Efficient electroporation of liposomes doped with pore stabilizing nisin

• Published in: Journal of liposome research 2013-09, Vol.23 (3), p.197-202
• Main Authors: Yi, Jiang, Barrow, Andrew J., Yu, Nam, O'Neill, Brian E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Active release; amphiphilic peptide; electroporation; Electroporation - methods; Fluoresceins; Fluorescent Dyes; lantibiotic; lipid bilayer; Liposomes - metabolism; Nisin - chemistry
• ISSN: 0898-2104; 1532-2394
• DOI: 10.3109/08982104.2013.788024

Abstract Context: Liposomes have a long history as passive and active drug carriers. Recently, a few methods have been realized to control the release from liposomes, including heating, ultrasound and laser. Objective: We report on a new approach to drive release from liposomes using electric fields. Materials and methods: Liposomes were manufactured containing a high concentration of (quenched) 5-6 carboxyfluorescein dye. Nisin, a well-known amphiphilic peptide lantibiotic that works by stabilizing pores formed in cell membranes, was mixed in solution inside or outside the liposomes. The liposomes were then electroporated using a range of voltages, and assayed for increases in fluorescence due to release of dye. Release was measured against positive and negative controls, with positive control release driven by a strong detergent. Results: Our results demonstrate that the addition of nisin significantly reduces the electric field required to release the contents of liposomes, from 2000 V/m to approximately 200 V/m. This result proves that, in principle, electroporation (EP) of liposomes doped with small amounts of amphiphilic pore stabilizing peptides may be a practical means to drive release of liposomal contents in vivo. Conclusion: Drug delivery from liposomes doped with amphiphilic peptides using EP is feasible. This technique could be developed into a potent adjuvant to tumor ablation using irreversible EP.