Electroformation of liposomes and phytosomes using copper electrode

A novel method for electroformation of liposomes and phytosomes using copper electrode is described. Liposomes made at 2 V and 10 Hz AC field from L-alpha-egg-phosphatidylcholine (egg-PC),K. pneumoniaephosphatidylethanolamine,K. pneumoniaepolar lipids andE. colipolar lipids on copper electrode were (777.9 +/- 118.4), (370.2 +/- 100.5), (825.3 +/- 21.54), and (281.3 +/- 42.3) nm in diameter, respectively. Giant vesicles were formed at 30 V and 10 Hz AC field from polar lipids ofK. pneumoniaeandE. coliwere (106 +/- 29.7) and (86 +/- 24.3) mu m in diameter, respectively. All liposomes were unilamellar as indicated by their unilamellar indices of 50 +/- 2, had surface charge comparable to vesicles made from lipid(s) with similar composition and exhibited only 1-2 mol% of oxidized lipids. Cu concentration in the liposomal samples was <1.5 ppm for large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) and <5 ppm for giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). The vesicles were stable for >15 d without loss of their size, charge, or unilamellarity. The method was successfully applied to prepare phytosomes from egg-PC and a phytochemical fraction ofDimorphocalyx glabellus, a medicinal plant with anti-diuretic properties. Phytosomes formed were 1000-1500 nm in diameter and exhibited altered fluorescence and absorbance properties compared to the unencapsulated phytochemical. Phytosomes with phytochemical: egg-PC ratio from 0.15 to 1.5 had encapsulation efficiency ranging 90-30%, respectively, and was stable for 1 month. Our method is easy, inexpensive and convenient that will prove to be useful for preparation of liposomes and phytosomes.

Automated summary

A novel method for electroformation of liposomes and phytosomes using copper electrode was described in this study. The liposomes and phytosomes prepared showed various diameters, high stability, and encapsulation efficiency. This easy, inexpensive and convenient method is proven to be useful for preparation of liposomes and phytosomes.