Surface-Modified Liposomal Formulation of Amphotericin B: In vitro Evaluation of Potential Against Visceral Leishmaniasis.

Surface modification of liposomes with targeting ligands is known to improve the efficacy with reduced untoward effects in treating infective diseases like visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In the present study, modified ligand (ML), designed by modifying polysaccharide with a long chain lipid was incorporated in liposomes with the objective to target amphotericin B (Amp B) to reticuloendothelial system and macrophages. Conventional liposomes (CL) and surface modified liposomes (SML) were characterized for size, shape, and entrapment efficiency (E.E.). Amp B SML with 3% w/w of ML retained the vesicular nature with particle size of ∼205 nm, E.E. of ∼95% and good stability. SML showed increased cellular uptake in RAW 264.7 cells which could be attributed to receptor-mediated endocytosis. Compared to Amp B solution, Amp B liposomes exhibited tenfold increased safety in vitro in RAW 264.7 and J774A.1 cell lines. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution studies revealed high t 1/2, area under the curve (AUC)0-24, reduced clearance and prolonged retention in liver and spleen with Amp B SML compared to other formulations. In promastigote and amastigote models, Amp B SML showed enhanced performance with low 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) compared to Amp B solution and Amp B CL. Thus, due to the targeting ability of ML, SML has the potential to achieve enhanced efficacy in treating VL.