A Method for Drug Delivery Using Magnetoliposomes

Student Researcher: Jacquoi James; Mentor: Max Kullberg; University of Alaska Anchorage, Yakutat, Alaska Studies show that current methods of systemic drug delivery lack the specificity needed to effectively target tumors. Our current efforts are a continuation of our work presented through the NIDDK program last year. The aim of our research is to develop a toxin delivery system that will safely and effectively target individual tumor cells without harming the healthy cells along side it. Ultimately our goal is to formulate a method of toxin delivery using Magnetoliposomes. Such a system will allow for the selective killing of tumor cells by using magnetoliposomes to deliver toxin. Magnetoliposomes are liposomes with magnetic particles embedded into the lipid bilayer. In this study, we expand on findings from our previous study by employing a method of fusion to rupture magnetoliposomes. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to promote aggregation of magnetoliposomes. While magnetoliposomes were produced and ruptured using an oscillating magnetic field in our first study, we are exposing magnetoliposomes to a constant magnetic field. Exposure to a permanent magnetic field will closely mimic the results of adding PEG to magnetoliposomes. By employing both systems, maximum fusion will be achieved. Our current objectives include: 1) determining the lipid composition that will best promote fusion upon introduction to PEG; 2) using the composition to add magnetic particles to the lipid composition and testing the amount of fusion after exposure to a permanent magnetic field; and 3) combining the two methods, finding the exact concentration of PEG to facilitate the fusion between the magnetoliposomes after exposure to the constant magnetic field. These magnetoliposomes will then be used as the foundation of further work, striving to formulate a drug delivery system more efficient and specific than any other treatment currently available. INTRODUCTION