The use of differential scanning calorimetry as a tool to characterize liposome preparations

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measures the temperature-dependence of the excess heat capacity of a system due to thermal phase transitions. Heat capacity curves of liposomes that undergo such transitions contain information on the enthalpy and entropy of these transitions. Being sensitive to both the chemical composition of these liposomes and their physical state (especially size), DSC can serve as a powerful tool for quality control of liposomes. If calorimetric criteria are appropriately established using a proper reference lipid sample, the quality and stability of a liposomal preparation which has a distinct thermogram can be assessed by DSC.