Methoxy polyethylene glycol–cholesterol modified soy lecithin liposomes for poorlywater‐solubleanticancer drug delivery

Abstract Soy lecithin liposomes (SLP) were prepared and partially surface modified with methoxy polyethylene glycol‐cholesterol conjugate (mPEG‐Chol) to improve its poorly‐soluble‐water‐anticancer‐drugs delivery efficiency. Paclitaxel (PTX) was used as the model drug and the PTX/SLP@mPEG was successfully developed with the optimal mass ratio of mPEG‐Chol determined at 4% in the SLP@mPEG formulation. The optimal SLP@mPEG formulation had a particle size range of 161.80 ± 1.51 nm and a negative surface charge of −54.30 ± 1.40 mV. Besides, a sustained drug release profile of 72 h and an encapsulation efficiency of 87.48 ± 0.70% was recorded. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that SLP@mPEG is nontoxic and cytocompatible. Overall, these obtained results provide insights into the potential of SLP@mPEG as a platform for the development of more effective therapies against cancers.