Chimeric advanced drug delivery nano systems (chi-aDDnSs) for shikonin combining dendritic and liposomal technology

The interest of drug delivery has focused on the creation of new formulations with improved properties, taking much attention to the drug release from the carrier. Liposomes have already been commercialized, while dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers are emerging as potentially ideal drug delivery vehicles. Chimeric advanced drug delivery nano systems (chi-aDDnSs) are mixed nanosystems combining different biomaterials that can offer advantages as drug carriers. Alkannin and shikonin (A/S) are naturally occurring hydroxynaphthoquinones with a well-established spectrum of wound healing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and recently established antitumor activity. In this work three generations of hyperbranched aliphatic polyesters were used for the first time to form complexes with shikonin, as well as liposomal chi-aDDnSs. Characterization of the shikonin-loaded chi-aDDnSs was performed by measuring their particle size distribution, zeta-potential, drug encapsulation efficiency and the in vitro release profile. The analysis revealed sufficient drug encapsulation and appropriately featured release profiles. Chi-aDDnSs were also examined for their physical stability at 4 degrees C. The results are considered promising and could be used as a road map for designing in vivo experiments. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.