Preparation and properties of large octylglucoside dialysis/adsorption liposomes.

The suitability and capacity of the polystyrene resin Wofatit EP 60 for the adsorption of octylglucoside, Triton X-100, Cholate, and CHAPS was studied. Optimal detergent/bead ratios and the maximum capacity of Wofatit EP 60 for the four detergents were determined as prerequisites for optimal application of the beads in liposome preparations. It is shown that large unilamellar liposomes can be prepared easily, quickly and cost-effectively using a combined dialysis/adsorption method with octylglucoside as detergent and Wofatit EP 60 and adsorbing polystyrene beads. Structure, composition, size, homogeneity, lamellarity, stability, internal volume, and residual octylglucoside concentration were studied by gel chromatography, radioactive assay, dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. Vesicle size and homogeneity depend on lipid concentration, lipid composition, cholesterol content, and the rate of octylglucoside removal, but not on the detergent/lipid ratio. The reliability of the method and the properties of the vesicles are compared with those of other methods and researchers.