Targeted liposomes: A method for preparation and analysis

A simple method for the preparation of antibody targeted liposomes is described. It consists of the covalent coupling of the F(ab′) 2 fragment of antibody to phosphatidyl-ethanolamine and subsequent association of this complex with dimyristoylphosphatidyl-choline liposomes. The side effects during the coupling are minimized with prior citraconylation. The association of the protein with the liposomes is demonstrated by gel filtration. Binding assays with antigen-coated Staphyloccus aureus are used to evalute the immunologically specific recognition and the membrane stability of the targeted liposomes.