Terpene-loaded liposomes and isopropyl myristate as chemical permeation enhancers toward liposomal gene delivery in lung cancer cells; A comparative study

Gene therapy is in its development stage as a novel method for cancer treatment. Liposomes look promising as gene delivery vectors; however, investigations have shown that these vesicles are not doing well in some cases. It was decided here to investigate the possibility of augmentation of liposomal gene delivery by chemical penetration enhancers.Cationic liposome containing antisense oligonucleotide (AsODN) against lung cancer was prepared by ethanol injection method. Liposomal cineole and limonene (as enhancers) were prepared by film hydration method. Isopropyl myristate (IPM) was also investigated as penetration enhancer. Liposomes were evaluated for their size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency. Cancer cells (A549) were pretreated with liposomal terpenes prior to treatment with liposomal antisense or scrambled oligonucleotide. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay.Oligonucleotide -containing liposome showed particle size of about115 nm and zeta potential of 0.6 mV. Liposomal cineole significantly (P