Liposome Micro- and Nano-Arrays for Molecular Screens in Cell Culture

The proposed invention describes the use of surface supported liposome arrays as a platform for screening of molecular libraries in cell culture models. Drug candidates encapsulated into surface supported liposomes are arrayed on a surface to form lipid multilayer arrays. The surface has been functionalized to ensure liposome uptake by the cells. Cells are cultured on these arrays and their response to the liposomes are monitored optically. Multiple liposome compositions and different lipids or other additives printed onto the same surface can be simultaneously screened. The drugs that are and are not working can be determined by their position on the surface.

Contrarily to actual small molecule microarrays for drug screening strategies our invention does not require to covalently attach to a surface, and cells can be grown on the surface. Covalent attachment of the small molecule on the surface prevents internalization of the compounds, limiting the types of tests that can be carried out. Furthermore, the number of molecules that a single cell can see is limited by the surface it contacts. Diffusion of small molecules from array sources, such as gels has also been used for screening, although molecular diffusion limits applicability of those methods. Using surface supported lipid multilayers encapsulating drug candidates solves these problems.

Applications:

• Screening of delivery systems, particularly for lipophilic drug candidates
• Drug resistance cell screening, where cells from biopsies are cultured ex situ