siRNA) have significant advantages over the control liposomes, including single-modified (folate, CPP, PSA-responsive only) and non-modified liposomes. The dual-modified liposomes elevated cellular uptake, downregulated expression of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1) and augmented cell apoptosis in prostate tumor cells. The entry of the dual-modified liposomes into 22Rv1 cells occurred via multiple endocytic pathways, including clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis, followed by an effective endosomal escape of the entrapped siRNA into the cytoplasm. In vivo studies conducted on a 22Rv1 xenograft murine model demonstrated that the dual-modified liposomes demonstrated the maximized accumulation, retention and knockdown of PLK-1 in tumor cells, as well as the strongest inhibition of tumor growth and induction of tumor cell apoptosis. In terms of targeting capacity and therapeutic potency, the combination of a PSA-responsive and PSMA-mediated liposome presents a promising platform for therapy and diagnosis of PSMA/PSA-positive PC.

EPR-effect: Utilizing size-dependent Nanoparticle Delivery to Solid Tumors

EPR-effect: Utilizing size-dependent Nanoparticle Delivery to Solid Tumors

Nanosized multifunctional liposomes for tumor diagnosis and molecular imaging by SPECT/CT

Among currently used cancer imaging methods, nuclear medicine modalities provide metabolic information, whereas modalities in radiology provide anatomical information. However, different modalities, having different acquisition times in separate machines, decrease the specificity and accuracy of images. To solve this problem, hybrid imaging modalities were developed as a new era, especially in the cancer imaging field. With widespread usage of hybrid imaging modalities, specific contrast agents are essentially needed to use in both modalities, such as single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). Liposomes are one of the most desirable drug delivery systems, depending on their suitable properties. The aim of this study was to develop a liposomal contrast agent for the diagnosis and molecular imaging of tumor by SPECT/CT. Liposomes were prepared nanosized, coated with polyethylene glycol to obtain long blood circulation, and modified with monoclonal antibody 2C5 for specific tumor targeting. Although DTPA-PE and DTPA-PLL-NGPE (polychelating amphilic polymers; PAPs) were loaded onto liposomes for stable radiolabeling for SPECT imaging, iopromide was encapsulated into liposomes for CT imaging. Liposomes [(DPPC:PEG2000-PE:Chol:DTPA-PE), (PL 90G:PEG2000-PE:Chol:DTPA-PE), (DPPC:PEG2000-PE:Chol:PAPs), (PL 90G:PEG2000-PE:Chol:PAPs), (60:0.9:39:0.1% mol ratio)] were characterized in terms of entrapment efficiency, particle size, physical stability, and release kinetics. Additionally, in vitro cell-binding studies were carried out on two tumor cell lines (MCF-7 and EL 4) by counting radioactivity. Tumor-specific antibody-modified liposomes were found to be effective multimodal contrast agents by designating almost 3–8 fold more uptake than nonmodified ones in different tumor cell lines. These results could be considered as an important step in the development of tumor-targeted SPECT/CT contrast agents for cancer imaging.

Liposome Encapsulation of a Photochemical NO Precursor for Controlled Nitric Oxide Release and Simultaneous Fluorescence Imaging

Described are photochemical studies of the nitric oxide precursors, trans-Cr(L)(ONO)(2)(+) (L = cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, CrONO, or L = mac = 5,7-dimethyl-6-anthracenylcyclam, mac-CrONO) encapsulated in phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The liposomes provide a means to maintain a localized high concentration of NO releasing complexes and are easily modified for in vivo targeting through self-assembly. Steady, controlled release of NO is seen after photolysis of the liposome-encapsulated CrONO as compared to the burst of NO release seen by the unencapsulated complex in oxygenated solutions. The quantum yields for photochemical NO release from liposome-encapsulated CrONO and mac-CrONO were determined in both oxygenated and anoxic solutions. The quantum yield for NO release in oxygenated solution for encapsulated CrONO was more than 5 times larger than that of unencapsulated CrONO, thus the net NO released after photolysis in oxygenated solutions is enhanced by encapsulation of CrONO in liposomes. Encapsulated mac-CrONO shows NO release after photolysis with low-intensity blue light. Furthermore, the fluorescence of mac-CrONO can be detected through the liposomes, thus allowing for development of theranostic NO delivery vessels where tracking and imaging can occur simultaneously with therapeutic NO release. This work provides insight into the development of multifunctional liposome constructs for disease theranostics.