Characterization of proliposomes.

Photographic evidence of the process of proliposome hydration is provided together with comprehensive particle size analysis of both hydrated dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine: dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol:ergosterol:amphotericin B proliposomes and egg lecithin:ergosterol:amphotericin B proliposomes using photon correlation spectroscopy and Coulter Counter analysis. Proliposome particle size and the temperature during hydration have been shown to have little effect on subsequent liposome size. A short term stability study of proliposomes indicated that only minor changes in the size distribution profile of the hydrated product are apparent after storage at 20 degrees C for 9 months. Furthermore, no drop in amphotericin B potency was noticed over a 6-month period.