Preparation of PEGylated Paclitaxel Liposomes and Tissue Distribution Study in Mice

A long circulation paclitaxel liposome was prepared by dispersion of film method. The size of liposomes was around 207 nm and drug encapsulation efficiency was 96.5%. The PEGylated paclitaxel liposomes were very stable when stored in PBS, pH 6.5 at 4degC. After 22 days, leakage of drug from liposomes was only 6%. In vivo biodistribution of paclitaxel liposomes and free paclitaxel were compared in prostate tumor-bearing mice by intravenous injection. Drug concentration of paclitaxel liposomes in tumor was remarkably higher than that of free paclitaxel. These results suggest that this stable, long circulation paclitaxel- containing liposome may be a feasible targeting delivery system for paclitaxel and other hydrophobic or toxic compounds.