Stability and aggregation studies of non-sonicated arsonolipid-containing vesicles

Cell Mol Biol Lett. 2005;10(1):173-83.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated non-sonicated arsonolipid-containing liposomes (arsonoliposomes) in terms of the influence of lipid composition on their stability, assessed as membrane integrity and physical stability [size]. Vesicles consisting of plain arsonolipids or mixtures of arsonolipids with cholesterol [Chol] or with distearoyl-phospatidylcholine [DSPC] were studied. Membrane integrity was evaluated by measuring the retention of incorporated 5-(6)carboxyfluorescein [CF] during incubation of the vesicles in Tris buffer, pH 7.4. Photon correlation spectroscopy was used to investigate the time-dependent aggregation of arsonoliposomes in the absence and presence of Ca(2+)ions. Vesicles composed of plain C18 (acyl fatty chain) arsonolipids were found to be unstable, with only 15% of the initially incorporated CF remaining in the vesicles after 24 hours. The addition of Chol to the membrane (1:1 mol/mol) significantly increased the stability of arsonoliposomes, while the addition of DSPC to the lipid bilayer (1:1 mol/mol) increased vesicle stability to a lower extent. The results of particle size analysis showed that non-sonicated arsonoliposomes consisting of plain arsonolipid Ars/Stearic are highly and rapidly aggregated, while calcium-induced aggregation is also significant, but slower. Aggregation could not be always explained on the basis of zeta potential changes, indicating that the process is complex.

MeSH terms

  • Arsenicals / chemistry
  • Arsenicals / metabolism*
  • Calcium Chloride / metabolism
  • Diglycerides / chemistry
  • Diglycerides / metabolism*
  • Liposomes / chemistry
  • Liposomes / metabolism*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Arsenicals
  • Diglycerides
  • Liposomes
  • arsonic acid
  • Calcium Chloride