Liposomal Formulation Delivers Medication More Effectively

By Mayra Pierce


Nanotechnology is a dynamic branch of science that transforms and manipulates substances on a molecular and even atomic level. Liposomes refer to microscopic cellular bubbles made of materials called phospholipids, which are similar to human cell material and are both attracted to and repelled by water. Liposomal formulation helps create these structures for use in the targeted delivery of medication.

The significance of these vesicular containers containing soluble molecules first became apparent soon after they appeared during the 1960s. Pharmacists as well as researchers recognized their potential for safely and slowly administering specific pharmaceuticals important to treating cancer and other illnesses. The new method could target undesirable cells more efficiently, and had fewer side issues associated with some medications.

The formulations avoid absorption problems and outcomes that are associated with direct IV or oral administration. Conventional systems of delivery can produce difficulty in accurately managing the consequences of harsh drug therapy, primarily because they concentrate toxicity in healthy organs, often producing a great deal of collateral damage. When the bubble-like liposomes containing medications are used, the release of those drugs is more readily controlled.

The drug molecules encased within each structure are suspended in water and surrounded by an artificially or naturally created membrane. The formulation of designed liposomes turns them into ideal mechanisms for hydrophilic drugs, or those that are attracted to and become suspended in water. When prepared according to current methods, the structures exist in two primary types, unilammelar or multilammelar. There are subcategories that include different sizes.

The liposomes are made to surround the medications with membranes, and when activated release those molecules into other cells. This can be done by fusing the layers, causing them to interact with adjacent human cells, and releasing medication in the process. Other activation strategies include using specific chemical reactions to encourage molecular diffusion. The end result is a controlled, steady delivery.

This process is not only more effectively managed, but is also bio-compatible with human cells, and leaves no additional toxic residue. Some recently developed types of these capsules can be activated using ultrasound, which increases their efficacy in the locations where they are most needed. Others are dispensed via the respiratory system, and are directly deposited into the lungs and then slowly released, reducing overall toxicity.

Manufacturing these tiny capsules for medical purposes is still expensive. As research continues and use becomes more widespread, costs will likely decrease, but will still remain substantial. Because the technology is still relatively new, many issues have yet been completely resolved. Some types of artificial cells have experienced problems with wall leakage, while others are still affected by natural degradation processes such as oxidation.

Like many medical innovations, liposomes are increasingly being used commercially. They are being called a better way to deliver vitamin, herbal and mineral supplements, and there are popular recipes for the personal creation of dietary supplements. While these uses produce their own controversies, the continued development of better medication delivery systems gives additional hope for advanced treatments.




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