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Updated: May 20, 2026
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Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for Intracellular Targeting Applications
Published on: November 17, 2015
Liposomes for cardiovascular targeting
Tatyana S Levchenko1, William C Hartner, Vladimir P Torchilin
1The Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology & Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Mugar Building, Room 312, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Therapeutic Delivery
|July 28, 2012
Summary
This review covers liposome drug delivery for cardiovascular diseases. Targeted liposomes show promise for treating conditions like myocardial infarction and hypoxia by enhancing drug accumulation and cell uptake.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Liposomes are versatile nanocarriers with significant potential in pharmaceutical applications.
- Cardiovascular diseases represent a major global health burden, necessitating advanced therapeutic strategies.
- Targeted drug delivery systems aim to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of liposome-based pharmaceuticals in the cardiovascular system.
- To discuss strategies for enhancing liposome targeting and circulation time for cardiovascular applications.
- To explore the use of liposomes in diagnostics and therapeutics for conditions like myocardial infarction and hypoxia.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on liposome-based drug delivery in cardiovascular research.
- Discussion of liposome modifications, including surface-attached targeting antibodies and polyethylene glycol.
- Analysis of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo targeting approaches for liposomes.
Main Results:
- Liposomes can be engineered for targeted delivery to vascular injuries, ischemic zones, and thrombi.
- Surface modifications can prolong liposome circulation time and enhance accumulation at pathological sites.
- Diagnostic and therapeutic liposomes show promise for myocardial infarction and hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte damage.
Conclusions:
- Liposome-based drug delivery offers a promising platform for cardiovascular disease treatment and diagnostics.
- Targeted liposomes, particularly immunoliposomes, demonstrate potential for improved therapeutic outcomes.
- Further research into liposome size, targetability, and circulation time is crucial for clinical translation.
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