Magnetoliposomes as Potential Carriers of Doxorubicin to Tumours

Studies on magnetoliposomes (MLUV) as potential carriers for magnetic-field-dependent drug delivery are presented. The systems were formed with hydrophobic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) confined within the bilayer of the liposomes. The nanomechanical properties of bilayer lipid membranes were evaluated and related to the amount of incorporated SPIONs. It was found that the presence of SPIONs in the lipid membrane leads to overall stiffening and increases morphological inhomogeneity, facilitating rupture of the MLUV membrane in a low-frequency alternating magnetic field (AMF). To verify the findings, doxorubicin release from MLUVs in the presence and absence of an AMF was measured. Under experimental conditions, drug release proceeds through MLUV rupture induced by mechanical vibration of SPIONs rather than through localized heating in the vicinity of the SPIONs.