INTERDIGITATION-FUSIONSLIPOSOMEN UND GELE

• Main Authors: JANOFF, ANDREW, S., YARDLEY, PA 19067, US, MINCHEY, SHARMA, R., MONMOUTH JUNCTION, NJ 08852, US, SWENSON, CHRISTINE, E., PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ 08550, US, BONI, LAWRENCE, T., MONMOUTH JUNCTION, NJ 08852, US, AHL, PATRICK, L., PRINCETON, NJ 08540, US, PERKINS, WALTER, R., PLAINSBORO, NJ 08536, US
• Format: Patent
• Language: German
• Published: 28.05.1997
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOIDCHEMISTRY; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL; PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL, OR TOILET PURPOSES; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS; TRANSPORTING

This invention relates to interdigitation-fusion (IF) liposomes and gels. These liposomes and gels capture high solute to lipid ratios, including bioactive agent. This invention also relates to the discovery that the fusion of liposomes to produce IF gel and liposomes according to the present invention is size dependent. The present invention also relates to a method for producing IF liposomes and gels. In the method of the present invention, sized liposomes formed by sonication, extrusion or alternative processes are fused in the presence of ethanol or other suitable inducer. This process results in a composition of the present invention in gel form. To produce liposomes, the gels are exposed to a temperature usually but not necessarily above the transition temperature (Tm) of the lipid used. The temperature required by the methods of the invention is that temperature which induces a change in the material properties of the mixture. The inducer may also be removed. The result is a composition comprising liposomes containing high solute to lipid ratios. The IF liposomes and gels of the present invention may be used in combination with numerous solutes, especially including bioactive agents.