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Research Article

Peptide-based cationic molecules for the production of positive charged liposomes and micelles

, , , , &
Pages 71-81 | Received 05 Jun 2007, Accepted 27 Sep 2007, Published online: 08 Oct 2008
 

Abstract

This paper describes the synthesis and the physico-chemical characterization of cationic peptides (CPs) for possible application as non-viral gene delivery systems. Particularly, the production of cationic liposomes and micelle solutions was considered. Liposomes were prepared by REV-phase and extrusion presenting an average diameter reflecting the pore size of the membrane used for the extrusion. After DNA complexation the mean diameter of complexes decreased by increasing the number of positive charges. The non-complexed liposome preparations showed a net positive zeta potential comprised between 17.8–30 mV. After adding Defibrotide (DFT) to liposomes (at a 1:4 ± molar ratio) the zeta potential fell down to a net negative value indicating the formation of the ionic complex. Concerning micelles, before complexation it was not possible to measure their size by PCS. However, after DFT complexation the size of complexes highly increased. In addition, as previously seen for liposomes, before complexation, the five CPs solutions showed a positive zeta potential ranging from 10–17.8 mV, while after addition of DFT the zeta potential fell to negative values. Concerning toxicity studies, in general CP-liposomes displayed a lower toxicity towards K562 cells as compared to the corresponding CP-solution. Taking into account these results, the studied CPs could be efficiently used to obtain both cationic liposomes and micelles. Moreover they are able to complex DNA with different interaction strength, depending on the type of peptide-based cationic molecule used.

Abbreviations
Fmoc=

fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl

TLC=

thin layer chromatography

Boc=

tert-butoxycarbonyl

DIPEA=

diisopropylthylamine

HATU=

2-(1H-9-azabenzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate

Abbreviations
Fmoc=

fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl

TLC=

thin layer chromatography

Boc=

tert-butoxycarbonyl

DIPEA=

diisopropylthylamine

HATU=

2-(1H-9-azabenzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate

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