XXXV Reuniăo Anual da SBBqResumoID:8713


Development and Characterization of Levan-Loaded Liposomes
Jácome-Júnior, A.T.1,2; Torres, C.F.1;  Salviano, T.L.1; Araújo, P.R.L 2; Calazans, G.M.T.2; Santos-Magalhâes, N.S.1

1Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo-Asami (LIKA)-UFPE; 2Depto. Antibióticos-UFPE

Levan is a fructose polymer with potential importance as a fructose source or ticketing agent in food industries. Applications of levan as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener have been suggested. Antitumor and immunomodulatory activities of levan have also been reported. The present study proposes the manufacture of liposomes containing levan as an antitumor and immunomodulator for the cancer therapy. Levan-loaded liposomes (Lev-LIPO) were prepared according to the thin film formed method. Physicochemical characterization was performed immediately after their preparation. Additionally, both accelerated and long-term stability testing of Lev-LIPO were carried out. The size distribution and surface charge of particles were determined using a zetasizer®. The assessment of levan content into liposomes was performed after acid hydrolysis yielding fructose constituents, which were detected by spectrophotometry at 530 nm. The encapsulation ratio of levan into liposomes was determined after ultrafiltration of samples. The in vitro release profile of Lev-LIPO was evaluated using dialysis method. Lev-LIPO (1.8 mg/ml) presented a bluish milky opalescent appearance and maintained its initial characteristics over 180 days when stored at 4°C ± 1°C. Lev-LIPO had a mean diameter of 145 ± 75 nm and a surface charge of +21.6 mV. The encapsulation ratio of levan into liposomes was 87.6 ± 1.2%. The in vitro kinetics of Lev-LIPO showed an initial burst of 10.59 ± 3.49% at the first hour followed by a slow and controlled drug release during the second stage (8 – 72 h) with 0.27 mg/h rate. The loaded levan amount diffused out (98.70 ± 0.85 %) within 96h. Lev-LIPO offers a new potential drug delivery system that can be used as immunomodulator associated with anticancer nanocarriers.         

Supported by: CNPq/MCT, CAPES.