Development and Characterization of Ursolic Acid-Loaded Liposomes for Enhanced Bioavailability and Sustained Anticancer Drug Delivery

AUTHOR

Rajat Lathwal

Department of Biotechnology, JVWU, Jaipur

ABSTRACT  

Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, has demonstrated significant anticancer potential. However, its clinical utilization is severely restricted by poor water solubility and limited bioavailability. In this study, we developed a liposome-based nanocarrier system to encapsulate UA, aiming to improve its solubility, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. UA-loaded liposomes (UALs) were prepared using the thin-film hydration method followed by sonication. The liposomes were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, and in vitro drug release behavior. UALs exhibited a particle size range of 130–200 nm, a zeta potential of -25 mV indicating colloidal stability, and an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 68%. The in vitro release study showed a biphasic release profile with sustained release over 24 hours. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful loading of UA without chemical interaction with the lipid bilayer. These findings suggest that liposomal encapsulation is a promising strategy to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic potential of UA.

Keywords: Ursolic acid, liposomes, nanocarrier, encapsulation efficiency, sustained release, anticancer drug delivery