Unit for Drug Research and Development, North-West University, Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
Slabbert, C., Unit for Drug Research and Development, North-West University, Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Plessis, L.H.D., Unit for Drug Research and Development, North-West University, Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Kotzé, A.F., Unit for Drug Research and Development, North-West University, Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
Stability data is used to determine the change the product has undergone over a certain time period at specific temperatures. In the present study, the physical stability characterized by size, pH and entrapment efficacy of mefloquine loaded liposomes and Pheroid™ vesicles were investigated. Size was accurately determined by flow cytometry. Entrapment efficacy, after unentrapped drug was removed was successfully determined by UV- spectrophotometry. The formulations contained 0.5% (m/v) mefloquine and results showed that mefloquine interfered with the formation of lipid bilayer of the liposomes. Liposomes increased in size from 5.22 ± 0.03 μm to 9.71 ± 1.11 μm with accelerated stability and large aggregates were observed. A notable difference in stability testing of Pheroid™ vesicles was seen with no significant increase in size. Entrapment efficacy of 68.72 ± 0.04% (5 °C), 67.45 ± 2.92% (25 °C) and 67.45 ± 2.92% (30 °C) were obtained at the different storage conditions. With these findings the mefloquine loaded Pheroid™ vesicles are stable and should be used investigated for the possible increase in efficacy and bioavailability and decrease toxicity. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
drug carrier; liposome; mefloquine; article; drug delivery system; drug formulation; drug stability; flow cytometry; lipid bilayer; lipid vesicle; membrane binding; particle size; pH; priority journal; ultraviolet spectrophotometry; Antimalarials; Colloids; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Stability; Drug Storage; Fatty Acids; Flow Cytometry; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Liposomes; Mefloquine; Particle Size; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Temperature