Liposome-encapsulated antibiotics: physicochemical and antibacterial properties, a review

Abstract

This review article discusses in brief the rationale behind the development of liposomal antibiotic formulations, the effect of antibiotics on the physicochemical properties of liposomes and in vitro and in vivo studies of liposomal antibiotics. The physicochemical properties of antibiotic-loaded liposomes, or the interactions between antibiotics and liposomes, are mostly electrostatic in nature, and the pH of the medium, the lipid composition of the bilayer and the charge of the drug play key roles in these interactions In general, the encapsulation of antibiotics in liposomes does not change their activity but enhances their stability and reduces their toxicity, because sustained drug levels in infected tissues and plasma can be obtained using lower antibiotic doses. This property indicates that liposomal formulations of antibiotics could be administered at prolonged dosing intervals when compared with the free form.