Preparation and in-vitro Evaluation of an Antisense-containing Cationic Liposome against Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: a Comparative Preparation Study

The current methods for treatment of cancers are inadequate and more specific methods such as gene therapy are in progress. Among different vehicles, cationic liposomes are frequently used for delivery of genetic material. This investigation aims to prepare and optimize DOTAP cationic liposomes containing an antisense oligonuclotide (AsODN) against protein kinase C alpha in non-small cells lung cancer (NSCLC).To perform this investigation, two different methods of ethanol injection and thin film hydration were used to prepare AsODN-loaded DOTAP liposomes. The formulated liposomes were then evaluated for their morphology, particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency, and the best formulation was chosen. In-vitro growth inhibitory effect of encapsulated ODN on A549 cells were evaluated by MTT and colonogenic assay. The physical and serum stability of liposomal ODN were also evaluated. Thin film hydration method resulted in large liposomes that required downsizing by extrusion with an encapsulation efficiency of 13%. Ethanol injection, in a single step gave liposomes with a small size of 115 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of around 90% which were physically stable for 6 months. The optimized liposome could protect oligonucleotides from degradation by nuclease. Cell studies showed a 20% sequence-specific inhibition of cell growth in MTT assay and revealed an LC50 of 103 nM in colonogenic studies.  In conclusion, ethanol injection was able to provide suitable liposomes from the permanently charged DOTAP. Also the resulted liposomes were able to inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells.