Preparation, characterization and evaluation of bufalin liposomes coated with citrus pectin

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effect of pectin for liposomal drug delivery systems. An orthogonal L9 (33) test was designed to optimize the preparation condition of cationic bufalin liposomes coated with commercially available citrus pectin (CPL). The change in particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, stability, mucoadhesion and anticancer effect were evaluated. The results showed that CPL had an excellent stability and mucoadhesive properties, and the drug release in vitro was modest prolonged and sustained. Furthermore, the inhibition effect of liposomes on SW480 colon cancer cells was dramatic enhanced due to a block of cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, and CPL had a higher inhibition rate than bufalin liposomes (BFL) because of the anticancer effect of citrus pectin. It is concluded that CPL is a potentially promising drug carrier system treatment for colon cancer.