American Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics Open Access

Liposomes: Tiny Spheres with Big Potential in Medicine and Beyond

Sharon Roy^* Department of Pharmacology, Newfound University, Canada
^*Correspondence: Sharon Roy, Department of Pharmacology, Newfound University, Canada, Email:

Received: 27-Mar-2024, Manuscript No. IPADT-24-19328; Editor assigned: 29-Mar-2025, Pre QC No. IPADT-24-19328 (PQ); Reviewed: 12-Apr-2025, QC No. IPADT-24-19328; Revised: 24-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. IPADT-24-19328 (R); Published: 01-Apr-2025, DOI: 10.36648/2349-7211.12.1.40

Description

In the world of nanotechnology and drug delivery, liposomes have emerged as versatile and powerful entities, unlocking innovative possibilities across various fields. These microscopic lipid-based vesicles, resembling tiny spheres, have captivated researchers and healthcare professionals for their unique ability to encapsulate and deliver a diverse range of therapeutic agents. This article explores the structure of liposomes, their applications in medicine, advancements in liposomal technology, and the promising future these lipidbased carriers hold in revolutionizing treatment strategies. Liposomes are essentially microscopic, spherical vesicles composed of lipid bilayers. These bilayers mimic cell membranes, consisting of phospholipids with hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails. When lipids are introduced into an aqueous environment, they self-assemble into bilayer structures, forming hollow spheres with an aqueous core. Liposomes can vary in size, allowing for the creation of small, medium, or large vesicles depending on the intended application. The ability to encapsulate hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances within their lipid bilayers or aqueous core makes liposomes an ideal vehicle for drug delivery and other applications. Liposomes are widely used in drug delivery to enhance the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy of various compounds. They serve as carriers for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, protecting them from degradation and facilitating their targeted delivery to specific tissues or cells. Liposomal formulations have revolutionized cancer treatment by improving the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. Liposomes can selectively accumulate in tumour tissues, Exploiting the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect, thus minimizing damage to healthy cells and reducing side effects. Liposomes are employed in gene therapy to deliver genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, to target cells. These lipid-based carriers protect the genetic cargo from degradation and facilitate its uptake by the cells, enabling the modulation of gene expression for therapeutic purposes. Liposomes serve as effective carriers for vaccines, enhancing the stability and immunogenicity of antigens. By encapsulating antigens within liposomes, vaccines can induce a stronger immune response, potentially leading to improved protection against infectious diseases. Liposomes are investigated for their potential in delivering antimicrobial agents to target infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses. This approach can improve the therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the risk of resistance development. Researchers are exploring surface modifications of liposomes to enhance their stability, circulation time, and target specificity. PEGylation, the attachment of polyethylene glycol to liposome surfaces, is a common modification that improves the pharmacokinetics of liposomal formulations. Stimuliresponsive liposomes can release their payload in response to specific triggers, such as changes in pH, temperature, or enzyme activity. This technology allows for controlled drug release at the target site, increasing therapeutic precision. Hybrid liposomes combine lipids with other materials, such as polymers or nanoparticles, to create multifunctional carriers. These hybrids can integrate additional functionalities, such as improved stability, enhanced drug loading capacity, or diagnostic capabilities. Modifications aimed at prolonging liposome circulation in the bloodstream have been developed. These modifications prevent rapid clearance by the immune system and allow for a more extended window of drug delivery, improving the overall efficacy of treatments. Advances in targeting strategies enable liposomes to specifically recognize and bind to certain cells or tissues. Ligands, antibodies, or peptides can be incorporated into liposomal surfaces to facilitate active targeting, increasing the precision of drug delivery.