Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) is an attractive decorporation agent that can enhance the excretion of radioactive actinides such as plutonium, americium, and curium after a radiological incident. However, DTPA is excreted in a short period of time after administration. Several formulations have been developed to improve DTPA pharmacokinetic properties. In this project, liposomes were prepared facilely from soy lecithin as a nanocarrier for pulmonary delivery of Zn-DTPA. Lipid hydration, reverse phase evaporation, and mechanical sonication were three methods evaluated for the preparation of liposomes-encapsulated Zn-DTPA. Mechanical sonication was the method of choice due to simple apparatus and facile preparation. Liposomes-encapsulated Zn-DTPA (lipo-Zn-DTPA) exhibited a hydrodynamic diameter of 178(±2) nm and a spherical shape. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of Zn-DTPA were 41(±5) mg/g and 10(±1)%, respectively. Lyophilization of lipo-Zn-DTPA for extended storage did not affect the amount of encapsulated drug or damage the structure of liposomes. An in vivo cytotoxicity test confirmed no serious adverse effect of Zn-DTPA encapsulated lecithin liposomes in rats.
Spray-dried raloxifene submicron particles for pulmonary delivery: Development and in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation in rats