Fusion of gemini based cationic liposomes with cell membrane models: implications for their biological activity

The interaction of neutral and anionic phospholipid liposomes, used as cell models, with cationic liposomes formulated with 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glicero-3-phosphocholine and stereomeric cationic gemini surfactants was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, fluorescence experiments and dynamic laser light scattering. This study was aimed at rationalizing the different biological features shown by liposomes based on different gemini stereoisomers observed in previous investigations. In fact, to correlate the observed biological activity of liposomes with the molecular structure of their components is critical for a rational and systematic approach to the design of new carriers for drug delivery. The obtained results show that the different stereochemistry of the gemini surfactant controls the interaction and the extent of fusion with different cell models.

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► We investigated the interaction of mixed cationic vesicles with cell models.
► The gemini surfactants in liposomes differ for the stereochemistry of the spacer.
► DSC showed different rates and ways of interaction depending on the gemini.
► Fluorescence experiments showed a high extent of fusion with cell models.
► The stereochemistry of the gemini controls the interaction with biomembranes.