Advancements in Liposome Technology for Effective Drug Delivery

a powerful approach for vesicular drug delivery system

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Liposome
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: a powerful approach for vesicular drug delivery system

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Chandraprakash Dwivedi, Prashant Lal Sivna, Shikha rane, Rajni Yadav, S Prakash Rao1, Birendra Kumar, Mehendra Kumar Dewangan, Durgeshnandani Sinha


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Liposome

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research


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Summary of article contents:

1) Introduction

Liposomes are microscopic spherical particles formed by phospholipid bilayers that encapsulate an aqueous core. Initially described in 1964 by Alec Bangham, liposomes have emerged as significant vehicles for drug delivery due to their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances. They provide targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Research on liposomes has expanded since the 1970s, leading to various formulations now in clinical use and several under trial for therapeutic applications, including cancers and infections.

2) Mechanism of Liposome Formation

The formation of liposomes begins with the hydration of phospholipid films, allowing them to self-assemble into bilayer structures. Phospholipids exhibit amphipathic properties, possessing both hydrophilic (polar) and hydrophobic (non-polar) parts. In an aqueous environment, these molecules orient themselves so that the hydrophilic heads face outward towards the water, while the hydrophobic tails shield themselves from it, resulting in closed vesicles. Energy input through processes like sonication or mechanical agitation can further refine the size and morphology of the liposomes, producing either small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) or large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs).

3) Advantages and Disadvantages of Liposomes

Liposomes offer numerous advantages, including enhanced drug solubilization, increased bioavailability, and reduced toxicity of encapsulated drugs. They can provide targeted delivery through passive or active targeting mechanisms, thus modifying pharmacokinetics to achieve preferential drug accumulation at disease sites. However, challenges remain, such as high production costs, potential leakage of encapsulated drugs, and stability issues like oxidation and hydrolysis. The industrial-scale development of liposomes is complicated by their physiological and physicochemical instability, limiting broader applicability in some situations.

4) Applications in Drug Delivery

Liposomes have become vital in modern pharmacotherapy, especially in controlled and sustained drug release, targeted cancer therapy, and gene delivery systems. They have been employed in the delivery of liposomal formulations that encapsulate antitumor agents, antifungal medications, and even vaccines, exhibiting superior biocompatibility and bioavailability compared to traditional drug forms. Notable marketed products like Doxil and DaunoXome exemplify their therapeutic potential in treating certain cancers by improving drug efficacy while minimizing side effects.

5) Conclusion

In conclusion, liposomes represent a versatile and powerful approach in drug delivery systems, offering unique advantages in encapsulating therapeutic agents for enhanced efficacy and safety. As research continues, further advancements in manufacturing processes and the understanding of liposome pharmacokinetics and dynamics will likely enhance their application in clinical settings. The ongoing development of liposomal formulations in various therapeutic areas underscores the importance of this technology in future medicine, promising improved therapeutic options for numerous diseases.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are liposomes and how are they formed?

Liposomes are small vesicles made from phospholipids that encapsulate an aqueous space. They form when phospholipids are hydrated in an aqueous environment, creating a bilayer structure.

What are the advantages of using liposomes for drug delivery?

Liposomes enhance drug efficacy, provide stability through encapsulation, and are biocompatible. They also reduce toxicity and allow for selective targeting to affected tissues, improving the therapeutic index of drugs.

What are some disadvantages of liposome drug delivery systems?

Disadvantages include high production costs, potential leakage of encapsulated drugs, and instability due to oxidation. Production challenges also include maintaining size consistency and ensuring drug solubility.

How are liposomes prepared for pharmaceutical applications?

Liposomes can be prepared using methods like lipid film hydration, sonication, or microfluidization. The choice of method influences liposome size, encapsulation efficiency, and stability of the final product.

What are some therapeutic applications of liposomes?

Liposomes are used for delivering anticancer drugs, gene therapy, vaccines, and antimicrobial agents. They can also improve drug solubility and enhance targeted therapy for various diseases.

How do liposomes improve drug targeting in the body?

Liposomes exploit the body's natural immune response, targeting macrophages in the reticuloendothelial system. By modifying their surface, they can enhance delivery to specific cells or tissues, improving therapeutic effects.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Advancements in Liposome Technology for Effective Drug Delivery”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Drug:
A substance used in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of a disease or condition. Drugs can be classified into various categories such as therapeutic agents, antibiotics, and analgesics. The study of drug delivery systems, like liposomes, enhances the effectiveness and reduces the toxicity of drugs by targeting them more accurately to affected areas in the body.

