Liposomal Formulation Delivers Medication More Effectively

By Mayra Pierce


Nanotechnology is a branch of science that manipulates materials on a molecular and atomic level. Liposomes are artificially created microscopic bubbles composed of materials similar to human cell membranes called phospholipids, portions of which are alternately repelled or attracted to water. Liposomal formulation is a process that creates these structures for a more effective use in the delivery of medications.

The significance of these vesicular containers containing soluble molecules first became apparent soon after they appeared during the 1960s. Pharmacists as well as researchers recognized their potential for safely and slowly administering specific pharmaceuticals important to treating cancer and other illnesses. The new method could target undesirable cells more efficiently, and had fewer side issues associated with some medications.

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.

Molecules of a particular drug are encased within a membrane, and can be transferred to the targeted cells upon activation. They can be effectively released into an organism by fusing specific layers with other living cells, which delivers the tiny doses they contain. Other methods of release use reactive chemicals that also encourage diffusion at the molecular level. The overall result is a more controllable, steady release.

This process is not only more effectively managed, but is also bio-compatible with human cells, and leaves no additional toxic residue. Some recently developed types of these capsules can be activated using ultrasound, which increases their efficacy in the locations where they are most needed. Others are dispensed via the respiratory system, and are directly deposited into the lungs and then slowly released, reducing overall 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 some other medical innovations, liposomes are now being introduced into consumer products. They are currently promoted as a beneficial way to administer herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements, and some individuals have created their own unique formulations. Although commercial applications produce controversy regarding efficacy, the continued development of new processes provides the basis for more effective medical uses.




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