Liposomal Formulation Administers Pharmaceuticals More Precisely

By Mayra Pierce


Nanotechnology refers to the manipulation of substances on the atomic and molecular level. Liposomes are small encapsulating bubbles that are microscopic in size, made of materials called phospholipids that mimic human cells, and have the property of being both attracted and repelled by water. Liposomal formulation includes the process that forms those bubbles, as well the encapsulation and delivery of the drugs contained within.

The significance of these very small vesicular forms that are able to enclose molecules soluble in water became apparent soon after being introduced during the 1960s. Pharmacists and research scientists became keenly aware of their potential to improve methods of drug delivery when fighting cancer and other serious illness. They encourage more accurate targeting of malicious cells while avoiding issues that plague other forms of administration.

The formulations avoid absorption problems and outcomes that are associated with direct IV or oral administration. Conventional systems of delivery can produce difficulty in accurately managing the consequences of harsh drug therapy, primarily because they concentrate toxicity in healthy organs, often producing a great deal of collateral damage. When the bubble-like liposomes containing medications are used, the release of those drugs is more readily controlled.

Molecules of medication are suspended in water inside these cellular structures, and encased in membranes created both naturally or artificially. They can be designed in ways that make them ideal mechanisms for enveloping hydrophilic drugs, or molecular groups that are attracted to and become easily transported in water. When manufactured using current processes, they form two groups called multilammelar and unilammelar, both of which include subcategories.

The liposomes are made to surround the medications with membranes, and when activated release those molecules into other cells. This can be done by fusing the layers, causing them to interact with adjacent human cells, and releasing medication in the process. Other activation strategies include using specific chemical reactions to encourage molecular diffusion. The end result is a controlled, steady delivery.

This not only creates medicines that are more easily administered and managed, but does so in a bio-compatible way that leaves little toxic residue in non-targeted organs. Relatively recent developments involve the use of ultrasound to trigger release in specific locations where they are necessary. Other delivery methods include using the respiratory system, especially the lungs, where they can be activated slowly, reducing unwanted toxicity.

Manufacturing these tiny capsules for medical purposes is still expensive. As research continues and use becomes more widespread, costs will likely decrease, but will still remain substantial. Because the technology is still relatively new, many issues have yet been completely resolved. Some types of artificial cells have experienced problems with wall leakage, while others are still affected by natural degradation processes such as oxidation.

Like other technologies developed for medicine, liposomes have a growing commercial use. They are being touted as superior methods of delivering vitamin, mineral, and herb formulations, and some individuals today even create their own supplements. While those uses are controversial in some aspects, the creation of new medication delivery and activation systems continues to provide new hope for more effective treatments.




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