In this project we developed novel membrane stabilized nanocomposites, with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) bound directly into the membrane to maximize hyperthermic response. Induced heat should affect the vesicle permeability, allowing for specific, localized drug release in tumor tissue. The approaches below were developed to produce a library of m-LHVs. A signifiant positive is that these processes can be easily expanded to prepare hybrid vesicles, including lipids.

a. Rehydration method for the formation of Large Unilameller Vesicles (LUVs); as multilamellar vesicles were formed these were extruded. The method developed can be used for a range of materials; including m-LUVs (magnetic LUCs), LHVs (hybrids) and m-LHVs.

b. Emulsion-Evaporation Method for LUVs; the vesicles formed were typically less monodisperse than from rehydration, however as no multilameller vesicles are formed, extrusion was not needed. Again a range of sizes were formed.

c. Electroformation of Giant Unilameller Vesicles (GUVs); importantly this procedure can be easily applied to obtain GHVs.

d. Emulsion-evaporation was successfully applied, however the vesicles were less monodisperse.

 

In summary vesicles of three different compositions were successfully prepared; (i) PDMS-g-(PEO)₂ (3KDa) (ii) PDMS(5kDa)-b-(PEO)₂ vesicles; (iii) OA-coated MNPs in PBut-b-PEO vesicles, with typical MNP feed weight ratio of 10, but up to 3wt% (iii). Primary characterisation of the suspensions was completed at LCPO, see Figure. Over the coming months the use of smaller MNPs and improved coating will be evaluated. AC-field hyperthermia and NMR measurements will be undertaken to confirm the particles are localised in the membrane and to evaluate the effect of composition/structure on heating efficiency and MRI contrast potential. We will also assess domain formation at nanoscale by FRET and SANS.