Biopolymer coating of soybean lecithin liposomes via layer-by-layer self-assembly as novel delivery system for ellagic acid

The formulation of a novel delivery system for ellagic acid formulated via layer-by-layer (L-b-L) electrostatic deposition of biopolymers onto soybean lecithin liposomes was achieved. Optimization of parameters affecting the formulation of biopolymer-coated liposomes was carried out by monitoring changes on its size, surface charge and morphology. Ellagic acid was loaded into the liposome core and loading properties were analyzed. Release profiles for ellagic acid from optimized biopolymer-coated liposomes were evaluated as a function of time, temperature and pH of the media. The L-b-L electrostatic deposition of biopolymers succeeded in building nanosized, spherical and stable liposomes with a cumulative size of 386.5 +/- 25.9 nm and a surface charge of -30.66 +/- 1.55 mV for a liposomal system coated with four bilayers of biopolymers. Biopolymer-coated liposomes offer good properties for encapsulation inside its liposomal aqueous core and sustained release of ellagic acid. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.