Liposomes and micellar solutions for the delivery of some benzoheterocyclic derivatives of distamycin A

In the present paper the production and characterization of specialized delivery systems for some distamycin derivatives (DD), namely liposomes and micellar dispersions was described. All the formulations were designed in order to increase the solubility of DD in aqueous environment and to reduce the possible toxicity problems related to the administration of these drugs. For instance, liposomes were prepared by reverse phase evaporation technique followed by extrusion through polycarbonate filters, then characterized in term of dimensions, morphology and encapsulation efficacy. The analysis of their in vitro antiproliferative activity on cultured human and mouse leukemic cells demonstrated that liposomes and micellar dispersions containing DD exert quite different effects as compared to that shown by the free drug depending on the type of drug and also of the cell line used.