Liposomes loaded with a dirhenium compound and cisplatin: preparation, properties and improved in vivo anticancer activity.

Liposomes loaded with the rhenium compound (bis-dimethylsulfoxido-cis-tetrachlorodi-μ-pivalatodirhenium(III) (cis-Re2((CH3)3CCOO)2Cl4.2DMSO, I) and cisplatin in the molar ratio of 4:1 as well as those loaded only with I were synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and electronic absorption spectroscopy. The relative stability of liposomes loaded with I is reflected by a minimal change in the electronic absorption spectra over a period of 8 days whereas the stability of those loaded with both drugs is lower, which we ascribe to the formation of new Re-Pt species inside the liposomes.