Liposomal

Liposomal is a term that refers to a type of drug delivery system that uses liposomes. Liposomes are small spherical vesicles that can be filled with drugs, and they can be used to target specific cells or organs in the body. This makes them an effective tool for delivering drugs in a controlled and targeted manner.

History

The concept of liposomes was first proposed by British haematologist Alec D. Bangham in 1961. Since then, liposomal drug delivery systems have been extensively researched and developed, and they are now used in a variety of medical applications.

Structure and Function

Liposomes are composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which is similar to the membrane that surrounds cells. This allows them to merge with cell membranes and deliver their drug payload directly into the cell. The phospholipid bilayer can also be modified to improve the stability and targeting capabilities of the liposome.

Applications

Liposomal drug delivery systems are used in a variety of medical applications. They are particularly useful for delivering drugs to specific cells or organs, and they can also be used to improve the bioavailability of drugs. Some of the most common applications of liposomal drug delivery systems include cancer treatment, pain management, and the delivery of vaccines.

Advantages and Disadvantages

One of the main advantages of liposomal drug delivery systems is their ability to deliver drugs in a targeted and controlled manner. This can reduce the side effects of drugs and improve their efficacy. However, there are also some disadvantages to using liposomal drug delivery systems. These include the potential for immune responses, the complexity of manufacturing liposomes, and the cost of production.

See Also

• Drug delivery
• Phospholipid
• Vesicle (biology and chemistry)

References

Liposomal Resources
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