Electric-field controlled liposome formation with embedded superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Liposomes are one of the most promising biomaterial carriers to deliver DNA,1 proteins, drugs and medicine in human bodies. However, artificially formed liposomes have to satisfy some crucial functions such as: (i) to efficiently carry drugs to targeted systems, (ii) to be biologically stable until they are removed from human body, (iii) to be biodegradable, and (iv) to be sufficiently small in size for effective drug delivery. Here, we report an efficient and novel method to simultaneously manufacture and incorporate super-paramagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (efficient target finder in the presence of external magnetic field) into the liposome's interior and its bilayer. In this technique, we use electric field to control the formation of liposomes and the incorporation of iron oxide nanoparticles. Our preparation procedure does not require any chemical or ultrasound treatments. Apart from that, we also provide further experimental investigations on the role of electric fields on the formation of liposomes using XPS2 and the magnetic-optical microscope.

► Simple electroformation method of giant liposomes with iron oxide nanoparticles.
► Encapsulation of iron oxide nanoparticles into liposomes.
► Characterisation of the effect of electric field on liposomes’ sizes.