title: Evaluation of the physical properties and stability of two lipid drug delivery systems containing mefloquine.
abstract: Stability data is used to determine the change the product has undergone over a certain time period at specific temperatures. In the present study, the physical stability characterized by size, pH and entrapment efficacy of mefloquine loaded liposomes and Pheroid™ vesicles were investigated. Size was accurately determined by flow cytometry. Entrapment efficacy, after unentrapped drug was removed was successfully determined by UV-spectrophotometry. The formulations contained 0.5% (m/v) mefloquine and results showed that mefloquine interfered with the formation of lipid bilayer of the liposomes. Liposomes increased in size from 5.22±0.03 μm to 9.71±1.11 μm with accelerated stability and large aggregates were observed. A notable difference in stability testing of Pheroid™ vesicles was seen with no significant increase in size. Entrapment efficacy of 68.72±0.04% (5°C), 67.45±2.92% (25°C) and 67.45±2.92% (30°C) were obtained at the different storage conditions. With these findings the mefloquine loaded Pheroid™ vesicles are stable and should be used investigated for the possible increase in efficacy and bioavailability and decrease toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Unit for Drug Research and Development, North-West University, Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Slabbert
authors.forename: L H du
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Plessis
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Kotzé
mesh_terms: D000962:Antimalarials / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D003102:Colloids; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004355:Drug Stability; D004356:Drug Storage; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008081:Liposomes; D015767:Mefloquine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D000962:Antimalarials; D003102:Colloids; D005227:Fatty Acids; D008081:Liposomes; D015767:Mefloquine