Background: A liposomal delivery system requires a complete understanding of the physicochemical characteristics of the drug–
liposome system in order to predict their behavior and stability in-vitro and in-vivo.
Objectives: Develop a rapid and simple experimental method to determine the fractions of the drug, alendronate (ALN), encapsulated and as a free form distributed in the liposomal suspension, and the physical state of the encapsulated drug.
Methods: 31P-NMR measurements utilizing Ga+3 as a shifting reagent in comparison to HPLC determinations, theoretical calculations
and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of various liposomal ALN formulations.
Results: The 31P-NMR demonstrated that titrating liposomal ALN with increasing amounts of Ga+3 induced a signifi cant shift in the
exterior fraction without changing the interior fraction. Quantitative determination of the encapsulated and non-encapsulated fractions of ALN has been achieved at Ga+3 concentrations of 3.2-25mM. The DSC study revealed that none of the formulation ingredients is in a solid phase.
Conclusions: 31P-NMR was found to be sensitive enough to allow accurate differentiation of the distributed fractions of ALN,
encapsulated and the non-encapsulated free form. Based on theoretical calculations and DSC analysis it can be concluded that ALN is dissolved in the aqueous core of the liposome.