[Preparation and investigation of liposomes]

Vesicles dispersed in an aqueous milieu and containing a phospholipid double-layer are used primarily in cosmetic and dermatological preparations, though experiments are under way to use them as carriers of diagnostics and medicines. Different parenteral and dermatological drug preparations are already in circulation worldwide. Researchers have hopes of using them for the lyophilization of lipophobic pharmacons, to prolong medicinal effects, for the active and passive targeting of drugs etc. The first steps of liposome research started in 1965 and we now know much about liposome technology and their use in therapy, but various questions remain to be answered. On the level of basic research, this paper investigates the preparation of liposomes and characteristics influencing their stability.