Stability study of stavudine-loaded O-palmitoyl-anchored carbohydrate-coated liposomes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical stability of carbohydrate-anchored liposomes. In the present study, carbohydrate (galactose, fucose, and mannose) was palmitoylated and anchored on the surface of positively charged liposomes (PL). The stabilities of plain neutral liposomes (NL), PL, and O-palmitoyl carbohydrate-anchored liposomes were determined. The effects of storage conditions (4 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C, 25 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C/60% +/- 5% relative humidity [RH], or 40 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C/75% +/- 5% RH for a period of 10, 20, and 30 days) were observed on the vesicle size, shape, zeta potential, drug content, and in vitro ligand agglutination assay by keeping the liposomal formulations in sealed amber-colored vials (10-mL capacity) after flushing with nitrogen. The stability of liposomal formulations was found to be temperature dependent. All the liposomal formulations were found to be stable at 4 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C up to 1 month. Storage at 25 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C/60% +/- 5% RH and 40 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C/75% +/- 5% RH adversely affected uncoated liposomal formulations. Carbohydrate coating of the liposomes could enhance the stability of liposomes at 25 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C/60% +/- 5% RH and 40 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C/75% +/- 5% RH.