Development and physico-chemical characterization of cyclodextrin–DNA complexes loaded liposomes

In the present study, anionic and pH-sensitive liposomes containing DNA were developed and characterized. These liposomes were obtained by binding the DNA with 6-monodeoxy-6-monoamine-β-cyclodextrin (Am-β-CD). This complex was encapsulated into the liposomes, which were characterized by encapsulation rate, diameter, zeta potential, and atomic force microscopy. The binding between Am-β-CD and the DNA was higher as of the +/− charge ratio. The amount of DNA encapsulated was approximately 10–14 μg/mL. The mean diameter and zeta potential were 186.0 nm and −56 mV, respectively. Liposomes which did not contain the complex were more prone to collapse over the mica surface. The vesicles containing the complex presented a narrower size distribution.