Fusion of gemini based cationic liposomes with cell membrane models: implications for their biological activity

The interaction of neutral and anionic phospholipid liposomes, used as cell models, with cationic liposomesformulated with 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glicero-3-phosphocholine and stereomeric cationic gemini surfactantswas investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, fluorescence experiments and dynamic laser lightscattering. This study was aimed at rationalizing the different biological features shown by liposomesbased on different gemini stereoisomers observed in previous investigations. In fact, to correlate the observedbiological activity of liposomes with the molecular structure of their components is critical for a rational andsystematic approach to the design of new carriers for drug delivery. The obtained results show that thedifferent stereochemistry of the gemini surfactant controls the interaction and the extent of fusion withdifferent cell models.