2) Surface:
In the context of liposomes, surface refers to the outer layer of the liposome which interacts with biological membranes. Surface properties, including charge and hydrophilicity, play crucial roles in the liposome's interactions with cells. Modifications can enhance drug delivery and targeting capabilities, improving therapeutic efficacy.

3) Water:
A critical component in biological systems and in the formation of liposomes. Liposomes encapsulate aqueous compartments that can solubilize hydrophilic drugs. The interaction of phospholipids with water is essential for creating the bilayer structure of liposomes, which is fundamental for effective drug delivery.

4) Science (Scientific):
Refers to a methodical approach based on evidence and experimentation. The scientific study of liposomes includes their formulation, characterization, and application in pharmaceutical therapies, essential for developing effective drug delivery systems.

5) Cancer:
A class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis. Liposomes are explored as carriers for anticancer drugs, enabling targeted delivery to tumor sites, which enhances therapeutic efficacy and minimizes damage to healthy tissues. Treatments using liposome-encapsulated drugs are now part of standard cancer therapy.

6) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
A surname that may be associated with researchers and contributors in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Individuals with this surname may have published works related to liposome technology or drug delivery systems, providing insights into formulation techniques and efficacy assessments in therapeutics.

7) Culli:
A reference to researchers or contributors in the field of liposomal drug delivery systems. The work associated with this name may focus on the pharmacokinetics, evaluation, and application of liposomes in medication, particularly in enhancing drug targetability and therapeutic outcomes.

8) Storm:
Typically refers to researcher G. Storm, known for contributions in liposome technology. His work has significantly advanced understanding in liposomal formulations, stability, and their applications in targeted drug delivery, especially in oncology and immunology fields, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of therapies.

9) Hand:
In the context of liposome preparation, 'hand' may refer to manual techniques for mixing or preparing liposomes. Hand-shaking methods can influence the formation and distribution of liposomes, impacting their size and encapsulation efficiency, which are critical parameters for drug delivery.

10) Life:
Refers to biological systems and their processes. In drug delivery science, understanding life processes is crucial for developing effective drug formulations. Liposomes mimic biological membranes, which can improve the bioavailability of therapeutic agents and their interaction with live cells.

11) Patel:
A common surname associated with professionals in the pharmaceutical field. Researchers with this name may have worked on liposomal formulations, contributing to the literature on drug delivery systems, their characterization, and benefits in various therapeutic applications.

12) Activity:
In pharmaceutical contexts, it refers to the biological response elicited by a drug. Liposomes can enhance drug activity by protecting drugs from degradation, prolonging circulation times, and targeting delivery to specific sites, thus increasing the therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects.

13) Disease:
Refers to any deviation from a state of health resulting from infection, genetics, environmental factors, or other causes. Liposome-based drug delivery systems are designed to effectively treat various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, and inflammatory conditions by enhancing drug targetability and efficacy.

14) Blood:
An essential fluid in the human body that transports nutrients and oxygen to cells. In the context of liposomes, blood circulation dynamics are crucial for evaluating how liposome formulations perform in vivo, particularly in their distribution, clearance rates, and targeting efficiency during treatment.

15) Medicine:
The field concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness. Medicine relies on drug delivery technologies such as liposomes to enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing side effects, thereby improving patient outcomes in various medical conditions.

16) Nature:
Refers to the inherent characteristics and behavior of living organisms and the environment. Understanding the properties of natural phospholipids is key in liposome formulation, as these biological components can significantly influence the stability and effectiveness of drug delivery systems.

17) Kumar:
Often associated with researchers in pharmaceutical sciences focusing on drug delivery technologies. Contributions from individuals with this surname may include studies on the formulation, characterization, and application of liposomes in enhancing drug bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

18) Line:
In this context, it may refer to a production line or a lineage of research methodologies in liposome preparation. Establishing a clear line of techniques ensures consistent results in the formulation of liposomes and their effectiveness as drug delivery vehicles.

19) Measurement:
A critical process in the characterization of liposomes. Accurate measurement of size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and stability helps to determine the efficacy of liposome formulations, guiding adjustments in preparation for improved drug delivery outcomes.

20) Reason:
In the pharmaceutical context, reason may involve the rationale behind using liposomes for drug delivery. The motivation often revolves around their ability to enhance solubility, reduce toxicity, and provide targeted treatment options, ultimately improving patient care and therapeutic success.

21) Medium:
In pharmaceutical research, medium refers to the environment where reactions occur, such as the aqueous solution used during liposome formulation. The choice of medium can affect liposome formation, stability, and drug encapsulation, thus influencing therapeutic performance.

22) Rajan:
A surname potentially associated with contributors in pharmaceutical research, specifically in liposomal formulations. Researchers with this name may focus on enhancing the delivery efficiency of liposomes and assessing their clinical applications and biological interactions.

