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Stimulus-responsive liposomes as smart nanoplatforms for drug delivery applications
Parham Sahandi Zangabad1,2,3,4,5, Soroush Mirkiani4,6, Shayan Shahsavari4,7,8
1Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology (RCPN), Tabriz University of Medical Science (TUOMS), Tabriz, Iran.
Nanotechnology Reviews
|February 7, 2018
Summary
Smart liposomes are advanced nanoparticles for drug delivery. Their surface modifications enable targeted drug release in response to specific internal or external stimuli, improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Liposomes are versatile nanoparticles with dual hydrophilic-hydrophobic domains, ideal for drug delivery.
- Their non-toxic nature and ability to encapsulate diverse drugs offer significant advantages.
- Liposomes can be surface-modified for enhanced targeting and controlled release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advancements in smart liposomes for drug delivery.
- To highlight the potential of modified liposomes in targeted therapeutics.
- To discuss stimulus-responsive drug release mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on liposome modification and drug delivery.
- Analysis of active targeting strategies using ligands.
- Exploration of stimulus-responsive release mechanisms (internal and external stimuli).
Main Results:
- Surface modification allows for active targeting via ligand-receptor interactions.
- Smart liposomes can be engineered for triggered release of encapsulated drugs.
- Stimuli include pH, enzymes, light, magnetic fields, and ultrasound.
Conclusions:
- Smart liposomes represent a promising platform for advanced drug delivery.
- Targeted delivery and on-demand release enhance therapeutic outcomes.
- Further research into smart liposome design can optimize drug delivery systems.
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