Study of the structural organization of cyclodextrin-DNA complex loaded anionic and pH-sensitive liposomes

The present study investigated the effect of the 6-monodeoxy-6-monoamine-β-cyclodextrin(Am-β-CD)/DNA (Am-β-CD/DNA) complex, as well as of culture medium components and proteins, at pH 7.4 and 5.0, on membranes of anionic and pH-sensitive liposomes comprised of DOPE-CHEMS, using energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXD). At pH 7.4, the Am-β-CD/DNA complex induced the appearance of lamellar and hexagonal phases of DOPE. However, at pH 5.0, only non-lamellar phases could be observed. The presence of biological components led to a disruption of lipid order, but the pH-sensitivity of liposomes was maintained.

119Highlights► Cyclodextrin/DNA complex leads to formation of lamellar and hexagonal phases of DOPE. ► Cyclodextrin/DNA complex did not avoid lamellar-hexagonal phase transition of DOPE. ► Cyclodextrin/DNA complex loaded liposomes is less ordered in biological medium. ► pH-sensitivity of cyclodextrin/DNA complex loaded liposomes is maintained.