Commentary Article - (2024) Volume 12, Issue 4
Liposome Drug Targeting: A Revolutionary Approach in Modern Medicine
Natalya Rapoport*
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, UK
*Correspondence:
Natalya Rapoport,
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham,
UK,
Email:
Received: 02-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. IPAAD-25-22419;
Editor assigned: 04-Dec-2024, Pre QC No. IPAAD-25-22419;
Reviewed: 18-Dec-2024, QC No. IPAAD-25-22419;
Revised: 23-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. IPAAD-25-22419;
Published:
30-Dec-2024, DOI: 110.36648/2321-547X.12.4.39
Description
Liposomes, spherical vesicles composed of phospholipid
bilayers, have emerged as a versatile and efficient tool for drug
delivery and targeting. These microscopic carriers, ranging in
size from nanometers to micrometers, have transformed the
field of pharmacology by enabling site-specific drug delivery,
minimizing systemic side effects, and improving therapeutic
outcomes. This article explores the science behind liposomebased
drug targeting, its advantages, and its applications in
contemporary medicine. Liposomes were first described in the
1960s and have since been extensively studied for their potential
in drug delivery systems. Structurally, liposomes are akin to cell
membranes, consisting of an aqueous core enclosed by one or
more phospholipid bilayers. This unique structure allows them
to encapsulate both hydrophilic drugs (in the aqueous core) and
hydrophobic drugs (within the lipid bilayers). The composition of
liposomes can be tailored to suit specific drug delivery needs by
modifying their size, charge, and lipid content. Liposomes achieve
targeted drug delivery through two primary mechanisms: passive
and active targeting. This mechanism exploits the enhanced
permeability and retention (EPR) effect observed in tumors
and inflamed tissues. Due to their leaky vasculature and poor
lymphatic drainage, these sites allow liposomes to accumulate
preferentially, delivering the encapsulated drug directly to the
desired location. Active targeting involves functionalizing the
surface of liposomes with ligands such as antibodies, peptides,
or small molecules. These ligands bind specifically to receptors
overexpressed on target cells, ensuring precise drug delivery. For
instance, liposomes functionalized with folic acid can selectively
target cancer cells that overexpress folate receptors. Liposome
drug targeting offers numerous advantages over conventional
drug delivery systems. By delivering drugs directly to the target
site, liposomes increase drug concentration at the site of action,
improving therapeutic efficacy. Encapsulation of drugs within
liposomes reduces their systemic exposure, minimizing off-target
effects and toxicity. Liposomes can be engineered to release
drugs in a controlled manner, maintaining therapeutic drug levels
over extended periods. Liposomes can encapsulate a wide range
of drugs, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, and
nucleic acids. Composed of naturally occurring lipids, liposomes
are generally biocompatible and biodegradable. Liposome-based
drug delivery systems have found applications in various fields
of medicine, including oncology, infectious diseases, and gene
therapy. Liposomes are extensively used in oncology to deliver
chemotherapeutic agents directly to tumor sites, reducing
systemic toxicity. Doxil, a liposomal formulation of doxorubicin,
is a prime example of liposome-based cancer therapy. Liposomal
formulations of antibiotics and antifungals, such as AmBisome
(liposomal amphotericin B), are used to treat severe infections
while reducing nephrotoxicity. Liposomes serve as carriers
for nucleic acids, such as DNA, RNA, and siRNA, enabling gene
delivery for therapeutic purposes. Lipid nanoparticles (a type of
liposome) were pivotal in delivering mRNA in COVID-19 vaccines.
Conclusion
Liposome drug targeting represents a ground-breaking approach
in modern medicine, offering a solution to many limitations of
traditional drug delivery methods. By improving drug efficacy,
reducing toxicity, and enabling precise targeting, liposomes have
the potential to transform patient care across various medical
disciplines.
Acknowledgement
None.
Conflict Of Interest
The authorâ??s declared that they have no conflict of interest.
Citation: Rapoport N (2024) Liposome Drug Targeting: A Revolutionary Approach in Modern Medicine. Am J Adv Drug Deliv.
12:39
Copyright: © 2024 Rapoport N. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source
are credited
