AMMONIUM TRANSMEMBRANE GRADIENT SYSTEM FOR EFFICIENT LOADING OF LIPOSOMES WITH AMPHIPATHIC DRUGS AND THEIR CONTROLLED RELEASE

摘要

The present invention relates to an improved transmembrane loading procedure for efficient loading of amphiphatic drugs into liposomes using the transmembrane gradient of ammonium and of pH. The resulting liposomes loaded with the drug are stable and safe. The procedure is equally applicable for sustained release of liposome-encapsulated drugs. The liposomes may be used in ultrasound imaging to release CO2.