LIPOSOME FORMATION FROM SYNTHETIC POLYHYDROXYL LIPIDS

The preparation of liposomes from synthetic dialkyl amphiphiles is described. Two of these lipids were synthesised with mixed chains of 18:0,14:0 and 18:0,22:0 and one contained two identical alkyl chains of 18:0,18:0. Based on electron microscopic observations and encapsulation studies, liposomes formed from these lipids resemble those prepared from natural lipids. The polyhydroxyl head group of these lipids was designed to mimic the oligosaccharide rich surface of natural cells. SPLVs of all lipid compositions investigated, had higher encapsulation efficiency compared with that of MLVs. With SPLVs the encapsulation efficiency obtained with EPC liposomes were similar to those with novel lipids. However, the optimum was obtained with 4a: cholesterol. Encapsulation efficiency in both MLVs and SPLVs was higher with novel lipid containing different side chain length.