23) Ter:
Often used as an abbreviation for therapy or therapeutic, it signifies the application of treatments. In liposome research, understanding therapeutic mechanisms is critical for designing liposomes that effectively deliver medication and target specific diseases.

24) Viru:
Relating to viruses, specifically in the context of virus-targeted therapies. Liposomes can be engineered to deliver antiviral drugs or vaccines effectively, enhancing immune responses while reducing side effects associated with traditional methods.

25) Biodegradable:
Refers to materials that can be broken down by biological processes. Liposomes made from biodegradable lipids are favored in drug delivery systems to ensure they safely degrade in the body, mitigating toxicity and environmental impact.

26) Transmission:
In the context of drug delivery, transmission may refer to the process by which liposomes interact with cells. This includes the mechanisms of drug encapsulation release and cellular uptake, which are crucial for therapeutic efficacy.

27) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
The process by which drug carriers, such as liposomes, gather in specific tissues or organs. Accumulation is a key mechanism in targeted drug delivery systems that improve therapeutic outcomes by concentrating drugs where needed most.

28) Substance:
Often refers to a chemical or biological molecule that has a defined composition. In liposome research, the substances encapsulated within liposomes can be therapeutic agents, bioactive compounds, or diagnostic materials aimed at targeted delivery and efficacy.

29) Toxicity:
A measure of how harmful a substance is to biological systems. In drug development, minimizing toxicity is critical; liposomes can enhance the therapeutic index of drugs by reducing toxicity while maintaining efficacy through targeted delivery.

30) Swelling:
Refers to the enlargement of liposomes upon hydration. Swelling is an important factor in the formation and characterization of liposomes, influencing their size and encapsulation properties, which directly impacts drug delivery effectiveness.

31) Samtana (Santana):
Likely refers to researchers or contributors in drug delivery studies, particularly in liposomal technology. These individuals might focus on innovative approaches to enhance liposome formulations for improved therapeutic efficacy.

32) Meeting:
In a scientific context, meetings often refer to conferences or gatherings where researchers discuss findings and advancements. Such interactions allow for knowledge exchange and collaboration in liposomal research and development practices.

33) Company:
Refers to commercial entities involved in liposomal drug development. Companies play a key role in translating liposomal research into clinical products, conducting trials, and bringing effective therapies to market.

34) Family:
In scientific terms, it may refer to a group of related substances or organisms. For liposomes, it can denote types of lipids or liposomal formulations categorized based on their structures and functionalities.

35) India:
A country known for its vibrant pharmaceutical industry. Research and development in liposomal drug delivery are significant in India, contributing to global efforts in enhancing drug efficacy and therapeutic options.

36) Wall:
In the context of liposomes, the wall refers to the bilayer structure that surrounds the encapsulated contents. Understanding the wall's composition and properties is crucial for optimizing liposome stability and drug release profiles.

37) Salt (Salty):
Refers to ionic compounds that can affect the stability and permeability of liposomes. The presence of salts in the formulation medium can influence liposome formation, size, and interactions with biological membranes.

38) Chemotherapy:
A treatment method that uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Liposomes play a significant role in chemotherapy by delivering anticancer drugs directly to tumors, thereby enhancing efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity.

39) Purification:
The process of isolating liposomes from free or unencapsulated drugs. Effective purification techniques ensure that liposomes are suitable for clinical use by removing any potentially harmful residual substances.

40) Inflammation:
A biological response to harmful stimuli, often associated with diseases. Liposomes can be designed to deliver anti-inflammatory drugs directly to inflamed tissues, enhancing treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

41) Krishnaveni (Krsnaveni, Krishna-veni):
A name likely associated with contributions to pharmaceutical sciences, particularly in drug delivery research related to liposomes. This name may correlate with studies focusing on the characterization and applications of liposomal systems.

42) Surrounding:
Refers to the environment around liposomes, including biological membranes and surrounding fluids. The surrounding medium affects liposome stability, interactions, and drug release, influencing their therapeutic efficacy.

43) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
To change in form or appearance. In liposomal formulations, the ability to transform liposomes into different types, such as drug-loaded or targeting variants, can enhance therapeutic applications and efficacy.

44) Observation:
The act of closely monitoring and recording phenomena in scientific studies. Observations during liposome formulation and testing can reveal critical information about their properties, stability, and performance in drug delivery.

45) Irritation:
Generally refers to a local inflammatory response following exposure to a substance. In drug delivery, minimizing irritation caused by liposomal formulations is crucial for ensuring patient safety and comfort during treatment.

