Liposomes as biocompatible and smart delivery systems - the current state

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Liposomes are self-assembled lipid bilayer vesicles utilized across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.
• They serve as biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic carriers for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic active substances.
• Advancements in liposome technology have led to 'smart-generation' liposomes with modulated properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent process developments in liposomal systems over the past decade.
• To outline methods for liposome preparation, characterization, and application.
• To describe surface modification techniques and active substance delivery mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on liposomal systems development.
• Description of preparation and characterization techniques for liposomes.
• Analysis of liposome surface modification strategies and drug delivery mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Liposome technology has evolved significantly, enabling 'smart-generation' vesicles.
• Tailoring lipid composition, size, charge, and surface properties enhances liposome functionality.
• Liposomes improve therapeutic efficacy, control drug release, prolong half-life, and reduce toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Liposomal systems offer advanced drug delivery platforms with tunable properties.
• Ongoing research focuses on optimizing liposome design for targeted and controlled therapeutic applications.
• Liposome surface modification and delivery mechanisms are key areas for future development.