ISSN 1017-2548(Print)
ISSN 2234-8530(Online)
Volume 50, Number 3
JKCSEZ 50(3)
June 20, 2006 

To increase the stability of liposomes in blood circulation, surface modification of liposomes by incorporating a lipid-polymer derivative in the lipid bilayer or conjugating a hydrophilic polymer to the liposomal surface has been developed. In this study, the comblike copolymer, poly(HEMA-co-HPOEM), having multiple polyethyleneoxide side chains was prepared by free radical polymerization of hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and hydroxypolyoxyethylenemethacrylate (HPOEM) as vinyl monomers. Poly(HEMA-co-HPOEM) was conjugated to the liposomal surface and the characteristics of the modified liposomes in serum were investigated. Conjugation of poly(HEMA-co-HPOEM) to liposomes increased the particle size of the liposomes by 30 nm and decreased the absolute value of zeta potential of the liposomes by shielding the negative charge of liposomal surface. Loading efficiency of model drug, doxorubicin, in liposomes was about 90% and the efficiency was not affected by conjugation of poly(HEMA-co-HPOEM) to liposomes. The particle size of poly(HEMA-co-HPOEM)-conjugated liposomes in serum did not changed and the protein adsorption was lower than that of control liposomes or liposomes containing polyethyleneoxide-lipid derivative (PEG-liposomes). These results suggest that poly(HEMA-co-HPOEM) is efficient for the stabilization of liposomes in blood circulation.