Purpose: To evaluate the application of bacterial liposomes and archaeosomes as a novel drug
delivery system for in vitro cytoplasmic delivery of molecules into cancer cells.
Methods: Bacterial membrane lipids were extracted using chloroform and methanol. Bacterial
liposomes and archaeosomes of
E. coli
,
Acidianus brierleyi
and
Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
were
prepared using film method and their trailing in cancer cells (HT-29) was evaluated by
carboxyfluorescein (CF). Their morphological characteristics were assessed by atomic force microscopy
(AFM).
Results: At 37 °C, the liposomes and archaeosomes interacted with cell membranes predominantly by
fusion and endocytosis. The AFM images showed uniform and dispersed distribution of the liposomes.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that bacterial liposomes and archaeosomes may be useful as
drug delivery carriers for the treatment of cancer.
