Factors effect on the loading efficiency of Vitamin C loaded chitosan-coated nanoliposomes

Chitosan-coated nano-size liposomes as a new carrier with bioactivity were made from phosphatidylcholine (pc) and cholesterol (chol) by direct injection. Liposomes prepared using ethanol as a solvent with pc:chol ratios of 40:60 and 60:40 displayed mail mean diameters (97.4 nm and 95.8 nm, respectively). Different factors affecting the loading efficiency and payload of Vitamin C for these nano-size liposomes were investigated by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Liposomes prepared with a pc:chol ratio of 60:40 were promising Vitamin C carriers with a maximum loading efficiency about 96.5% and payload about 46.82%. When liposomes were prepared with 100 mg initial mass of Vitamin C, maximum loading efficiency was obtained. Furthermore, with an increasing initial mass of Vitamin C, the payload increased. Based on the experimental results, it appears that the chitosan concentration does not affect the loading efficiency and payload of liposomes. Liposomes prepared under the above optimum conditions were stable during 15 weeks storage such that over 85% Vitamin C was protected against oxidation. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.