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Title: Effect of cholesterol on nano-structural alteration of light-activatable liposomes via laser irradiation: Small angle neutron scattering study

Journal Article · · Colloids and Surfaces. A, Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
 [1];  [1]; ORCiD logo [2];  [1]
  1. Univ. of Cincinnati, OH (United States)
  2. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Neutron Scattering Division

Although the light-activated liposomes have been extensively studied for drug delivery applications, the fundamental mechanism of the drug release based on lipid compositions has not been fully understood. Especially, despite the extensive use of cholesterol in the lipid composition, the role of cholesterol in the light-activated drug release has not been studied. Here, in this study, the influence of cholesterol on drug release from light-responsive drug-encapsulated liposomes after activated by near infrared (NIR) laser was investigated. We prepared methotrexate (MTX)-encapsulated DSPC liposomes consisting of 0 mol% (—Chol) or 35 mol% cholesterol (+Chol), with (+Au) or without gold nanorods (—Au) on the lipid bilayer to compare drug release, morphological changes, and nanostructures after laser irradiations. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angel neutron scattering (SANS) data revealed that only +Chol +Au liposomes showed partial aggregation of the liposomes after laser irradiation. Similar trends on the drug release and structural change were observed when the liposomes were heated to above chain-transition temperature. Overall, we have found that (1) inclusion of 35 mol% cholesterol enhanced the permeability of lipid bilayers above Tc; (2) the mechanism of laser-activated liposomal drug delivery is disrupting lipid bilayer membranes by the photothermal effect in the presence of plasmonic materials. By understanding the fundamentals of the technology, precise controlled drug release at a targeted site with great stability and repeatability is anticipated.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES); National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725; R15 EY031500
OSTI ID:
1987802
Journal Information:
Colloids and Surfaces. A, Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, Vol. 641; ISSN 0927-7757
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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