DSPE-mPEG2000-Modified Podophyllotoxin Long-Circulating Liposomes for Targeted Delivery: Their Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation

Objective: DSPE-mPEG2000 is a phospholipid and polyethylene glycol conjugate used in various biomedical applications, including drug delivery, gene transfection, and vaccine delivery. Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of DSPE-mPEG2000, it can serve as a drug carrier, encapsulating drugs in liposomes to enhance stability and efficacy. Methods: In this study, long-circulating podophyllotoxin liposomes (Lc-PTOX-Lps) were prepared using DSPE-mPEG2000 as a modifying material and evaluated for their pharmacokinetics and anticancer activity Results: Lc-PTOX-Lps had an encapsulation rate of 87.11±1.77%, an average particle size of 168.91±7.07 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.19±0.04, and a zeta potential of -24.37±0.36 mV. In vitro release studies showed that Lc-PTOX-Lps exhibited a significant slow-release effect. The long-circulating liposomes demonstrated better stability compared to normal liposomes and exhibited a significant slow-release profile. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that Lc-PTOX-Lps had a prolonged half-life, reduced in vivo clearance, and improved bioavailability. Additionally, Lc-PTOX-Lps exhibited better anticancer effects on MCF-7 cells and lower toxicity to normal cells compared to PTOX. Conclusion: Lc-PTOX-Lps were synthesized using a simple and effective method, and Lc-PTOXLps are promising anticancer agents.