Fluorescent liposomes to probe how DOTAP lipid concentrations can change red blood cells homeostasis

Liposomes have been used to deliver DNA, drugs and, more recently, nanoparticles such as quantum dots, into living cells. Their electrostatic interaction with cell’s surface (negatively charged) can lead to membrane destabilization and/or fusion, facilitating intracellular release of those compounds. Nevertheless, cationic lipids can modify living cells homeostasis, depending on their concentration. In this study, we observed that the DOTAP cationic lipid concentrations influence the red blood cells (RBCs) homeostasis. We used fluorescent fusogenic liposomes composed by three lipids: DOPE, DOTAP and DPPE-Rhodamine (1:0.1/0.3/0.5/0.8/1:0.1 mM respectively), varying DOTAP from 0.1 to 1 mM. To probe liposomes ability to fuse with cells, RBCs (1% in saline) were utilized. Liposomes were characterized by zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Their interaction with RBCs was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Zeta potential results showed that, from 0.1 to 1 mM concentration, the charge increases, due to the addition of DOTAP. Liposomes’ diameter does not vary significantly when more DOTAP was added, except for the one containing 0.1 mM of DOTAP, according to DLS results. Flow cytometry and microscopy analysis showed that for all DOTAP’ concentration applied, the liposomes were capable to label RBCs. However, as higher the amount of DOTAP in liposomes, the more harmful they were to cells. Thus, the results showed that it is possible to use lower concentrations of DOTAP keeping the fusogenic liposomes’s ability and cell homeostasis. This is important to guarantee a greater efficiency in the delivery of nanoparticles or other active samples into cells.