Formulation and In Vitro Characterization of Granulocyte-Colony-Stimulating-Factor-Loaded Liposomes: Future Prospective in Reproductive Medicine

Drug delivery systems enhance drug efficacy while minimizing side effects. Liposomes, as well-studied and clinically approved carriers, offer biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity, making them suitable for delivering various pharmacological agents. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a key growth factor, has shown therapeutic potential, particularly in infertility treatment. It effectively manages chronic and refractory endometritis by improving endometrial receptivity and increasing embryo implantation success. Studies indicate that G-CSF promotes endometrial growth and enhances the uterine microenvironment, benefiting patients with recurrent implantation failures and chronic endometritis. Encapsulation of G-CSF in liposomes enhances its stability, bioavailability, and controlled release. G-CSF-loaded liposomes were prepared using passive loading via the thin-film hydration method. The size of the liposomes, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were determined using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering methods, and the encapsulation efficiency was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. The morphology of the liposomes was established and confirmed using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The cytocompatibility of the G-CSF-loaded liposomes was evaluated on human dermal fibroblasts using an MTT assay. The G-CSF-loaded liposomes had an average particle size of 161.9 ± 9.9 nm, a PDI of 0.261 ± 0.03, and a zeta potential of +2.09 ± 0.10 mV, exhibiting high physical stability during long-term storage at +4 °C and 60% humidity. The passive loading method resulted in a 52.37 ± 3.64% encapsulation efficiency of the active substance. The analysis of cell viability revealed no cytotoxicity toward liposomes loaded with G-CSF and demonstrated a dose-dependent effect on the viability of human dermal fibroblasts. Thus, the obtained data confirm the successful preparation of G-CSF-loaded liposomes. However, to fully understand their effectiveness in biomedical applications, further research is needed, including an evaluation of their effectiveness in vivo. Such studies will help in determining the potential of these formulations for specific biomedical purposes and evaluating their safety and efficacy in living systems.