Facile Preparation of Liposomes-encapsulated Zn-DTPA from Soy Lecithin for Decorporation of Radioactive Actinides

Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) is an attractive decorporation agent that can enhance the excretion of radioactive actinides such as plutonium, americium, and curium after a radiological incident. However, DTPA is excreted in a short period of time after administration. Several formulations have been developed to improve DTPA pharmacokinetic properties. In this project, liposomes were prepared facilely from soy lecithin as a nanocarrier for pulmonary delivery of Zn-DTPA. Lipid hydration, reverse phase evaporation, and mechanical sonication were three methods evaluated for the preparation of liposomes-encapsulated Zn-DTPA. Mechanical sonication was the method of choice due to simple apparatus and facile preparation. Liposomes-encapsulated Zn-DTPA (lipo-Zn-DTPA) exhibited a hydrodynamic diameter of 178(2) nm and a spherical shape. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of Zn-DTPA were 41(5) mg/g and 10(1)%, respectively. Lyophilization of lipo-Zn-DTPA for extended storage did not affect the amount of encapsulated drug or damage the structure of liposomes. An in vivo cytotoxicity test confirmed no serious adverse effect of Zn-DTPA encapsulated lecithin liposomes in rats.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author