Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

Abstract

Liposomal β-Glucan: Preparation, Characterization and Anticancer Activities

Majed Halwani, Zakir Hossain, Mohammad A Khiyami and Abdelwahab Omri

Context: An assortment of 1,3-β-glucans have been explored for their structural and pharmacological capabilities. The immunomodulatory effects of 1,3-β-glucans have served to fight cancer.

Objectives: The aim of this work was the investigation of the physiocochemical characterizations of 1,3-β-D-glucan encapsulation of liposomes and their effects on human lung carcinoma epithelial cell line A549.

aterials and Methods: β-glucan was encapsulated into liposomes composed of different lipids and cholesterol [PC, PC:Chol (6:1), DDAB:DPPC:Chol (4:2:1), DCP:DPPC:Chol (4:2:1), DPPC:Chol (6:1), DSPC:Chol (6:1), DSPC]. The liposomal formulations were prepared by the hydration-dehydration method. The mean diameter of liposomes and the polydispersity index were determined by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) with the use of Submicron Particle Sizer. The hemocompatibility of liposome on human erythrocytes was evaluated. The MTT assay was also performed to evaluate the A549 cells viability.

Results: The mean particle size of vesicles loaded with β-glucan varied from 130.20 ± 10.5 to 180.10 ± 11.3 nm. The polydispersity index ranged from 0.66 ± 0.0004 to 0.90 ± 0.08. The encapsulation efficiencies in DDAB:DPPC:Chol, DCP:DPPC:Chol and DPPC:Chol formulations were 17.20 ± 0.08%, 23.60 ± 0.20% and 18.23 ± 0.06%, respectively. The hemolysis rates did not exceed the negative control value by more than 2% and 8% at 10 and 24 h, respectively. These three formulations showed higher growth suppression of A549 cell compared to free β-glucan. This growth suppression of A549 cell by 1 μM doxorubicin was further promoted by liposomal β-glucan.

Conclusion: Liposomal 1,3-β-D-glucan might potentially enhance antitumor activity.