pH sensitive liposomes as a drug delivery system to hepatocytes

The purpose of this project was to formulate, modify, evaluate and test pH sensitive liposomes targeting the asialoglycoprotem receptor (ASGP-R) found in large numbers exclusively on the surface of hepatocytes. Lactosylceramide was introduced at different concentrations to an oleyl alcohol based formulation. The safety, pH sensitivity, stability and in vitro uptake efficiency by marine Hepa 1c1c7 hepatoma cell-line, in which the presence of ASGP-R was confirmed, of the original recipe and modified formulations were evaluated. Liposomes containing 0.5% Lactosylceramide were shown to posses efficient targeting properties while retaining desired ones. The in vivo biodistribution of original and modified recipes was evaluated and increased liver uptake was confirmed for both recipes. Further tests are required to establish the distribution between the different liver tissues. Negative results were obtained when testing survival of biologically active material after intracellular delivery and further testing is required to confirm or negate these results.