46) Bhaskara:
A name potentially linked to pharmaceutical research focusing on liposomal technologies. Researchers with this name may contribute important findings in the areas of drug delivery and liposomal formulation techniques.

47) Varanasi (Varanashi):
A city in India recognized for its academic institutions and contributions to pharmaceutical research. Varanasi may host scholars working on liposomal formulations and their applications in enhancing drug delivery systems.

48) Chauhan:
A surname often associated with researchers in the field of pharmaceuticals and drug delivery. Those with this name might be involved in studying the effectiveness and applications of liposomes in clinical settings.

49) Nirmala:
Likely associated with researchers or professionals in pharmaceuticals. The contributions of individuals with this name can include advancements in liposome technology and its applications in drug formulations.

50) Channel:
In this context, it may refer to pathways or mechanisms through which drug-loaded liposomes traverse biological systems. Understanding these channels is vital for enhancing the effectiveness of liposomal drug delivery.

51) Varsha (Varsa):
A name that may be associated with researchers involved in the development and study of liposomes. Contributions may include work on formulation techniques, applications, and clinical trial evaluations.

52) Shikha (Sikha):
Typically refers to individuals in pharmaceutical sciences who engage in research related to liposomes and drug delivery systems. Their work contributes insights into formulation processes and the efficacy of liposome-based treatments.

53) Mahato:
Often associated with pharmaceutical research, particularly in drug delivery systems utilizing liposomes. Researchers with this name may be recognized for developing effective formulations and conducting clinical studies.

54) Trichy:
A city in India known for its educational institutions and contributions to pharmaceutical sciences. Varying research activities in Trichy focus on drug delivery technologies, including the study of liposomal formulations.

55) Animal:
Refers to non-human vertebrates used in research and testing. Animal studies are often crucial for assessing the safety and efficacy of liposomal formulations before human clinical trials.

56) Powder:
In pharmaceutical terms, powd individuel components may refer to the active ingredients or excipients that can be formulated into liposomes. The physical form affects solubility, stability, and encapsulation efficiency of drugs.

57) Killing (Killed):
Refers to procedures in which live pathogens are inactivated for use in vaccines or drug formulations. Killed pathogens within liposomes can elicit immune responses without causing disease, enhancing therapeutic applications.

58) Rajni:
A name typically associated with researchers in pharmaceutical sciences focusing on drug delivery systems. Contributions may include innovative research on liposomes and their applications in enhancing therapeutic effects.

59) Simha:
A surname associated with pharmaceutical researchers. Those with this name may publish works on liposome formulations, contributing to advancements in drug delivery technologies and their clinical applications.

60) Cilli:
Likely a reference to a research contributor in the field of liposomes, focusing on their development and enhanced therapeutic use. Studies related to Cilli may lead to improved drug delivery systems.

61) Roman (Roma):
Potentially referring to researchers in the pharmaceutical context, particularly regarding drug delivery systems such as liposomes. Findings may guide formulation strategies and enhance the targeting of therapies.

62) Glass:
Referring to glass containers often used in laboratory settings for the preparation and storage of liposome formulations. The properties of glass influence the stability and handling of these sensitive drug delivery systems.

63) Trade:
Refers to the practice of buying, selling, and distributing pharmaceutical products. The commercialization of liposomal products requires understanding market dynamics, which impacts their availability and therapeutic use.

64) Field:
In the context of drug delivery, it refers to the domain of study focusing on liposomes and their applications. Researching this field entails exploring innovative methods for enhancing drug efficacy and safety.

65) Study (Studying):
Refers to systematic examination or investigation. Studies of liposomes encompass their formulation, characterization, and therapeutic application, providing insights to improve drug delivery technologies.

66) Rati:
A surname that may refer to researchers in drug development and liposome technology. Contributions from individuals with this name can focus on enhancing formulations and assessing clinical efficacy.

67) Soma:
Originating from Greek meaning 'body.' In liposome research, it could refer to the biological context in which liposomes operate, such as their interaction with bodily systems for effective drug delivery.

68) Vadi (Vadin):
A name possibly linked to researchers in the pharmaceutical sciences. Those known by this name can contribute to the understanding and application of liposomal technologies in drug delivery.

69) Bile:
A digestive fluid produced by the liver, essential for emulsifying fats. In the context of liposomes, bile salts can be explored for modifying liposome formulations to enhance drug delivery and absorption.

70) Doshin (Dosin, Dosi, Doshi):
May refer to the research and development of dosage forms involved in the formulation of liposomes or other drug delivery systems. Effective dosification is crucial in ensuring therapeutic efficacy.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Advancements in Liposome Technology for Effective Drug Delivery’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Clinical trial, Drug delivery system, Cationic liposomes, Liposomal formulation.

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