Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
08:19
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for Intracellular Targeting Applications
Published on: November 17, 2015
Liposomal nanomedicines: an emerging field
David B Fenske1, Arcadio Chonn, Pieter R Cullis
1Department of Chemistry, University College of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
Toxicologic Pathology
|March 14, 2008
Summary
Liposomal nanomedicines (LNMs) are advanced drug delivery systems that encapsulate therapeutics for targeted disease treatment. These nanoparticles protect drugs, minimize off-target effects, and accumulate at disease sites like tumors.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Liposomal nanoparticles (LNs) are a leading class of drug delivery systems, with numerous products in clinical trials.
- Over two decades, techniques have evolved to encapsulate conventional drugs and genetic materials (DNA, siRNA) into LNs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in liposomal nanomedicines (LNMs).
- To highlight applications in cancer therapy, gene delivery, and vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Development of LNs with specific properties: ~100 nm diameter, high drug-to-lipid ratio, excellent drug retention, and long circulation (>6 hours).
- Utilizing the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect for passive targeting to disease sites.
Main Results:
- LNMs demonstrate effective drug protection during circulation and targeted accumulation in diseased tissues.
- Successful encapsulation of anticancer drugs, gene-delivery agents, immunostimulatory molecules, and gene-silencing RNA.
Conclusions:
- LNMs offer significant potential for novel therapeutic strategies in oncology, vaccinology, and metabolic disease management.
- Targeted delivery via LNMs enhances therapeutic efficacy and reduces systemic toxicity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
01:27Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
After oral administration, poor permeability often limits the rate at which drugs are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Enhancing drug permeability is crucial for effective therapy, and several strategies have been developed to overcome this challenge.One effective strategy involves the use of lipid-based formulations. These formulations enhance dissolution and solubility, targeting physiological mechanisms to increase drug absorption. This includes stimulating bile salt secretion,...