Microfluidic encapsulation method to produce stable liposomes containing iohexol

Since the discovery of X-rays in the late 1890s, several medical imaging techniques have been developed, such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound Imaging, which are used daily to diagnose, monitor, or treat medical conditions. Some of these techniques include the use of contrast agents to enhance the contrast images, therefore, toxic effects must be considered. Among these, Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) is an acute renal failure resulting from the administration of iodinated contrast media (CM). To date, there is no definitive treatment for CIN and several prevention approaches have been evaluated. Nanoparticles (NPs) represent a promising strategy for treatment and prevention of CIN, due to their ability to deliver CM during diagnosis imaging. In this study, iohexol-containing liposomes were produced using microfluidic technique for first time. Several phosphocholine lipids (e.g. DMPC, DOPC, DPPC and DSPC) with cholesterol (2:1 ratio) were investigated and DLS, FTIR and in vitro release studies at 37 °C were performed, with stability studies conducted on the best formulation. The microfluidic method allowed to obtain a high encapsulation efficiency (over 70%), and release profiles showed an iohexol release around or less than 0.12 mg/ml after 2 h for the majority of the formulations, which is not toxic to the kidney cells.