Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Liposomes with Cardiolipin (CL) and Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA) were developed to permeate the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) and treat Alzheimer’s disease. WGA-conjugated and CL-incorporated liposomes (WGA-CL-liposomes) were employed to transport Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Curcumin (CUR) across a monolayer of human brain-microvascular endothelial cells regulated by human astrocytes and to protect SK-N-MC cells against apoptosis induced with β-amyloid1-42 (Aβ1-42) fibrils. An increase in the CL mole percentage in lipids increased the liposomal diameter, absolute value of zeta potential, entrapment efficiency of NGF and CUR, release of NGF, biocompatibility and viability of SK-N-MC cells with Aβ1- 42, but decreased the atomic ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus and the release of CUR. In addition, an increase in the WGA concentration for grafting enhanced the liposomal diameter, atomic ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus and permeability for NGF and CUR across the BBB, but reduced the absolute value of zeta potential and biocompatibility. WGA-CL-liposomes carrying NGF and CUR can be promising colloidal delivery carriers to target the BBB and inhibit neurotoxicity for future clinical application.

Biography

Yung-Chih Kuo is a Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University. His research interests are focused on biomaterials, drug delivery system, tissue engineering, blood–brain barrier, stem cell differentiation, nerve regeneration, cancer therapy, Alzheimer’s disease treatment, biophysics and colloid and interface science. In these fields, he has authored or co-authored over 100 SCI journal papers. He won Young Scholar Award in 2003 and Outstanding Research Award during 2010-13. He is also an Associate Editor of Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers (Impact factor 2.637) and an Editorial Board Member in 11international journals.

Email: chmyck@ccu.edu.tw