Effects of β-Sitosteryl Sulfate on the Properties of DPPC Liposomes.

The effect of β-sitosteryl sulfate (PSO) on the liposomal size, stability, fluidity, and dispersibility of DPPC liposomes prepared by vortex mixing, bath-sonication, and probe-sonication has been studied. PSO significantly decreases the particle size of the multilamellar liposomes (MLVs). The sizes of the vortexmixed and the bath-sonicated liposomes vary as a function of PSO concentration. On the other hand, PSO has only little effect on the particle sizes of probe sonicated liposomes. In some cases, the liposomal stability at higher PSO concentrations depends on the preparation method. PSO improves the dispersibility of the DPPC liposomes and enhances their hydration. It also increases the fluidity of the liposomes prepared by each method. Our results suggest that liposomes consisting of DPPC and PSO can be suitable as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient for the effective delivery of the active components into the body.