CD Formulation's liposome analysis center possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in the characterization of liposomes, offering invaluable assistance throughout the entire process of liposome development and production. We provide a comprehensive range of integrated services to cater to the needs of drug delivery, biomedical applications, as well as cosmetic and food industries. Our cutting-edge facility is equipped with advanced equipment and staffed by highly skilled professionals, ensuring efficient screening and optimization procedures that yield exceptional project outcomes.
The intricate composition, complex structure, variable size, distinctive surface properties, and varying drug encapsulation efficiency of liposomal drugs all have the potential to significantly impact their stability, drug release kinetics, and interaction with biofilms. These factors can ultimately influence the safety and efficacy of these drugs. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive research on these aspects and develop effective strategies for quality control in liposomal drug manufacturing.
The physicochemical properties of liposomes can influence the performance of liposomal drugs, encompassing aspects such as liposome morphology, surface characteristics, structure and integrity, charge distribution, drug encapsulation efficiency, phase transition temperature, particle size distribution, etc. We offer comprehensive characterization services for these parameters:
The size and uniformity of liposomes are directly correlated with their encapsulation efficiency and stability, which in turn impact the behavior and disposition of liposomes within bodily tissues. Our provided measurement techniques encompass microscopy, electron microscopy, Malvern particle size analyzer, laser scattering, centrifugal sedimentation, among others.
Liposomes containing acidic lipids such as phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylserine (PS) exhibit a negative charge, whereas liposomes containing basic (amino) lipids like octadecanamine possess a positive charge. Conversely, ion-free liposomes are electrically neutral. The surface electrical properties of liposomes play a pivotal role in their encapsulation efficiency, stability, target organ distribution, and impact on target cells. We provide determination through fluorescence method, microelectrophoresis method, and other techniques.
The drug encapsulation efficiency is defined as the ratio of the amount of drug enclosed within the liposome to the total amount of drug present. We offer commonly employed techniques for determining the encapsulation rate, including dialysis, ultrafiltration centrifugation, dextran gel column chromatography, cation exchange resin methodology, NMR detection technology, etc.
The drug loading rate of liposomes is defined as the ratio of drug content to lipid mass, representing the drug-lipid proportion. We provide a variety of analytical methodologies to assist clients in assessing the drug loading of liposome.
Thermodynamic properties, such as exothermic and endothermic curves, serve as crucial indicators of the fluidity and homogeneity of lipid bilayers. This is particularly significant for liposomes, where definite phase-transition temperatures cannot be measured due to the presence of cholesterol or highly lipophilic active substances. To assess these thermodynamic properties accurately, we employed various techniques including differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence probe measurements to analyze the temperature dependence of the fluorescence spectrum emitted by the liposome membrane.
We assist our clients in examining the aggregation and layered structure of liposome products using advanced image analysis techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements.
We offer multifarious methods to determine the fusion and permeability of liposome: such as fluorescence quenching assays; fluorescence enhancement assays; self-Quenching assays; lipid mixing assays; liposome electrokinetic chromatography (LEKC), etc.
Layering, also known as the number of lipid bilayers, is a crucial parameter for assessing liposomes. The layered structure plays a pivotal role in the encapsulation and retention of drug substances within liposomes. By utilizing SAXS technique and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), we were able to determine the precise number of lipid bilayers, their specific structure, and alkyl chain spacing accurately, thereby achieving an accurate determination of gel phase, lipid phase or corrugated phase.
The physical properties of the lipid film are closely associated with the ambient temperature. As the temperature increases, there is a reduction in the thickness of the lipid bilayer, an enhancement in membrane fluidity, and an increase in membrane permeability. The temperature at which this transition occurs is referred to as the phase transition temperature. We serve our clients with differential scanning calorimetry, electron spin resonance spectroscopy and other technologies.
Testing Items | Facilities |
Liposome Size Distribution Testing & Liposome Zeta Potential Testing |
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Encapsulation Efficiency (EE%) Testing & Liposome Drug Loading Testing |
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Phase Transition Temperature Analysis & Thermodynamic Properties Analysis of Membranes |
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Liposome Morphology/Structure Analysis |
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Liposome Membrane Permeability Testing |
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Liposome Lamellarity Analysis |
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Liposome Phase Transition Temperature Analysis |
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The team at CD Formulation offers a diverse range of flexible services, utilizing state-of-the-art analytical technology and equipment to ensure comprehensive and professional characterization services for our esteemed clientele. If you require further information regarding our extensive array of services, please feel free to contact us. Our dedicated team is readily available to address any inquiries or concerns you may have.